Good: The characters are human, with flaws AND redeeming qualities. Their self-conflicts are as much an influence in their lives as the conflicts with their families and enemies. The writing is very descriptive, letting you live among them.
Bad: The characters are revealed in their own chapters, which sometimes makes the stories disjointed and hard to follow. The first book is by far the best, with the following books more and more diluted.

The ugly: None of it. It was all worth the read!

Currently reading the first book. I watched the HBO series before reading which I feel helps with keeping track of all the different characters. So far I see that the TV series stuck very close to the books. There are small differences in the book that I enjoy much more than the TV series. I have heard from others that there is more magic in the books than the TV series and I am very excited to get to that point in the books.

I first read the Game of Thrones set before the HBO series began. I found the first four noviels in the local library and tore through them non-stop. I waited for years for the fifth book and eventually heard about it after HBO picked it up. But the other life intervened and the bloom was past and I never picked it up. Recently we bought the first six seasons and again tore through this fascinating epic. Since we don't get HBO, we now sit waiting -- and I thought, what a good time to re-read the books. eBay to the rescue! Saved a bundle and got the set in perfect new condition. I had actually started re-watching the HBO series (to help with the semi-withdrawal) when I realized that now is the time to re-read the books first. What a great decision that has proved to be!! The Game of a Thrones is a big, sprawling epic and, for me at least, it was difficult on first read to keep all the characters, settings and stories straight. Having seen the series, the characters are now more vivid, more full of life and fit so well with the novels -- that is a rather rare experience. Having faces to put with the characters, in this case, actually helps. And even the few mismatched descriptions (most are spot-on!) don't bother the narrative. Would I feel the same if this weremy first read having seen the HBO series first? I'm not sure, but I do find it immensely satisfying and VERY "immersive" to have the previous reading as well as the series to draw on to support my current life with the Song of Fire and Ice. Regardless, first read, second or even more, I can only recommend these books -- among the best of fantasy ever written.

The books start out with maps so that you can get a better understanding of the locations. If you watched the show and are a fan, these books are a must read. Although many things are the same, so much more details are given that you wouldn't know without reading the books. You'll learn more about the characters such as their true ages. You'll learn more about everything. It's just way too much to list. Read these. You'll only wish you had read them sooner. I can't say enough good things about this author. He's a legend. The books are really long but that's just because it's such a detailed story, one that took five books to tell. They are great!!! You'll be hooked from the beginning.