Should You Read or Watch Game of Thrones First?

Deciding whether to start your journey with the books or the series of Game of Thrones is a deeply personal choice that often comes down to your preferences in storytelling and time investment. Both mediums offer unique aspects that can either enhance or detract from your experience, depending on your perspective.

Read the Books First

For those who appreciate the depth and complexity of a well-told narrative, starting with the books is a commendable choice. Here are some advantages of reading the books first:

Depth of Storytelling

The books provide a level of detail in character development, backstory, and intricate plotlines that cannot be fully conveyed in a television series. Each sentence, each paragraph, allows you to immerse yourself deeply into the world of Westeros. The rich tapestry woven by George R.R. Martin includes detailed explorations of the lore, politics, and cultures of the Seven Kingdoms.

World-Building

The series, while stunning, offers a visual representation of the world. However, the books delve deeper into the history and customs of Westeros, offering a rich, visceral experience that is hard to replicate on screen. You are privy to every nuance and every detail, which contributes to a more immersive experience.

Pacing

Reading the books at your own pace allows you to savor the details, allowing for a more contemplative and reflective viewing of the story. You can take your time to process each paragraph, making the experience more engaging and profound.

Watch the Series First

For those who value a more immediate and visual experience, starting with the series is a compelling choice. Here are some advantages of watching the series first:

Visual Experience

The television adaptation of Game of Thrones brings the world to life with stunning visuals, compelling performances, and high production value. The sight and sound of the adaptation can be deeply immersive, making it easier to connect with the characters and the world of Westeros.

Time Commitment

Watching the show is typically quicker than reading the books. This can be an advantage if you are looking to experience the story more rapidly without the barrier of a lengthy reading commitment. The series offers a more condensed retelling of the story that can be appreciated over a shorter period of time.

Immediate Engagement

The series often has a more straightforward narrative that can draw you in quickly. The immediacy of visual storytelling can help you connect with the characters and the plot more readily than reading could offer.

Personal Experience and Critique

Speaking from personal experience, I started by watching the series first. Then, I turned to reading the books and was met with disappointment in the fourth book. Having already seen most of the series, I was invested and did not want to be ruined by revelations from the books. My main issues with the books included:

Dissonance and Inconsistencies

Seemingly brilliant schemes and strategies from characters in the series were overcrafted in the books, breaking my suspension of disbelief. For example, Robb Stark's marriage was not a well-thought-out decision and contradicted how he was depicted on the show. Additionally, characters who were portrayed as brilliant schemers made obvious and inexplicable mistakes, like Petyr Baelish, the Master of Coin, whose complex plans often fell apart due to his own inconsistencies and flaws.

Nonsensical Twists and Revelations

There were several nonsensical twists and revelations in the books that contradicted existing characterizations. For instance, Catelyn Stark's behavior and motivations shifted abruptly, which was confusing and inconsistent with her previous actions. Similarly, while Jon Snow's origin story was clear from the first book, later twists and revelations added complexity without providing additional clarity or impact.

Excessive Prose and Bland Characters

Overexposition and overly complex characters were another issue. The books could be dry and filled with redundant details, which did not enhance my understanding or engagement with the world. Characters felt two-dimensional and lacked depth, which diminished the immersive experience that the show had provided. The additional information added to subsequent books felt gratuitous and did not significantly improve my understanding of the world or the characters.

Conclusion

The decision to start with the books or the series depends largely on your personal preferences. If you enjoy rich, immersive storytelling and can commit the time, the books are an excellent choice. If you prefer a quicker, visually engaging experience with immediate engagement, the television series is a great start. Many fans enjoy both mediums and find that they complement each other well, allowing for a more complete experience of Game of Thrones.