After watching the show no less than three times through, I finally read the books and wow, it lives up to the hype. What they say is true: the book is always better than the adaptation. There’s something about reading from each character’s POV that adds so much depth and nuance to an already rich story.

That said, I have to give credit where it’s due: aging up the characters for the show was the right call. It’s hard to imagine some of these situations playing out with the younger versions we see in the book.

Overall, Game of Thrones as a novel feels even more moody, mysterious, and layered than the show. Every chapter pulls you deeper into this sprawling, dangerous world. It’s a masterclass in intrigue and character development. No wonder it became the cultural phenomenon it is today.