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The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones
The everything-you-missed, wanted-to-know-more-about, and can't-get-enough guide to the Game of Thrones television series--from the first episode to the epic finale. Valar morghulis!Spanning every episode across all eight seasons, INSIDER's entertainment correspondent Kim Renfro goes deep into how the show was made, why it became such a phenomenon and explores every detail you want to know. It's the perfect book to look back at all you may have missed or to jump-start you on a second viewing of the whole series. As an entertainment correspondent, Renfro has covered the show's premieres, broken down key details in scenes, explored characters' histories, and interviewed the cast, directors, and crew. In this book, she sheds new light on the themes, storylines, character development, the meaning of the finale, and what you can expect next. Some of the questions answered here include: What was the Night King's ultimate purpose? How did the show effect George R.R. Martin's ability to finish the book series? Why were the final seasons shorter? Why did the direwolves get shortchanged? How were the fates of Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen foretold from the start? Was that really a bittersweet ending? Winter may have come and gone, but there is still plenty to discover and obsess over in this behind-the-scenes fan guide to the Game of Thrones HBO series.
- GenresNonfictionTv
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 8, 2019
42 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 9, 2020
ΠΡΟΣΟΧΗ! Το παρόν βιβλίο απευθύνεται αποκλειστικά σε καμένους χμ...εννοώ νερντζ μυημένους. Για να το απολαύσετε comme il faut απαιτείται:
- Να έχετε δει ΟΛΗ τη σειρά (και τα 73 επεισόδια, ιδανικά περισσότερες από μία φορές)
- Να έχετε διαβάσει τα βιβλία
- Να έχετε λιώσει τη Wiki of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones
- Nα έχετε ακούσει στο repeat τα soundtrack (π.χ. ξέρατε ότι το Light of the Seven διαρκεί σχεδόν 10 λεπτά κι είναι η πρώτη φορά που ο Djawadi χρησιμοποιεί πιάνο στο σκορ; - Άσε μας κουκλίτσα μου, φυσικά και το ξέραμε! Βonus points αν δε μάθατε από δω ποιος είναι ο Ramin Djawadi)
- Να έχετε ασχοληθεί με easter eggs, fan theories και άλλα παρασκηνιακά και να έχετε την όρεξη να ανακαλύψετε και άλλα.
Σε γενικές γραμμές, αν δεν έχετεσπαταλήσει αφιερώσει αρκετό από το χρόνο σας στο σύμπαν του Martin, προσπεράστε. Για τους υπόλοιπους από εμάς, καλώς ήρθατε. Η διαδρομή θα είναι απολαυστική.
Το βιβλίο; Α ναι, 4*!
- Να έχετε δει ΟΛΗ τη σειρά (και τα 73 επεισόδια, ιδανικά περισσότερες από μία φορές)
- Να έχετε διαβάσει τα βιβλία
- Να έχετε λιώσει τη Wiki of Ice and Fire/Game of Thrones
- Nα έχετε ακούσει στο repeat τα soundtrack (π.χ. ξέρατε ότι το Light of the Seven διαρκεί σχεδόν 10 λεπτά κι είναι η πρώτη φορά που ο Djawadi χρησιμοποιεί πιάνο στο σκορ; - Άσε μας κουκλίτσα μου, φυσικά και το ξέραμε! Βonus points αν δε μάθατε από δω ποιος είναι ο Ramin Djawadi)
- Να έχετε ασχοληθεί με easter eggs, fan theories και άλλα παρασκηνιακά και να έχετε την όρεξη να ανακαλύψετε και άλλα.
Σε γενικές γραμμές, αν δεν έχετε
Το βιβλίο; Α ναι, 4*!
December 15, 2019
Are you a fan of the GAME OF THRONES television series, or a fan of the book series, or both?
Whichever is the answer, fans will find interesting information contained in this book.
I refuse to ruin it for you, so if you are a fan then I suggest you purchase this book, or, buy it as a Christmas gift for the GAME OF THRONES fan in your family.
I rate this book as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whichever is the answer, fans will find interesting information contained in this book.
I refuse to ruin it for you, so if you are a fan then I suggest you purchase this book, or, buy it as a Christmas gift for the GAME OF THRONES fan in your family.
I rate this book as 4 OUT OF 5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 17, 2023
Initially this book was a DNF, but when I couldn't swap it away and was in the car (not driving) on the way to the closest LFL, I gave it a try again and ultimately finished it. While there is a lot of cool information in this book, and while the author does do a good job of combining disparate secondary source elements to create a comprehensive and linear exploration of the show, the use of only secondary sources decreased the effectiveness of the presentation of some of the material. Of further consideration is the fact that while the author admits that much of the GoT audience would not have read the books prior to watching the show, the sheer volume of connections the audience was required to make with the books in order to understand subtle nuances was just a bit extreme. Now, admittedly, I've only read GoT; life happened and I did not get a chance to move forward in the series. Even having read book 1, the links that Renfro makes with minutiae in season 1 would only be possible with consecutive re-reads of that book. Other links made were...weak at best. All in all, finishing this book led to some neat factoids, but it solidified my decision not to start a rewatch of GoT anytime soon, even though that was my plan originally once I finished HoD, which I'm only about halfway through now. And that's another thing - Renfro writes like she expects the audience to have binged all 8 seasons back to back. I've been watching HoD since December and I'm up to episode 6 - six hours since December. Yup, that's it. The type of watch she's requesting of the audience, well, that's even more in the realm of fantasy than GoT. I don't have time to binge anything, let alone 73 hours of a show. Some of us aren't getting paid to watch GoT like she was. *shrugs*
September 16, 2019
My copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review and I thank the the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.
Game of Thrones. Everyone knows it. Or, at least, they think they do. With this book readers will get to know all about the show and how it is connected to the books. The author, an entertainment editor and fan of both the show and books, really did her research and gives us a treasure trove of knowledge about the show. Unfortunately, that treasure chest might be a little too fully packed. At times, the book seems to get a bit bogged down in detail and minutiae. This might be somewhat of a problem for the casual GoT fan; hard-core fans will eat it up with a spoon. And, if you have read the books, you will be over the moon with the details, explanations and comparisons.
As a casual Game of Thrones fan, I found the book interesting but more detailed than I wanted. I also found all the production information beginning to make my eyes glaze over and run together in my mind. About two-thirds through the book, I was wishing for a condensed version. Also, I found the illustrations a bit bizarre and wish they had not been included.
Game of Thrones. Everyone knows it. Or, at least, they think they do. With this book readers will get to know all about the show and how it is connected to the books. The author, an entertainment editor and fan of both the show and books, really did her research and gives us a treasure trove of knowledge about the show. Unfortunately, that treasure chest might be a little too fully packed. At times, the book seems to get a bit bogged down in detail and minutiae. This might be somewhat of a problem for the casual GoT fan; hard-core fans will eat it up with a spoon. And, if you have read the books, you will be over the moon with the details, explanations and comparisons.
As a casual Game of Thrones fan, I found the book interesting but more detailed than I wanted. I also found all the production information beginning to make my eyes glaze over and run together in my mind. About two-thirds through the book, I was wishing for a condensed version. Also, I found the illustrations a bit bizarre and wish they had not been included.
October 14, 2019
Princess Fuzzypants here: My family have long been fans of both the books and the series. As we wait impatiently for the final season to come out on BluRay so we can watch the entire oeuvre, this book is a delightful trip down memory lane of many of the high points of the show.
It delves into the genesis of the stories and the original books that planted the seeds in George RR Martin’s fertile imagination. There have been rabid fans since the books first came out and when Benioff and Weiss discovered the treasure trove, they first had to pass George’s test. They had to tell him who was Jon Snow’s mother. It told Martin that they had not only read the story but they got it.
There are lots of background stories but my favourites by far describe the various themes in costumes or music or any number of other touches that foreshadowed or supported what was going on. I am going to be looking more deeply at the details. The stories are told with such love and respect. It even deals with some of the more contentious issues particularly in the final season that led to much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth on the internet. Now I want to pull out my BluRays and the books and revisit it all. This is a must for fans of the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
It delves into the genesis of the stories and the original books that planted the seeds in George RR Martin’s fertile imagination. There have been rabid fans since the books first came out and when Benioff and Weiss discovered the treasure trove, they first had to pass George’s test. They had to tell him who was Jon Snow’s mother. It told Martin that they had not only read the story but they got it.
There are lots of background stories but my favourites by far describe the various themes in costumes or music or any number of other touches that foreshadowed or supported what was going on. I am going to be looking more deeply at the details. The stories are told with such love and respect. It even deals with some of the more contentious issues particularly in the final season that led to much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth on the internet. Now I want to pull out my BluRays and the books and revisit it all. This is a must for fans of the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
November 8, 2019
It’s easy to get lost in the world of Westeros and the stories behind A Song of Ice and Fire and it’s titular series Game of Thrones. I was enthralled in the show and the books and I eagerly await Winds of Winter. And as millions turned on to view the episodes, many people did not think about what went into each episode or season and who was involved in leading us through this fictional world.
This book was a useful guide through hidden moments, highlights, and facts that even the most ardent fan would have missed. This book used interviews and previously written work to identify and explain the framework that held up Westeros and its characters.
While useful for a GOT fan, it’s not a genuinely captivating book. Interesting, yet not enthralling. It’s an unofficial guide, so many innermost details are not captured - this is not Renfro’s fault, but it is nonetheless a few points off the total grade.
A fun read, but also quite challenging to those not ready to fight and die for a noble house of the seven kingdoms.
This book was a useful guide through hidden moments, highlights, and facts that even the most ardent fan would have missed. This book used interviews and previously written work to identify and explain the framework that held up Westeros and its characters.
While useful for a GOT fan, it’s not a genuinely captivating book. Interesting, yet not enthralling. It’s an unofficial guide, so many innermost details are not captured - this is not Renfro’s fault, but it is nonetheless a few points off the total grade.
A fun read, but also quite challenging to those not ready to fight and die for a noble house of the seven kingdoms.
August 29, 2019
This was a fantastic look at the Game of Thrones TV show. The author gave us a lot of information about the show, diving into details about the seasons, the cast, wardrobes, memorable quotes, etc. All of it was given to us in a well-researched and engaging read. I personally binge-watched Game of Thrones a couple months before the premiere of the final season so everything was still really fresh in my mind and Renfro did an amazing job of examining the connections between the characters and events but also giving us new information about the process of making the show. Renfro also compares the show to the books and the ways in which they diverge as well as exploring why certain changes were made to characters and scenes. I think that this book is perfect for anyone who loves the show and wants more details of the whole experience of Game of Thrones.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 20, 2020
To paraphrase my favourite quote from the movie Almost Famous: � They don't even know what it is to be a fan. Y'know? To truly love some TV show so much that it hurts.
While Sapphire was referring to music in the movie, not a TV show, that quote perfectly sums up what it means to be a fan of Game of Thrones and Kim Renfro found a way to distill the pure, oftentimes, indescribable joy of the fandom into book that could take us back after the finale, a behind the scenes look at our own journey on the Kingsroad as fans. And even though I have rewatched GOT start to finish seven times already, she still had a few details I had missed which makes me excited to go back and watch yet again.
So whatever your feelings are on the finale(I personally loved it), if you’re a true diehard Thrones fan, please pick up this book. It will complete your fan experience in a way you have not imagined.
While Sapphire was referring to music in the movie, not a TV show, that quote perfectly sums up what it means to be a fan of Game of Thrones and Kim Renfro found a way to distill the pure, oftentimes, indescribable joy of the fandom into book that could take us back after the finale, a behind the scenes look at our own journey on the Kingsroad as fans. And even though I have rewatched GOT start to finish seven times already, she still had a few details I had missed which makes me excited to go back and watch yet again.
So whatever your feelings are on the finale(I personally loved it), if you’re a true diehard Thrones fan, please pick up this book. It will complete your fan experience in a way you have not imagined.
August 27, 2019
This book contains a wealth of trivia and behind-the-scenes information about Game of Thrones. The vast majority comes from previously published interviews and articles; however, it is useful to have this data gathered in one place. There are two major problems for me here: 1) The illustrations accompanying the text are uninspiring, especially to someone familiar with the wonderful GOT/ASOIAF fanart out there; 2) the author is too much of an apologist for a pair of incompetent showrunners. Yes, opinions will vary about the ending, but the terrible pacing and the misuse of major characters (for example, Dany turning into a madwoman overnight and Jaime suddenly during a 180 on his redemption arc) will never make narrative sense.
September 25, 2019
The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones is a post-show compilation of theories, facts, and interviews about the much-discussed franchise. While the majority of the information here can obviously be found in endless Reddit threads or anywhere else on the internet, I was appreciative of the author's deep knowledge of the books and how she was able to weave together that lore with the HBO series. However, if you're already a fan of the franchise and have followed it for a while, you may not exactly learn anything new here, but it's a nice book to have on the shelf to glance at occasionally.
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Atria Books.**
**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Atria Books.**
August 26, 2019
Thank you to Net Galley and Atria books for an ARC of this title. This book was written by someone who knows the books, the series and how to weave them together, giving us so much information and insight at the same time. With something as broad in scope as GoT, this is an accomplishment. I'd read a couple of similar books, and I always came across disappointed, because they had information that was easily discovered online. This book, especially the chapter on the music, is full of information that just boggles the mind. If you're a GoT fan, a fan of the books, or just want to see the kind of work and thought that goes into a production like this, I'd highly recommend this.
December 13, 2019
A collection of fun facts and behind-the-scenes details about the entire run of HBO's hit series Game of Thrones, from one of the best GoT-beat journalists out there. If you've read George R.R. Martin's books multiple times and followed the media discussions of GoT during its run (as I did), you might not learn many new things here, but it was still fun to revisit. If you're a more casual fan, I imagine this could be much more revelatory. Renfro largely sticks to a fun-facts tone, but occasionally puts on her critic's hat, when discussing the show's controversial final seasons and, with especial fire, its decision to largely abandon the Stark direwolves.
October 23, 2021
Interesting Read
This has a lot of interesting facts/ stories on the making of GOT, the characters and the actors. It does include information to the very end of the series including how many viewers watched that final episode.
There was a chapter that talked about each episode of the show but didn't really go into much information on the individual episode itself. It might give just a story of how maybe Alfie Allen had trouble with his armor so they did this to it while filming g a scene or that Maisie Williams was infatuated with Ed Sheeran so the producers had him appear in a scene.
This has a lot of interesting facts/ stories on the making of GOT, the characters and the actors. It does include information to the very end of the series including how many viewers watched that final episode.
There was a chapter that talked about each episode of the show but didn't really go into much information on the individual episode itself. It might give just a story of how maybe Alfie Allen had trouble with his armor so they did this to it while filming g a scene or that Maisie Williams was infatuated with Ed Sheeran so the producers had him appear in a scene.
November 14, 2019
I (infamously) reviewed Game of Thrones as a spoiler-free viewer. Let me tell you, it was brutal. I had to wait until the end of the series run to start reading the books, and now when I find myself confused or tangled in the in-depth world-building, I thankfully have this fabulous guide!
It's fun, insightful, and an easy way to dive deep into this fabulous world (that I hope we get more of...). Thank you Kim Renfro for this and all of the insightful articles you've written about GoT for INSIDER over the years!
It's fun, insightful, and an easy way to dive deep into this fabulous world (that I hope we get more of...). Thank you Kim Renfro for this and all of the insightful articles you've written about GoT for INSIDER over the years!
April 29, 2022
My favorite chapters were the ones about the music and the costumes.
I wish the book could have gone into greater depth into certain areas, but it’s really just meant as a broad overview of different interviews and other publications. To my knowledge, there’s nothing “new� in this book that’s not already published, and there may be more comprehensive overviews elsewhere (like Cogman’s Inside HBO’s Game of Thrones).
Nonetheless, still a fun read for me and made me rewatch certain snippets of the show (and if I had more time, it would make me want to rewatch the whole thing!).
I wish the book could have gone into greater depth into certain areas, but it’s really just meant as a broad overview of different interviews and other publications. To my knowledge, there’s nothing “new� in this book that’s not already published, and there may be more comprehensive overviews elsewhere (like Cogman’s Inside HBO’s Game of Thrones).
Nonetheless, still a fun read for me and made me rewatch certain snippets of the show (and if I had more time, it would make me want to rewatch the whole thing!).
February 2, 2021
I'm a huge fan of the Song of Ice and Fire books and really enjoyed the show. This book has a lot of stuff that even a moderate fan probably knows about from reading about the show online. However there were a lot of things I learned and enjoyed in here. If nothing else it serves as a single repository of info about and around the show. I particularly liked the Easter Eggs and behind the scenes sections. All in all, I'm very glad to have read the book.
October 17, 2019
The Unofficial Guide to Game of Thrones offers a really interesting, well-researched, and insightful overview of the Game of Thrones television series. Drawing detailed connections between Martin's novels and Benioff and Weiss's screenplay, Kim Reno explores character histories, wardrobe and scoring choices, memorable quotes, hidden details, various theories and interviews, as well as diverging storylines throughout the show's eight seasons. I appreciated Reno's passion and knowledge of the series. And as someone who hasn't read the books (yet!), I liked that her novel provides an intriguing and digestible introduction into the detailed world of A Song of Ice and Fire.
October 24, 2019
Great GoT bokk
Being a GoT fan of both the show and the books I really enjoyed finding new facts about the show. The part about the music was worth it. One thing is the artwork was sadly lacking and did not add to the book at all. Other than that fact the book is an easy and fun read.
Being a GoT fan of both the show and the books I really enjoyed finding new facts about the show. The part about the music was worth it. One thing is the artwork was sadly lacking and did not add to the book at all. Other than that fact the book is an easy and fun read.
November 10, 2019
Enjoyable, if geeky, review of GOT, or, as she puts it, ASOIAF. A little too much behind the scenes celebrity worship, but who do we scorn so much as those who expose via themselves our own hidden desires? Lots and lots of plot explication. Who knew the world was waiting for an x-rated, crazy violent “Lord of the Rings�? Good book.
September 22, 2019
I was curious about this book and had high expectations. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed as most of the material was already present on the web.
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I received this arc from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
November 14, 2019
This was a fascinating look into Game of Thrones. Kim Renfro writes with humor and obvious affection, and it was such fun to revisit the show through her words, as well as learn about the behind-the-scenes stuff I hadn't known. A great book for Game of Thrones fans!
August 19, 2021
Okay I guess. Goes behind the scenes and links the differences between the books and the show. I like the topic so I figured I'd like the show. For some reason it was kind of boring to me. I may pick it up again later. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood.
July 18, 2022
Very entertaining. If you are a GOT fan you will find this interesting and full of little tidbits about the author, the show, the books, the actors in the show. It was such a good idea for somemone to write a book like this. It was the perfect thing to listen to on a long car ride.
October 15, 2019
An essential book for anyone who's watched the "Game of Thrones" TV series, Kim Renfro's guide is full of sparklingly smart analysis and deep insight into the making of the show.
October 24, 2019
Really great book for both fans of the novels as well as the show. Lots of interesting information.
November 8, 2019
Great book for Game of Thrones fans. Great compilation of information from the writers, George RR Martin, the stars of the show, and the fans. Its worth a read of you're a GOT fan.
December 9, 2019
I really enjoyed this. She covered the series AND the books and also included how they affected each other as the series went on. It was a lot of fun and very informative.
March 23, 2020
Enjoyable read but I do worry about about "Unofficial Guides". I learned a lot but a little of it seemed a stretch. Fun way to spend time!
April 25, 2020
This was an informative guide and I learned a lot about the tv show itself. Overall it was a good read and I really enjoyed reading this.
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