Winter is Coming

Symbols and Hidden Meanings in A Game of Thrones

By: Valerie Estelle Frankel

Narrated by: Oliver Wyman

Game of Thrones fans watch in delight as the epic battle of Lannister and Stark entangles the Seven Kingdoms. But only the sharpest notice how these houses echo Lancaster and York in the War of the Roses. Druids, Catholics, and even Zoroastrians wander through Westeros, reframing their religions for a new world of fantasy. But how medieval is Westeros? Did lady knights and pirates really battle across Europe? The audiobook Winter is Coming: Symbols and Hidden Meanings in A Game of Thrones explores all this and more, from the echoes of history to the symbols and omens our beloved characters.

Who is Jon Snow's mother and why is she a secret? What is Daenerys's real power, unknown even to her? Will these two characters share a destiny? Where is the red priestess's real Light bringer and when will it arrive? Through dreams and prophecies, imagery and allegory, the deepest secrets of the series unfold, in an exploration friendly to watchers and listeners alike.

©2013 Valerie Estelle Frankel (P)2014 Audible Inc.

things that make you go Hmmm

This book gave me a deeper understanding of many storylines that I didn't quite get. It also asked questions that I havent thought of. I felt as if I was having a great discussion about a fantastic book. the narrative was outstanding as well

confused

I have finished the books on here a few times . watched the show.
there are things in here, lots of things that are not in the story, anywhere. maybe they have a different story than I or an uncut?

A mixed bag

This book feels like a series of blog posts. There are some very interesting points and lots of repetition--even long quotes are repeated. With a good edit, this could a fascinating 60 minute story. It is well read.

Surprisingly enlightening

I was incredibly skeptical when I purchased this audio book. I found myself incredibly entertained, as well as educated. It had a lot of points that I had missed, as well as a few theories that I do not agree with, but was glad to hear anyway. This is worth the three hours it took to listen to.

A great insight into this book series

Years ago my mother would take notes while reading books to keep track of thoughts as the book progresses. She can figure out how a story ends before anything is revealed by the author. I tried this concerning the Game of Thrones series, but I gave it up. Here are all those notes and it’s in a nice format.

Anyone that loves or just watches/reads the Game of Thrones this book ties all the threads together. Yet, it doesn’t reveal how it ends, but it does give you an idea of how it will end. We are still waiting on the last two books after all.

Excellent!!

Finally, all the connections are made. I understand so much more about A Song of Fire and Ice after listening to Winter is Coming and will enjoy the TV series and the next book (waiting for #6…) even more. Great research and writing and outstanding audio performance.

great review and food for thought

What did you love best about Winter is Coming?

it had been awhile since last reading the books, currently published, it was great as a refresher on all the little plots and possible outcome of future events. Plus it broke down some of the more prominent characters into there smaller parts.

WINTER IS COMING

If you have read all five books this is the book for you!!! I've read all five books and listened on Audible and i still don't understand everything that is going on in the 7 Kingdoms. This book will fill in the blanks book by book and page by page. You will learn a lot about John Snow and the story of his mother. you will learn about bastards in Westrow and a lot about the Dragons!!! I still can't get enough. If your a fan check it out.

Know GOT? This'll Blow your mind!

If you could sum up Winter is Coming in three words, what would they be?

About John Snow

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the ideas and the discussion of parallels to European history. Though as far as the characters were concerned the vast majority of the interesting discussion is about John Snow.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, but SPOILERS

Pleasantly surprised!

Would you consider the audio edition of Winter is Coming to be better than the print version?

Hmm that's a hard one.. as a die hard GOT fan I can see how having the print version might be appealing to someone looking for a reference or some highlighted passage but, you can save audio clips in the Audible app now as well..

Who was your favorite character and why?

House stark! They have such a rich history that it is hard to remember a lot of the family tree or facts.

Which character – as performed by Oliver Wyman – was your favorite?

Snow.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book, although somewhat brief left me very pensive and anxiously looking forward to WOW.