A Storm of Swords Part1: Steel and Snow by George R R Martin Aka Game of Thrones

Where do you start reviewing the epically popular Game of Thrones? This was part one of the third book that I decided to read as an inbetweeny before our Book of the Month, A Dark Dark Wood by Ruth Ware. Yes I know it was an epic ask given the fact it's about 600 pages but I read DDW in record time (pretty much 24 hours) so thought if I was going to squeeze this one in at any point this was it.

Series 6 is currently showing on TV so my timing was perfect to help me with placing the various names to faces. It actually helped my understanding of the current series as when Lord Beric suddenly appeared I was able to recount to my husband exactly what had gone on between him and the Hound as I had just read it.

I really enjoyed the book and surprised myself by how quickly I read it, so much that I actually got to start another inbetweeny! (The Penguin Book of Classical Myths by Jenny March but more on that in another post once read). I do think the watching and reading at same time helped and I enjoyed revisiting the characters. I found myself arguing with Robb about the Frey’s and arranging the infamous 'Red Wedding' and willing Sansa to like Tyrion. I was surprised at how knowing what happens didn’t spoil my enjoyment in the slightest.

Overall I enjoyed being in a little Game of Thrones bubble and will carry on reading the series. Although I may give my arm a break from lugging about the doorstops that are Martins books (no before you say it I don’t need a Kindle!)

PS I don’t normally recommend things other than books but if you are familiar with Game of Thrones head over to YouTube and search for Game of Thrones The Musical. I first watched it probably a year ago now and it remains the favourite thing I have ever seen on social media.

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Cramlington Book Club

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