I'm finally watching the first season of Game of Thrones. Good stuff so far at two episodes in. I only read the first book, which the first season covers, so I should probably read more before the next season makes it to disc. It's a brutal world with a colorful cast of characters, but the story obviously didn't grab me too hard if I didn't continue reading the series. I imagine the story expands quite a bit, though, so I should dig in to reading the sequels.

As far as epic fantasy, I find it more engaging than Lord of the Rings... at least as far as screen adaptations. I still haven't read Tolkien's work. I'd love to see the Wheel of Time series adapted, but I have absolutely no idea how they'd pull it off. I forget who optioned it, but I don't have much faith in anyone BUT HBO doing it justice. But I kind of would like to see someone try to do it simply because they'd have to pare down the story into a tighter version of itself, which would be good for it. In the meantime, I'm glad one huge fantasy series is being done justice.

I still want to see the Pixar of more adult-oriented fare emerge. That level of computer animation being brought to bear on serious science fiction and fantasy would be something to behold. Here's hoping a studio like that comes around.

I've been thinking of picking up the first season of Game of Thrones. I appreciate the feedback, CV.

I have yet to read the latest book that came out in the series.

Long but I'd love to know if anyone agrees with me.

I loved The Game of Thrones, both the series which I saw first then the book. I have read all of the books and if an expanding story is what you are hoping for, fear not. I don't recall any book series scattering it's story so wide in a very long time. It is continually bringing in new characters and side plots. Also, without giving a direct spoiler let's just say, "do not try to convince yourself that ANY main character is safe from death."

By book four and five, when you are expecting some story lines to get wrapped up, he pulls an unusual writing strategy. Book four deals only with about half of the main characters (and introduces even more new ones) and you wonder what the hell happened to the rest. I finally read a blog indicating that his intention was to split the stories and he resets the timeline in book five to deal with the other half (and again introduce more characters).

My personal experience was that the first three books were super enjoyable and highly addictive. They are very long but I read them quickly. The final two are not quiet as enjoyable and left me with more than a hint of disappointment. They are still a "must Read" if you read the first three but they are weaker in that it's obvious intent was to leave you wanting more but I believe it over reached. Even in an epic series each book usually ties up 'just enough' loose ends to satisfy you somewhat. These do not.

I think somewhere along the line he decided that his books were popular enough that he could attempt a Wheel of Time style epic but I don't think he has quiet yet mastered what Robert Jordan seemed to do very naturally.

All that being said, I can't wait to see the next series on TV and if he writes a sixth, I'm sure I won't be able to resist reading it. Let's just hope that it doesn't turn into a new "Lost."

When she was younger, Vanna White was really hot on "Wheel of Time".

What? oh. nevermind.

I've actually never heard of Game of Thrones. What channel is it on?

HBO

PiXXXar?

I guess that splains it.

Wow, I wasn't even thinking of that kind of adult. I need to ramp up my perversion.

You have come to the right place, my good man. Where would you like to begin?