First real mainstream GoT review up

A few bloggers have been giving their impressions of Game of Thrones, but most of them are fantasy-niche and/or fans of the book series already. The Hollywood Reporter is neither niche nor previously familiar with the books, so far as I can tell, but their review (found here) is very positive and makes it sounds like GoT has definitely found the ability to attract the general public. Their remarks on how the immense complexity of ASoIaF translates to a miniseries are especially interesting:

...That kind of start to the 10-part series was essential because Game of Thrones is a complicated story with numerous characters and a dense, interwoven back-story. Though it demands attention, Thrones never once bogs down. It’s the kind of drama where, when the first episode ends, you wish the nine others were immediately available. And that validates HBO’s notion that television is the perfect medium for a fantasy series done right. Getting Martin’s Thrones, the gold-standard, could end up landing HBO its next franchise...What that means, essentially, is that there’s a tight grip on the storytelling and a real understanding of who each person is – traits that make the complexity easier to bear....What we have here is the successful pairing of an acclaimed collection of fantasy books with a television series that illuminates and expands what’s on the page. Worth the wait? Absolutely. And even if you have no idea what all the fuss is about, you should get in from the start absorb Martin’s fantastical tale.

Sounds like this is going to be good. Whether or not you're familiar with the books, definitely give this one a chance, and if you like to read and haven't checked out the books yet, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on the first book, A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, and start reading now--it's a long journey, but one that rewards its readers a thousandfold for the initial investment you make. The other three published books in the series, in order, are A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, and A Feast for Crows, and book five (of a predicted seven), called A Dance with Dragons, hits stores July 12th--now is the best time in ages to get involved.