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  • Winter is Coming

  • Symbols and Hidden Meanings in A Game of Thrones
  • By: Valerie Estelle Frankel
  • Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
  • Length: 3 hrs and 27 mins
  • 3.9 out of 5 stars (75 ratings)
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Winter is Coming cover art

Winter is Coming

By: Valerie Estelle Frankel
Narrated by: Oliver Wyman
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Summary

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.

What listeners say about Winter is Coming

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A Sony of Speculation

What would have made Winter is Coming better?

Less theorizing, speculation, conjecture, and second guessing the Author's intent as well the Film scriptwriters as she includes the HBO series.

Has Winter is Coming put you off other books in this genre?

Absolutely not I have been reading SF since 1955. And GRR Martin since 1986

What does Oliver Wyman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

You would have a better understanding and therefore enjoyment of the Ice and Fire books The authors conjectures only confuse an already complex storyline

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Winter is Coming?

I would not have accepted it for production

Any additional comments?

I am only surprised that the author did not include a reference to Area 51 in Nevada I believe her speculation is in the same category. I hope GRR Martin has a good laugh at these theories

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Mildly diverting

Would you try another book written by Valerie Estelle Frankel or narrated by Oliver Wyman?

Probably not.

What was most disappointing about Valerie Estelle Frankel’s story?

Some sections are repeated. I appreciate that some events/themes may be relevant in several sections but repeating the points word for word is annoying.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Different voices are not really informative.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

A mixture of "more informed" and "annoyed".

Any additional comments?

An interesting reminder of some points in advance of Series 4.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Basically a YouTube theory video in book form

As I’ve read all the asoiaf books several times I learned absolutely nothing new by reading this one. I believed it would shed some new light on the series plot lines, but alas no. For a real analysis of the series one would be better of searching on YouTube.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well researched, knowledgeable companion piece

I've always heard George R. R. Martin say in interviews that he was inspired by English history and the battle for the monarchy. The rise and fall of houses can be seen in his book series. I've never delved further into this and thanks to this book I don't have to.

It is clear that the author knows her history, historical characters and their counterpart Game of Thrones characters. This part of the book is my favourite and what I found most interesting.

The first part of this book is a look at the prophecies, theories and characters of the series. I don't think there was anything that I hadn't heard before, but I didn't disagree with the reasoning behind them. Which is a bonus as nothing puts me off with a theory quicker than disagreeing with the reasoning.

The narration is good and relays the information succinctly. It is a short book that can be listened to in one day. I would recommend for fans of the show or even if you have a slight interest in it and want to dive a little bit deeper into the show.
Worth a listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

insights into Game of Thrones

Very interesting. This book is very helpful in knitting together ideas from the epic tale

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