Just picked up a game of thrones and a bit confused...

[Mayhs]

Hey guys/girls 1st time on the forums here

i picked up a game of thrones and got confused in the prologue...this may be because i was talking with my friends while reading it...but i just have a few question:

what is the wall?

why are they scared of it?

is there magic in this series like in other fantasy books such as raymond e. feist or does it have different magic like robin hobbs farseer trilogy?

to end on a good note i think what ive read so far is brilliant

Mayhs

[Winters_Sorrow]

The Wall was originally created to the 'Others' out. It is a massive stone & ice construction over 100 feet tall and stretchs across the north from coast to coast.

People don't fear the Wall, but the people who guard it (Nights Watch) are usually taken from the dregs of the dungeons (criminals & thieves) so possibly that's the scary part.
Although there are a few knights on the wall, there isn't as many as previously. It's not seen as an important posting anymore.

And yes, there is magic - although not so much in the first book. The reasons become clearer as the series progressed.

It's a great series - you have chosen wisely

oh, and welcome to the Chronicles Network

[Mayhs]

thnx...ok i understand it now

so there is magic...gdgd

[Young Wolf]

There is magic, but very little and there is a specific reason for this, which will be explained. The magic that you do see is tastefully done and ties in nicely with the plot. I envy you your ignorance. You'll enjoy the book the first time around but you will really appreciate this author when you re-read.

[Mayhs]

i envy your knowledge...can we trade

is there more magics l8r on in the book?

Thnx
Mayhs

[jnr_turtle]

Originally Posted by Mayhs

i envy your knowledge...can we trade

is there more magics l8r on in the book?

No you don't. There's nothing like a first time read, especially for books like these

There is more magic later on in the book, but don't wait for something like a fireball burning a city or anything like that. GRRM at first only shows very nice glimpses of magic and many books in, it all remains very mystical. I hope that doesn't put you off at all though, because magic is dealt with extremely well. There's more of an aura of magic throughout rather than any obvious magic to be seen.

Keep reading and then you can't rant about how great it is to us

[red_temple]

As a matter of fact, the way GRRM deals with magic in this series is one of the key factors that attracts me to it. Very subtle, very much in the background, but very much always there. And looks to become more overt in the upcoming novels.

[Mayhs]

yeh from what ive read so far...only 30 pages because im very busy doing my coursework it is quite weird because its just introducing character after character, and it is a bit difficult keeping track of it...but so far the book is great, because it reminds me of the LOTR

does the book become more focused later on?

BUT it is a gd book...and im going to read it a lot more when ive got more time

Mayhs

[red_temple]

I'd say it becomes, if anything, less focused....

But - you'll know all the characters and plotlines better, so even though more is added, it is easier (much easier) to follow.

[Mayhs]

so im not the only one who was a bit confused at the start?

[AryaUnderfoot]

Mayhs, don't worry, once you have a more intimate knowledge of the characters it will be easier to follow the plotline. I think the key to reading GRRM is having a bit of time on your hands. If you're reading it sporadically you may have trouble remembering who is doing what, where.

[Mayhs]

i understand...

Thnx for all you help people
Mayhs