This is a combination of fictional Westeros with real-life conflicts. Some of the discussions made more sense to me than others, but all in all, I think that the combination adds value. Don't be surprised that the book was written before the final season, though -- some of its analysis won't be in sync with the changes readers experienced during that final season. A fun concept!

This book is something that I would not normally have picked up to read. I am a fan of Game of Thrones, but definitely the books more than the television show. I only watched part of season 1 and couldn't really take the blood and gore. But I saw this on NetGalley right around the time everyone was talking about the show's finale, so I figured I'd give it a go. It would at least be interesting.

It was very interesting! I learned a lot! This is a collection of essays that uses both real world examples and other fictional examples to really go into detail of what makes the Game of Thrones world seems so real. I am not as knowledgeable about history as I should be, so seeing something that I am familiar with compared to World War I, World War II, the Gulf War, and other real-life military engagements was fascinating. I particularly thought it was interesting (and funny) how they compared Daenerys's dragons to the emergence of airplanes in modern military history. Hey, it's the reason why there aren't a lot of walled cities anywhere anymore - they don't stop airplanes! They don't stop dragons all that much either. 

Like any collection of essays, some were hit and miss. I definitely enjoyed some more than others - some were very, very dry, but others incredibly interesting. Some of my favorites were "The Source of Tyrion Lanister's Unlikely Survival and Success" by Joe Byerly, "Game of Pwns: Baelish and Varys as Drivers of Modern Conflict" by Nina A. Kollars, and "From Brienne of Tarth to Lyanna Mormont: Shifting Attitudes about Women in Combat" by Kelsey Cipolla.

If you are a history buff, this would definitely be up your alley. Lots of interesting facts and details that I know I never thought about before. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, maybe give this as go as well, just to see how these stories are not as fantastical or far-fetched as you might think.

If you like Art of War, you'll like Winning Westeros.
Short essays breaking down the strategies and pros/cons of the TV series, well organized, and a great idea for a book.

This is a great book for Game of Thrones fans. I have missed watching Game of Thrones and have enjoyed reliving it through this book. It is interesting to read about all of the similarities to history.

I am embarrassed to admit I am not very interested in history unless it has cinematic drama added to it.

I received this galley from NetGalley.

Great Book! And I enjoyed writing my chapter! I Think the publication could have been bettered timed with the final season. The publication date many of the chapters obsolete.