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Up to date on the show, just got the books, start from scratch?

  • 15-04-2014 3:57pm
    #1
    TheDoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,137 ✭✭✭✭


    As the title suggests really.

    I had tried to get into book 1 after watching the first series when it finished donkeys ago, but through distraction and to be honest length of the book I stumbled and never finished it.

    I'm back into reading now, reading a few books and the likes and I've got a bit of space to fit a big read in.

    I already had two books, and for some strange reason just went and got ALL the rest of them today.

    Am I best of starting from scratch, or jumping onto the book that is pretty much more in line with where the show is at present.


Comments

  • #2
    Tom.D.BJJ
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,387 ✭✭✭Tom.D.BJJ


    Start from scratch. You'll never follow it trying to start from the third book because there are so many additional storylines and characters.


  • #3
    Liam O
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,351 ✭✭✭✭Liam O


    If you want more background and lore go from the start, the first book isn't a million miles from the first series so it'd just be fleshing out really. Clash of Kings is where the changes really start to come in so it's a must read really. They delayed a lot of character introduction from that book into season 3 or not at all so yeah, no problems will really arise starting from book 2 I'd say.


  • #4
    Lord TSC
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 42,603 Mod ✭✭✭✭Lord TSC


    In similiar situation myself; started book 1 before I started watching the series, then gave up on it once I started watching the show. Wondering if there's enough in the books to flesh out what I'm seeing on TV, or enough differences...


  • #5
    Washington Irving
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,066 ✭✭✭Washington Irving


    Teamshadowclan wrote: »
    In similiar situation myself; started book 1 before I started watching the series, then gave up on it once I started watching the show. Wondering if there's enough in the books to flesh out what I'm seeing on TV, or enough differences...

    There is definitely enough material in the books to justify reading them alongside the TV show.


    May be some relevant replies here as well, OP: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057189843


    Unrelated to above, but I'd also like to ask that if someone is willing to skip entire books, then why are they reading them at all? To find out what happens next instead of having to wait for the next season? If someone cares so little that they'd skip whatever they can, then they may as well be reading summaries on the wikis.


  • #6
    December2012
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,695 ✭✭✭December2012


    Beginning. It sets up the whole feel of the story and has lots of back story that I think will be hugely relevant in future.


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  • #7
    Paddy Cow
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,576 ✭✭✭Paddy Cow


    Washington Irving wrote: »
    Unrelated to above, but I'd also like to ask that if someone is willing to skip entire books, then why are they reading them at all? To find out what happens next instead of having to wait for the next season? If someone cares so little that they'd skip whatever they can, then they may as well be reading summaries on the wikis.
    Some people find the size of the books daunting. Fair play to them if they are willing to give them a go. I prefer the show to the books. The books have an awful lot of unnecessary padding. I generally enjoy reading but it was an effort to finish some of GRR's books.


  • #8
    TheDoc
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,137 ✭✭✭✭TheDoc


    Paddy Cow wrote: »
    Some people find the size of the books daunting. Fair play to them if they are willing to give them a go. I prefer the show to the books. The books have an awful lot of unnecessary padding. I generally enjoy reading but it was an effort to finish some of GRR's books.

    Pretty much what happened to me tbh. I "like" reading, but I tend not to get involved with big books. I simply dont have the time to dedicate to them.

    I had tried my hand at the first book but gave up, was reading it after seeing the first season and it was just a slog.

    I've started last night on the second book and will work from there. If I can give it 30-45 minutes a night before bed I'll be happy enough. I'm not one to sit down and spend hours reading, that time is for gaming :D

    I wonder if audiobooks might help, to play them while im off doing my grindy gaming stuff that I don't really need to focus on


  • #9
    turnikett1
    Registered Users Posts: 676 ✭✭✭turnikett1


    Like everyone else has said, start from scratch. There is a lot more in the books you don't see on TV (although I will say there is a lot they do on TV that is better than the books!)


  • #10
    Kettle316
    Registered Users Posts: 282 ✭✭Kettle316


    TheDoc wrote: »
    Pretty much what happened to me tbh. I "like" reading, but I tend not to get involved with big books. I simply dont have the time to dedicate to them.

    I had tried my hand at the first book but gave up, was reading it after seeing the first season and it was just a slog.

    I've started last night on the second book and will work from there. If I can give it 30-45 minutes a night before bed I'll be happy enough. I'm not one to sit down and spend hours reading, that time is for gaming :D

    I wonder if audiobooks might help, to play them while im off doing my grindy gaming stuff that I don't really need to focus on

    I got through all the books using audiobooks and playing Call of Duty...it's an awesome way to do it, I'd highly recommend taking this option!


  • #11
    snausages
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,225 ✭✭✭snausages


    I've considered reading them before but it seems like an awful investment considering all the other books you could read while watching the show instead. I hate audiobooks too.

    I'll get to them eventually!


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  • #12
    valor rorghulis
    Registered Users Posts: 123 ✭✭valor rorghulis


    My biggest advice is don't read really fast to find out what happens - I missed so much stuff the first time around, particularly in book 4&5, because I wanted to know.

    Semi-spoiler:
    Book 4 & 5 are excellent but they're actually build up books for the story on its way,we're left wondering on all the storylines, so my speed reading exercise was a complete waste


  • #13
    iamanengine
    Registered Users Posts: 3,891 ✭✭✭iamanengine


    I watched the first 3 series then started reading the books and am about 100 pages into book 3 now. It's getting confusing because it seems around the start of book 3 a lot of small little things have been changed from the tv series.

    For example, book 3 spoiler that hasn't been in the show yet.
    Jorah kisses Dany on a boat sent by the Illyrio chap?! Wtf?! That definitely wasn't the tv series was it??


  • #14
    Grimebox
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,997 ✭✭✭Grimebox


    I've started reading from scratch and its a bit disillusioning because I know what is going to happen. I'm not much of a reader in general but sure I'll give it a go


  • #15
    Kunkka
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 793 ✭✭✭Kunkka


    Start from scratch so much more info in the books from start to finish


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