Tracking Down That Ice and Fire Audiobook Gem
Craving some Westeros lore during my commute but too tired to flip pages, I remembered George R.R. Martin’s “The World of Ice and Fire” has an audiobook version. My coffee hadn’t kicked in yet, so I fumbled with my phone and punched “Ice and Fire history audiobook” into the search bar like a sleep-deprived maester.
Scrolled through pages of results faster than Littlefinger scheming. Saw different narrators and release dates – super confusing. Roy Dotrice? Yeah, that’s the voice I want for this. Skipped anything that sounded like AI narration or fan recordings. Ain’t nobody got time for robotic dragon descriptions.
Tried Audible first since I already have it. Searched directly in the app while waiting for my toast to pop. Found it within two minutes, but paused when I spotted the price tag. Thought maybe my library app might save me some coin instead. Logged into Libby and tapped around. Total bummer – only the eBook was available. Wasted 15 minutes on hold with library support just to confirm they didn’t have it. Gah!
Went back to Audible grumbling. Saw they had different editions but couldn’t tell which was the full version without digging into details. The “abridged” label hid in the fine print like Tyrion in a barrel. Almost clicked the wrong one before I spotted it. Added the complete Dotrice version to my cart faster than Drogon breathing fire.
Downloaded immediately after checkout. Tested the first chapter while walking my dog. Legit got goosebumps hearing Dotrice’s voice describing Valyrian steel forging techniques. Made picking up poop feel almost epic. Finished the download before Bran could say “I need to become a tree.”
Why bother with this whole song and dance? Last week my car’s CD player died during a road trip. Had zero entertainment for 4 hours stuck in traffic. Never again. This audiobook stays downloaded permanently now – White Walkers could invade and I’d still have Targaryen history on my phone.
