The Journey of Game of Thrones Books Before the TV Series
Introduction
Initial Reception (1996-2000)
Before the Game of Thrones TV series gained global recognition, the books of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series (A Song of Ice and Fire) initially received a decent reception in the fantasy and science fiction community. The first novel, A Game of Thrones, was published in 1996, marking the beginning of a saga that would span seven books and thousands of pages. The first novel was a hit, landing on the New York Times best-seller list, and it was nominated for both the 1997 Hugo and Nebula Awards, which further cemented its status as a significant work within the fantasy genre.
Growing Popularity (2001-2009)
As the series continued to develop, the books began to gain wider recognition and acceptance. The second and third books, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords, were released in 2000 and 2005, respectively, and continued to build on the world Martin had created. By the early 2000s, the books had developed a dedicated following, particularly within the fantasy and science fiction communities. This growing fanbase contributed to the books' growing popularity, enabling them to reach wider audiences.
Award Recognition (2005-2017)
However, it wasn't until the release of the fourth book, A Feast for Crows, that the books began to receive significant award recognition. In 2005, George R.R. Martin's books started winning the Hugo and Nebula Awards, which are highly prestigious honors in the literary world. These accolades further solidified the books' reputation and drew more attention to the series, enhancing its standing in the fantasy genre.
Sales Figures (2009-Present)
The sales figures for the books have been consistently impressive. By the time the first season of the TV series premiered in 2011, the series had already sold millions of copies worldwide. In short, the books had developed a substantial readership even before the show's debut. According to the British BBC News, in November 2019, the sales of the first five books in Martin’s eventual heptalogy, "A Song of Ice and Fire," surpassed 85 million copies sold worldwide. The series is now available in 47 languages, indicating its global appeal.
Cult Following and Personal Impact
The popularity of the books has not only been reflected in their sales and recognition but also in the passionate fanbase they have cultivated. For long-time fans like myself, the series introduced a sense of community and shared fandom. The books offered a complex world with memorable characters and intricate plots, which resonated deeply with many readers. The development of a strong cult following, particularly among fantasy readers, meant that these books were praised for their moral ambiguity and depth.
It's worth noting that my introduction to the series came in 2001 via my high school English teacher. Back then, I was a senior in high school, and being the only person around me who had read the books, I often felt isolated in my theories and ideas. The online community and the dedicated forums that have sprouted around the books provided a much-needed outlet for discussion and collaboration. Today, the online presence of the series, including the fully functional online wiki, has only strengthened the cult following and fan engagement.
Conclusion
While Game of Thrones books did not achieve the massive mainstream popularity they attained post-TV series, they were already well-respected and had a solid readership when the show premiered. The combination of critical acclaim, strong sales figures, and the development of a dedicated fanbase through the community and online forums, ensured that the books were thriving before the television adaptation brought them into even greater public awareness.
For fans and newcomers alike, the path taken by A Song of Ice and Fire is a testament to the enduring appeal and significance of its source material in the fantasy genre.