Game of Thrones: Books versus Show

Ah, the eternal conflict.  There is an orthodox faction  among the book readers that claim the show is heresy, and worse, fan fiction. There are some show fans who say those books are way too long and the waiting between them is interminable. In between are many people who enjoy both.

If you are in the first camp, the question that comes to mind is: what did you expect? The novels are both long and dense, and by the very nature of the difference between written and visual media, some of it wont translate well or can't be effectively done at all. There was going to be some editing done by necessity to fit into the time frames of episodes and seasons. With that in mind, every reader would have at least slightly different opinions on what to cut, what to use, what to combine and conflate. So there was bound to be disagreement. In the end, no one is bound to watch the show, so if the viewing experience tarnishes your memories of the story, you are better off just not watching at all.

I've read several opinions claiming that the show has actually improved on the books by streamlining some of the more meandering storylines. While their some truth to this, I think that the glorious sprawl of the books is part of what makes them so amazing. A lot is necessarily lost in the transition from book to show. I would heartily encourage any show fans to give the books a try, there is so much more background information and depth of description to everything you see in the shows, I have a hard time believing you wouldn't enjoy it.

I tend to think of the show and books as two distinct and independent entities, and enjoy them both. I had read the books before the show came out, so it was a real treat to see the characters and locations brought to life. However, after 5 seasons, I'm actually looking forward to seeing the show get ahead of the books this season, and being surprised by developments like the book virgins have been. I'm a little bummed about having the upcoming books spoiled, but given the long waits between books, the effect is somehow lessened. I'm looking forward to a great rest of season 6.

Book Review - Starship Troopers by Robet Heinlein

For a book about fighting a war against an alien species, there are relatively few aliens actually appearing in the story.  Yes, the war against the insect-like aliens forms the backdrop of the tale.  But there are only two scenes actually depicting the combat, bookending the story near the beginning and the end.

Most of the book discusses the training and advancement in the ranks of the protagonist, one Juan Rico.  The book is more intent on putting forth (what I interpret to be) Heinlein’s philosophy of why war is necessary and what the correct attitude towards war should be.  In many ways I was reminded of Steven Pressfield’s Gates of Fire, in that it followed a soldier from raw recruit to seasoned veteran and helped you understand the sacrifices, the camaraderie, and the mindset that allows him to put the interests of his state/planet ahead of his own life.

Heinlein does a wonderful job bringing the character of Rico to life.  He is very believable, although some of the behaviors displayed definitely reflect an old-fashioned 1950’s culture – for example Rico’s interactions with his love interest, Carmen, are strictly G rated.

For those that watched the 1997 film, the satirical tone of the movie is completely absent from the book version.  This might be a bit of a shock for those, like me, who were expecting the book to have many more opportunities to explore the satirical vein.  Instead, the tone is entirely earnest and heartfelt.  One gets the feeling that the society Heinlein describes is his version of utopia.

Overall, a very good book, dragged a little in the middle but beginning and end were quite enjoyable.  If you like it, I recommend checking out Gates of Fire as well.

Compare to: Gates of Fire, Steven Pressfield, which I felt was the superior book.

Game of Thrones Season 6 Episode 1 Reaction

So many things to talk about.

Well we picked back up with JSno, and like his body this plot line is being kept on ice - Davos has his corpse and some Nights Watch Snow loyalists holed up in a room in Castle Black waiting for Thorne to bust in or Ed to get some Wilding reinforcements.  The Red Woman is apparently allowed to come and go as she pleases, which seemed strange to me.  Also strange that after committing treason, the NW posse left Jon's body out in the Snow and went out for pints.  I would have thought they'd drag the body through the streets, put the head on a pike, or at least dance a jig on his remains.

Let's see, Ramsay Bolton honors his dead girlfriend's memory by ... feeding her to his dogs.  That sounds about right.

Sansa finally catches a break, I liked that Podrick reminded her of the words to say.

With only Tommen left, Cersei set to be the most epic helicopter parent of all time.

Sand Snakes being snakes -- Hotah and Doran getting killed was the first time I was surprised by a death on the show (book reader first) it was ... Interesting. With Tyrstane dead too, who's next in line?  Too bad there's no Arienne.  Also ... looks like a huge plot hole having the Sands Snakes on the boat when they were shown on the docks watching the boat leave in the last episode.

Danny's boats are on fire so we're going to Westeros .... never.

Jorah Friendzone - still needs moisturizer.

Danny gets captured by Khal Brogo and his Broriders.  Hilarity ensues.  For some reason they don't immediately recognize her description, but immediately believe her when she says she is Drogo's widow.  Not much chance she'll stay in Vaes Dothraki, though, her dragon ride is bound to show up sooner or later.

And, oh yeah, looks like Melisandre is about 400 years old!

Top 5 Fantasy Heroes - #1

#1 Raistlin Majere

One of the most intriguing characters in the fantasy pantheon, Raistlin was the first anti-hero I came across in the genre. He is at times hard to sympathize with, especially in the Chronicles trilogy, as he is often moody and bitter. But he does show touching glimpses of his humanity, for example when he befriends a gully dwarf, or when he shows actual concern for Crysania. He really comes into his own in the Legends trilogy, where he reaches unprecedented levels of power, but must also deal with his feelings towards his brother and Crysania. Part of what makes Raistlin so magnetic is his single-minded focus on accomplishing his goals. I'm sure that for many awkward teenagers, his appeal has to do with the mindset of "you can laugh at me now, but I'm going to be more powerful than you can imagine, and then I will have the last laugh."