Reading A Game of Thrones after watching the show

During the pandemic, I finally gave in and decided to watch Game of Thrones. When it was airing, especially the later seasons, it felt like everyone I knew was watching and loving it. I thought it was okay, but by season 5 or 6, I lost interest and stopped watching.

Last night, however, I finished the first book in A Song of Ice and Fire, A Game of Thrones, and it completely blew me away. The book was incredible. From start to finish, I was fully engrossed in the story. The writing is both dense and layered, yet still easy to follow. The characters are all fascinating, even the ones you’re meant to hate. And the world George R.R. Martin has created feels rich with history and lore, making it feel alive in a way that few fantasy worlds do.

I’d always heard that the books were amazing, but I didn’t fully understand why—until now. It’s phenomenal.

Why Didn’t the Show Click for Me?

After reflecting on why the show didn’t have the same impact, I think a big part of it comes down to the medium. I’m not much of a TV person in general, and while the adaptation is fairly faithful (at least based on the first season and book), something was missing for me.

While the show captures the grimdark, medieval fantasy vibe, it lacks the depth of feeling that the book has. The characters felt distant on-screen, and despite strong performances from the actors, I never really cared about their fates. In the book, however, I was completely invested in their journeys. Even when I knew a character was walking into a trap or making a bad decision, I found myself hoping they’d figure it out, because the book made me care so much about them.

The Book Brought the World to Life

What truly sets the book apart is how vividly Martin’s world comes to life. Every detail—from the sprawling castles to the political intrigue—feels textured and real. There’s a sense of history that you can feel in every conversation and every scene. In the show, that richness is harder to convey, but in the book, it’s front and center.

I’m a little jealous of those who get to experience these books for the first time without any spoilers from the show. Reading A Game of Thrones has made me excited to dive into the rest of the series—and yes, I know I’ll eventually have to join everyone else in waiting for the final books (fingers crossed they actually come out!).

Conclusion: If You’ve Only Seen the Show, Read the Book

If, like me, you’ve only seen the show, I highly recommend giving the book a chance. It adds so much more depth to the world and characters you thought you knew. A Game of Thrones is a must-read, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I wrote this on a blog I created recently, if anyone wants the link let me know and I can post it below!