Very good , well read and detailed

Its written very well and positioned from the perspective of a narrator - historian . Nice fresh approach that makes you wonder how much is true. It puts a lot of perspective to the original Ice and fire saga.
Very amusing and never dull.

One downside : it ends closely after the civil war: Dance of Dragons events. Thus its a bit misleading because you expect the whole story until Aerys II.

3 people found this helpful

More of a chore than a pleasure!

I'm a big fan of George R R Martin, but found this book heavy going. Despite the excellent narration, I was left feeling I needed a pen and paper in order to take notes in an effort to track character, dates and events!

I was relieved when the book finished and hope I never hear Mushroom quoted again!

13 people found this helpful

OK for pseudo-history buffs ...

... but not so good if you were wanting a story like the GoT series. No one can fault Mr Martin when it comes to the depth and scale of his universe, but I really prefer his story-telling prowse. Nevertheless, it's well narrated and structured.

3 people found this helpful

country specific?

why are so many books specific to a country? I've found a lot of these books that I've wanted to listen to, most of these are a part of popular book or TV series.

AWESOME! Can hardly wait for part 2

If you love History and Fantasy, you'll love "Fire & Blood"!
But if you're not into History and/or Fantasy, this book is not for you.
This isn't an ordinary novel. In fact, it's not a novel at all. It's a fantastic fictional History.
Which is to say: it reads like a History book.
If you're not into that, stay away.
This isn't Historical Fiction either.
It's a fictional History book, about imaginary events in an unreal world, with dragons and other Fantasy elements.

Return to form.

I feel like main series has gotten steadily waffly as it has gone on, but this book 100% gold. All the little threads and backstories give so muich depth to the rest of the world & inhabitants of Westeros. It really pulls things together. Its like the main books are full of jokes and this one has all the punchlines.

Must ready for Ice and Fire fans

Amazing book. great Narration. it was a pleasure to read. loved it. must read for all fans.

More wonderful works building from GRRM

Fire and Blood is a very unique book giving long time ASOIAF fans a great depth of back story to our main plot in the series.
This book stands on it's own in terms of story, but it ads later upon later to GRRM's other works in the series.
Can't wait for part 2, and the tv series that will be made from this.
Also looking forward to The Winds of Winter more than any other book in my life.
5 stars. Give it a chance and you will not regret it at all....

i loved it

however, it is not a story.
it is just like a measter book, telling the interesting tells of the first few Targeariens! very fun. if u enjoy learning about song of ice and fire history you would love it!

Absolutely Brilliant!!!

I always enjoy the complexity with which George R. R Martin writes his novels, you understand why it takes as long as it takes.
For anyone who’s a fan of “A Song of Ice and Fire” this is a great add to your knowledge and for anyone who’s a fan of well written stories and likes to imagine, this here is your gem.
I can’t wait for the next one.

While you might wish for Mr Martin to finish his books quicker what you do not want if for him to have compromised in anything that he did in this book and any of his other books.

I love the narration by Simon Vance, “Well done Ser” in the voice of Ser Maynard Plumm