Question about Game of Thrones...

[fogsblue]

I'm hoping there might be someone out there who can give me an answer.

I haven't read the books or watched the show yet. I've been meaning to read the books for a few years now, but I don't buy books a lot, given what they generally cost here... Not the point. Haven't read yet. Would like to though. Can probably find someone to borrow off or I'll splurge a bit... Again, not the point.

As for the show, well, I've got it, but I haven't watched it yet for a simple reason. I'm not sure which to do first. So I'm trying to find people who've done both and see whether they'd suggest reading the books or watching the show first. Or telling me it doesn't matter is acceptable too. Because as much as I want to watch the show, I'm wondering if that'll in anyway negatively affect my impressions of the books.

Wow, that was a long way to ask a short question.

tl;dr...
Game of Thrones - Books or show first??

Comments

[fannishliss.livejournal.com]

Do you read WIPs?

There's more than a chance that A Song of Ice and Fire will never be finished. I certainly hope GRRM will be able to finish... but he's slowing down, and he's not getting any younger.

o_O

In short, it's something I'm not planning to start in on till I know for sure that it has a resolution.

Though, the siren call of Sean Bean is certainly tempting!!

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

I sometimes read WIPs, though generally only if I know they're going to be finished. I've learnt the hard way about the reliability of some authors, so I admit I'm always hesitant to start a series that isn't complete...

It's just, I've been told by a lot of people to either read or watch but at least half have only done one or the other and the ones who've done both keep giving me different answers.

[sweet-anise.livejournal.com]

As someone who read the books years before the tv series came out... well, I'm not entirely sure it matters. The series is remarkably true to the books, only with far less depth (which is kind of par for the course with on-screen adaptions, I imagine). HBO kept all the main characters, plot points, and even some dialogue, but altered character ages and a bit of back story, cut some of my favorite lines, and added in a good bit of random sex.

I probably enjoyed the series less than I would have if I hadn't known what was going to happen (and if every time they skipped a favorite line of mine didn't jump out at me), but a similar principle might hold in reverse, so... yes, this was a supremely unhelpful comment.

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

Well, it's good that the series is true to the books. It does make it easier to consider not worrying too much about reading the books first...

And don't think it was unhelpful at all. I like any and all opinions. Though, I may flip a coin to make the final decision ;)

[kilodalton]

I love the show. I saw s1 of the show first, and adored it.

So then I bought the books on Kindle. They were looooooooong and I found them a bit tedious.

So because I'm impatient, I wiki'd the plotlines XD

I'd vote show, but that's just me.

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

Lol!

Sorry, it's just no one has said that before and yeah, I like your honesty :)

I admit I'm leaning towards the show at this stage, just for simplicity...

[kilodalton]

Haha I'm glad XD

Yeah the show is pretty epic, I don't think you can go wrong with it!

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

I've decided I'll start watching it this week. I'm staying with a friend and she's said almost the same as you, so all these answers have convinced me it's perfectly fine!

Looking forward to it now :)

[kilodalton]

Yay awesome!! Can't wait to hear what you think of it!!

[fogsblue.livejournal.com]

There may be a running commentary. Ok, maybe not quite... But knowing me, there'll probably be something.

[kilodalton]

YAY GOOD!!! Looking forward to hearing what you think =)

(Edited for spoilery icon)