I wanted to start this review with something witty, perhaps in the title, but honestly, has a book title ever been more specific about what it will offer than this one? No witty quip is better than the book title at describing exactly what this is – an experience for Game of Thrones fans.
Less an experience of places – despite what the title suggests, and more an experience of facts. And boy, are there facts here.
In fact, there are so many that I’d say this is probably not the book for everyone – but, and here’s the important caveat, the book isn’t aimed at everyone. It’s aimed at Game of Thrones fans. And those fans will certainly enjoy this book.
(This fan, in particular, did.)
Even the hardcore ones – though I don’t count myself as one of them, I have read the books, and more than a few companion books – will find something to enjoy in this book, even if it’s just a refresher. And, for the more normal, TV based, fans, this will be not just an experience, but a revelation.
SO. MUCH. INFORMATION.
And good information too, not superfluous stuff that no one cares about. Though, you could argue Game of Thrones fans care about everything, and you’d probably be right.
You could also argue that Game of Thrones forces you to care about everything, as you’re never sure what will come up later, and I’m pretty sure the author of this wonderful companion book/encyclopedia/collection of facts would agree with me.
In fact, he pretty much bets on it with this book, and considering it’s not exactly a short book and I read it straight through, only pausing to look up even more information, I’m going to go with he was right.
For all of you wondering what, exactly, I’m prattling about; let me share with you the official description of the book, which reads as follows:
Every Game of Thrones fan remembers where they were for Ned Stark’s untimely demise, can hum the tune of “The Rains of Castamere,” and can’t wait to find out Daenerys Targaryen’s next move. But do you know the real inspiration for the Red Wedding? Or how to book a trip to visit Winterfell? 100 Things Game of Thrones Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die is the ultimate resource for true fans. Whether you’ve read all of George R.R. Martin’s original novels or just recently devoured every season of the hit show, these are the 100 things all Game of Thrones fans need to know and do in their lifetime. Pop culture critic Rowan Kaiser has collected every essential piece of Game of Thrones knowledge and trivia, as well as must-do activities, and ranks them all from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom!
The blurb does not lie, it really doesn’t. And, with Game of Thrones season 7 set to premiere a few weeks before the book comes out, it kind of feels like this book is exactly the thing we’ll reach for in our lonely nights between this season, and *gasp* the last one.
And then again, and again.
CONCLUSION: If you like facts, behind-the-scenes factoids, if you want an easy to digest reference book and/or if you’re interested in where Game of Thrones fits in the literary and pop-culture word we inhabit today, this book is a can’t miss, with everything from all the background information you’ll need to kill it at trivia night and analysis of the most well-known theories surrounding the saga to awesome road-trips that would make you the envy of your GOT-loving friends. (And of the internet!)
100 Things Game of Thrones Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die by Rowan Kaiser is scheduled for release by Triumph Books on August 1st. 2017.
