Contents
How different are the Game of Thrones books? We explore the differences between the books and the show.
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Introduction
Since the debut of the first book in George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, there has been a lot of speculation about how much the books will differ from the eventual television adaptation. The show, which is being produced by HBO, is currently in its fifth season, with the sixth season set to air in 2016. Although the books and show share a lot of similarities, there are also some significant differences between them.
The books are darker
While the HBO series Game of Thrones has been criticized for its graphic violence, the books are actually even more explicit in their descriptions of sexual assault, incest, and gratuitous violence. The books are also generally darker in tone, with more POV characters meeting grisly ends.
The books have more detail
The books have more detail
The books are more graphic
The book series is packed with more intense graphic details and scenes of a sexual nature than the TV series. In fact, the TV show has toned things down considerably from the books in this respect. There are also more POV characters in the books, which allows readers to get inside the heads of different characters to see how they think and feel about things.
The books are more political
While the show might give you the impression that the books are all about sex and violence, they’re actually more political. The books depict a Struggle between the Lannisters and Starks for power in Westeros. There’s a lot of talk about houses, lineage, and honor.
The books have more intrigue
While the Game of Thrones TV series is excellent, the books are even better. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll love the books. Here’s a look at some of the ways the two differ:
The books have more intrigue. There are many more subplots and side stories going on in the books than in the show. This gives the story a richer, more textured feel.
The characters are more developed in the books. We learn much more about their motivations, backstories, and inner thoughts. This makes them feel more real and three-dimensional.
The world-building is more detailed in the books. We learn a lot more about the history, cultures, and religions of Westeros and Essos. This makes the world feel richer and more believable.
So if you’re a fan of Game of Thrones, definitely check out the books!
The books are more sexual
If you thought the show was sexual, just wait until you read the books. While there is still sex in the show, it is toned down for television. The books are much more explicit, with more detailed descriptions of the characters’ sexual encounters. There is also a lot more violence in the books, both sexual and non-sexual.
The books are more violent
The books are definitely more violent than the show. There are some incredibly gruesome and graphic descriptions of death and violence, particularly in the later books. Even the good guys aren’t spared – Ned Stark’s death is particularly brutal. The show does tone down a lot of the violence, but it can’t quite shake off its reputation as being one of the most violent TV shows around.
The ending is different
One of the most common questions I get asked is how different the books are from the show. In some cases, very different. The ending is different. Certain key characters who are alive in the books are dead in the show. Other characters who are dead in the books are alive in the show.
As for why the showrunners made these choices, it’s hard to know for sure. It’s possible that they simply wanted to shock viewers by killing off major characters who they thought would be safe. It’s also possible that they made these choices because they felt it would make for a better television show. Only they know for sure.
Conclusion
After reading all five of the Song of Ice and Fire books, it’s easy to see that there are many differences between them. Some are small and insignificant, while others are major plot points that were changed or left out entirely. However, the books are all still enjoyable to read, and it’s fascinating to see how George R.R. Martin’s story has evolved over time.
