Game of Thrones - George RR Martin?

[NadiaWadia]

I have been watching the dramatisation of this on Sky Atlantic and really like it, but have never read the books.

The thing is, although I do like SciFi and some kinds of fantasy I don't usually like the 'dungeons and dragonsy' type of fantasy, IYKWIM.

So anyone read the books and have an opinion, are they brilliant or turgid?

I read the first two when I was a teen and loved them. :) They are a bit dragon-y but really (IMO) about political intrigue, power, etc.

Thanks, I will give it a go then.

Did you see the TV show, and if so, what did you think? I thought the acting, sets etc. were very impressive.

The books are fantastic, but I wouldn't recommend reading them because the author hasn't finished the series, and at the rate he is going never will (the last book has been 'on promise' for at least five years). It's very frustrating!

They are much more about political intrigue than the standard 'dungeons and dragons' type of fantasy (I love fantasy but am veyr picky).

I haven't seen the show yet but am SO excited to! It looks marvelous and I love most of the actors. :)

the books are excellent - GRRM raised the bar for fantasy writing and brings a new realism to the characters that makes a huge difference. He's without doubt the best fantasy author writing & hauled me back into the genre after I felt I outgrew the faire on offer in the 80s.

@nooka book 5 is complete and due out this summer - saw my editor yesterday and she's been editing it for weeks. Says it's at least as good as the best in the series so far.

Yes the books are really amazing, probably the best and most 'grown-up' fantasy I've ever read. Good to hear book 5 is on its way, it's been a long wait!

Im loving both the program and the first book which it so far is following fairly closely.
Very pleased to hear there are 4 more to go!

Haven't seen the prog yet as not got Sky, but the books are absolutely superb, particularly the first three. Brilliant characterisation that really drives the plot. They are dark and nasty and violent, but not at the expense of humour or emotion.

It took me a little while to really get into the first one as it seemed a little too trad D&D-style, but once past the first few chapters I was hooked by the amazing characters. Very glad I persevered :)

So does anyone have any recommendations of what to read next?

His book, The Armaggedon Rag. I really enjoyed it and will be rereading it one day.

@ verysomething ... A Clash of Kings?

Books are great, like Nooka hopefully awaiting the final one - believe it is going to be in two parts and expected (please) October 2012. Enjoying the TV series, very well done.

markmark - ha ha. Yes, I have books 2-5 racked up ready for my hol next month (hurrah!) but I mean AFTER that.

Hate having nothing in the wings.

heh - that's over a million words right there! Hopefully you'll be too busy having fun to read all that on holiday.

I do know that if you pre-order book 5 in Waterstones you get a different fantasy book free on the spot...

Failing that, have you tried Robin Hobb?