Me and Pat were introduced to the first season of the HBO series sometime last year and although we were initially a bit thrown off by the pilot episode/prologue we decided to keep watching and realized how incredible everything about this "show" really was. From the set design and costuming, to the amazing acting and character development, to special effects and shooting locations, the quality of this television series is truly incredible. However, to praise the success of the show we must first praise the author George R. R. Martin for coming up with such a detailed and twisted plot and describing it in excruciating detail over what will be seven books in A Song of Ice and Fire series. These are not any teenage novels. Love, lust, deception, betrayal, black magic, secret plots, twists and turns around every corner, opposing royal and lorded families, war, vengeance, sex, murder, the undead, and of course, dragons.
The books mainly follow four houses throughout the series (although many other characters and families are introduced along the way): the Starks, the Baratheons, the Lannisters, and the Targaryens. Although I will not trouble you with the details of each house, I will say that you are initially prompted to fall in love with the Starks, and then find yourself torn among them all as you begin to side and sympathize with other characters as well. Because the books are not written from one perspective but switch back and fourth between characters (as does the series), it is hard to simply choose one favorite character. I initially was drawn to Arya Stark and Daenerys Stormborn (Targaryen), but have found myself sympathizing with Jon Snow (Stark), and Tyrion Lannister as well.
Since we just watched the finale of season two last night I thought I would take the time to post a little bit about the series. Me and Pat are also on the 5th book.
As a visual reference for this post, I decided to throw up the opening sequence. This is a compilation of all of the castels shown on season 1, and those from the beginning of season 2, as created by Michael Delving (before Quarth and Heronhal were shown). The opening is incredible, it seriously amazes me every time I watch it, (and as with the series, it is ever changing to match the books and chapters being explored).
"When you play the game of thrones, either you win or you die."
