Member Reviews

The text and images look a little clunky in the digital version (no doubt more suited to the printed copy) but overall even though the prose seems a little blocky, the (mostly haphazard) images are vibrant, consisting of a mixture from the television series and the real-life inspiration tying it all together. I think it could've been organised better, but it still makes for an interesting read to anyone who is in love with the ASOIAF world. It'd be a great gift!

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A bit on the design; this title features some darker colour schemes on some pages and these will most likely look better in print.

The content is well-researched, rich and inspiring. The Irish mythology connections were well laid out.

It was nice to be transported to Martin’s inspirations.

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I don't think I could ever get enough of Westeros - Game of Thrones was and still is such an iconic book series and TV show, that truly gripped an entire generation of readers and viewers and never let go. I have yet to find another fantasy TV series that is equally as compelling and cinematic (I find that House of the Dragon is good, not great), and I loved seeing more of the inspiration and thought behind Martin's expertly crafted medieval world.

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Years after the ending of the show, I still crave books about the series (since we still haven't gotten new books lol). This one is pretty good, I like how it touches on the things that inspired Westeros.

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This was interesting and one that will look great on the shelf. Fans of the series are in for a treat with this one.

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The Worlds of George RR Martin by Tom Huddleston is a fascinating exploration of the inspirations and historical parallels that shaped the complex world of A Song of Ice and Fire. This book seems to delve deep into the various influences that George R.R. Martin drew from when creating the Seven Kingdoms, highlighting the connections between Westeros and real-world events, people, and eras, particularly the Middle Ages.

The author's approach of alternating between quotes, historical analysis, and a wide range of visual references—including images from the TV series, spin-offs, and other fantasy series—creates a rich, immersive experience for the reader. This method likely helps to contextualize the intricate narratives and characters within Martin's world, comparing them to significant historical events and figures, and underscoring the bravery and creativity involved in building such a detailed and expansive fantasy universe.

The inclusion of female characters, dragons, and other fantastical elements, and the way these are paralleled with historical or contemporary counterparts, shows a deliberate choice by the author to not just entertain but also to challenge traditional narratives and perspectives. This thematic analysis, combined with visual storytelling, seems to offer readers both a deeper understanding of the books and a broader commentary on the nature of storytelling itself.
Overall, it appears to be a comprehensive guide that not only celebrates the world-building in A Song of Ice and Fire but also encourages readers to see the connections between fiction and reality, past and present.

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