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* How did you experience the book? Beyond whether you simply liked it or not, what were your initial reactions to it?
I read it in a couple of days. If I can use simple terms, I liked it. I dont think it is without flaws, it annoys me how the "smallfolk" seem to be not only irrelevant to most of the characters, but also the story itself. I find simply keeping up with all of the characters names a bit much sometimes. On the plus side, the writer has created a convincing and well padded backdrop to the story, the characters seem more human than normal fantasy stories, there are enough crazy plot twists to keep you interested.
* Are the characters convincing? Who are your favourites? Least favourites? What were your favourite actions? Motivations? Feats of valour? Turns of deceit?
My favourites are Sandor Clegane, Bronn, Dany and Ayra Stark. Sandor because he maintains a sense of honour without submitting to the fake ethic of chivalry that surrounds him; he is a hard man but true to himself. Bronn for similar reasons. Dany because of her emerging strength of character and the bravery with which she faces the horrible situation she is in. Ayra because she is brave, plucky, and does not hold the "smallfolk" in the contempt that most of the other lords and ladies do.
I actually despise Catelyn Stark. I find her manipulative, selfish, and utterly bad hearted (her complete rejection of Jon Snow is revolting). There are other characters in the book just as evil in their hearts (like Joffrey's mother) but Catelyn believes herself to be good and self righteous and this makes her proud and utterly selfish actions worse to me.
* What is the central conflict? What are the major themes running throughout?
To me the central conflict is Eddard Stark's battle between his common sense and his sense of duty. He is not an idiot, yet he does utterly stupid things because he believes them to be right. And look where it gets him and those he loves and wishes to protect. To me it is about what the corrupt system does with good men.
* What do you make of the plot? How do the events unfold and fit together? What drives the book?
Clearly the coming wars are what drives the first book. I havent read the other books, but I suspect there is a greater threat than the dynastic battle for the thrown of the bad king Robert.
* What do you make of Martin's world? What resemblances do you see?
I think it is built on an idea of feudal ecomonies in Europe with an extra touch of magic and strangeness (but this is how the world would have appeared to people then when ghosts were real)
* Is the ending satisfying? Was it predictable? How well does it set up the rest of the series? Are you hooked?
It wasnt predictable to me. I thought Dany was done for, and the thing that happens to her is the first time the story really seems to change from being a human one to a magical one. I am not sure if I like that or not, because the human story was easier for me to identify with. But I will read on, I am interested to see if Dany can reclaim what is rightfully hers and what was taken by the hooligan Robert.
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"Do not tell lies, and do not do what you hate,
for all things are plain in the sight of Heaven. For nothing
hidden will not become manifest, and nothing covered will remain
without being uncovered."
The Gospel of Thomas
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