Game of Thrones

[ClearSights]

I just watched the microsoft E3 press conference and am going to start watching this now

[Bullethead]

Season 2 won't disappoint. Was an epic final 2 episodes imho. I won't reveal any spoilers I guess. Perhaps someone can make a GoT Spoiler thread or in the future I'll preceed my comments with a spoiler alert

[Litmaster]

Hi Guys,

I was going to start a "Game of Thrones" thread, but saw there were already several so I'm reviving this older thread instead. Being a fantasy enthusiast in general (most recently with Joe Abercrombie's First Law series), I have known about the reputation of George R.R. Martin and the Song of Fire and Ice series, but have avoided it until now because I generally don't like to read a series that isn't finished (I'm doing enough waiting around for the final installment with We're Alive; I don't need to do it in my reading as well).

But recently I had some time available and decided, "Screw it." I'm currently about halfway through Game of Thrones, which I am enjoying. I have purposely avoided any spoilers so I have no knowledge of what happens later in the plot, but it mainly strikes me as a political thriller blown through a fantasy lens. I also know that HBO has a series based on the book series, which I also haven't seen because I don't have HBO and always choose to read the book before the movie/tv upon which it is based.

Quick question for those of you who have been watching Game of Thrones on HBO:
1. Does it follow closely with the plot of the books, or does it take liberties?
2. Does it follow the chronology of the books, or does it re-arrange events for television?
3. It is worth watching?


I'm not sure yet whether I should start on the TV series, so anyone that can give me some input would be appreciated in the form of a Lit-REP.
Oh, and no spoilers, please.