[S6] Off-Season Discussion - Should you read the books?

[u/BWPhoenix]

Off-Season Discussion Series

And so begins the first week of the off-season discussion series - here's a link to the full schedule. The question at hand?

Should you read the books, after watching the show?

• Did you watch the show first, then read the books?
• Was it still enjoyable? Would you recommend it to others?
• Are you a show-watcher who has questions about reading the books? Ask away.

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But please remember that this post is scoped for TV only - if it hasn't happened on the show, you need to hide it behind a spoiler tag.

[u/BWPhoenix]

u/jasssinghhira suggested in the original post that we promote a read-through of the books with a schedule.

I'm not sure how we'd work this, and I'm not sure there'd be much interest, but there's no harm in asking - so, would anyone want this?

[u/chiefcrosby]

Watched the first 5 seasons on a binge and loved it. Decided why not start the books and it was a terrific decision. Not only is the book just a more detailed version for show readers it also offers some differences. And the different plot points are the most exciting part. I'm currently in the middle of the third book and I can see red coming and the foreshadowing for events is spectacular. Not to mention the format the book takes which makes it very easy to just keep on reading as a lull rarely ever comes in my eyes. Highly recommend all show watchers read the books

[u/BourbonSlut]

Read the books after S4. I can say I mostly enjoyed my time reading them.

A Game of Thrones: Very similar to S1. Because of this, it was fairly easy to get through and I appreciated that extra insight on the POV characters. Some of Martin's best writing is in Ned and Tyrion chapters. I pretty much devoured this book.

A Clash of Kings: Worth the read for the Tyrion chapters alone, which pretty much carried the book for me. I was fairly disappointed when I realized that Arya wasn't going to be Tywin's cup bearer. Dany's visions at the House of the Undying are wicked cool - one in particular is haunting. Stannis is fairly witty, but still the same stubborn ass as in Stephen Dillane's portrayal.

A Storm of Swords: Knocked my socks off from the prologue all the way to the last chapter (Sansa, Baelish, Lysa and the moon door), and the epilogue. A great book. Completely devoured it too. The pinnacle of Martin's writing IMO. Loved finally getting Jaime POV's. Tyrion's POVs become eventful every single chapter after a certain point. It might be heresy but I do prefer the show's version of the wildling attack on Castle Black.

A Feast for Crows: Probably the first book in the series I would hold back on recommending. You'd think you'd be able to read about Jon, Tyrion, or Dany, but not really. Instead you'll get introduced back to the Iron Islands, with a more sinister, magical (and cartoonish) Euron. Besides Euron and the kingsmoot, I found the Iron Born chapters fairly boring. You'll also get introduced to Dorne - the sand snakes are less horrible and they're not even the the main focus. The highlight of Dorne consists of three words at the end of the book, honestly. Good luck with Brienne and Sansa chapters. Cersei's chapters were delightful to read, just to get insight on her madness. Jaime's trip through the Riverlands is one of my favorite book arcs - it's great character development and it's always nice to read about Jaime bitchslapping Freys.

A Dance with Dragons: Another book I'd hesitate to recommend. Jon's chapters became the highlight for me, as he really steps into his own as a leader. Loved reading his interactions with Stannis. Jon doesn't go to Hardhome, so don't hold your breath for that. Remember how you wished there were Tyrion chapters in Feast? Well, take that back, because his chapters are back and they're some of least compelling ones in the book. The Reek chapters though are absolutely fascinating to read in a fucked up way. Martin does some more brilliant character work here with Reek/Theon. Dany's chapters consist of her dealing with the Meereen nobility's bullshit and fantasizing about Daario. Bran and Davos' storylines end abruptly as soon as they get interesting. Barristan's chapters show you what a badass he really is.

Verdict: IMO only read the books if you are incredibly engrossed in the lore, history, characters and you absolutely need to get more detail and nuance. Be aware that Martin opens up some new storylines in the 4th and 5th book, and some readers like myself, feel that it's really convoluted and has decentralized the narrative. I have friends who love the show but they can't stand to read about feasts or prophesies or types of horses.

[u/Piefacenacho]

I watched the show about 6 months ago and wasn't going to read the books. I figured I already knew everything that happened, and on top of that they're all very long. A friend finally convinced me to read them, and I'm so glad I did. There's so much more you get from the books, between the history and the extra characters and plot lines. I'm on ADWD right now and I strongly suggest reading the books if you enjoy the show. You'll miss so much otherwise.

[u/viggolund1]

I read the books recently and I loved them. Martins world building is great, you can really get a sense of the scale the world has and how the characters interact. I'd suggest it to anyone who likes a story on an epic size. Also lots of descriptions of food.

[u/ERMAHGERSHREDDERT]

I started reading the books after watching the 3rd season of the show and I have to say it's helped me enjoy both versions of the story so much more. Watching the show first made the books much more approachable, and reading the books helped me really absorb what I had seen (and possibly missed) in watching the show.

Now, a lot of people here have negative things to say about George RR Martin's writing style. Yes, it's dense as hell. Yes, not every single chapter is a page-turner (at least not until the last few pages when you realize how everything that just happened is relevant to the main plot). But I love that about it. GRRM has really created an entire world in those pages, and it's damn impressive to experience. He can fit so much history and context and emotion and humanity into a single page, and for me it's hard not to get sucked into this sprawling, complex story. And again, not everything you read may seem super important to the plot, but those little moments and details really build up after a while and flesh out this entire world that GRRM has created.

I highly recommend at least trying to read the books. Maybe you won't end up liking/finishing it all, but considering how much effort it must take to craft a story this big and with so many moving pieces, I think it deserves a chance.

[u/lurker7087]

I started reading the first book recently and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the show. From what I have read so far the books are basically just a more detailed version of the show.

I can't think of a reason to not read the books if you enjoy the show, they are basically just a better version.

[u/TheGent316]

I read the books for the first time last summer.

I knew the show had finally caught up the books so it was time. It was an amazing experience. Especially when I got to A Feast For Crows and A Dance With Dragons because of the all the differences. The books are 100% worth reading even if you've seen the show. The two mediums have become a different story at this point. Just remember that if you do read them you're in for a long wait once you're caught up.

[u/PM_ME_UR_FAVE_MOVIES]

I only just started watching the show about two months ago, binged the first five and a half seasons and was up to date by episode 6 of the latest season. After that ended I found out some stuff that had happened/hadn't happened in the book and I caved. Bought all of them and am on Clash of Kings now, which is a monumental feat for someone like myself who never reads.

I'm obviously loving them so far, there's times when it gets a bit slow or I get to a chapter from a POV I don't particularly want to read (aside from the one with Asha the Theon chapters have been kinda dull for me so far) but it more than gets made up for by other spectacular parts of the narrative. Can't recommend more. I'm super hyped to get to AFfC, those chapter POVs sound awesome.

[u/ZlVADAVlD]

I'm starting the books and enjoy more detail but his writing style is very dry for my taste.