A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
The first novel in the epic fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire”.
“A Game of Thrones”, the first novel of a projected epic fantasy series of seven(A Song of Ice and Fire) by George RR Martin was first published in 1996. There are many “spin-off” items that have taken their names from this novel, including several games and HBO has contracted for a pilot episode based on the novels.
In resemblance to England during the “War of the Roses” is the seven kingdoms of Westeros. The story begins in the year 298 AL (After Landing). As its inhabitants await and prepare for the coming four decade winter that will shortly encompass their world, a civil war arises for power between several families. Leaders include Eddard Stark & Tyrion Lannister as well as many others. Unbeknownst to them the young Daenerys Targearyen(exiled daughter of the murdered and rightful king) is headed their way. Daenerys’ plan is to travel to Westeros and then(as rightful heir) claim the throne.
Martin’s style here is masterful. His prose flows beautifully and rings with clarity to the intelligent reader. With each chapter written in the third person limited point of view, there is no sense of “good” or “evil”, but a sense of what “is”. His characters are realistic and believable and their thought process can be analyzed “through their own eyes”.
The storyline is intriguing and unexpected. Instead of reading the same old “happily ever after” faerie tale fantasy, Martin takes us down an entirely new road, paved with intrigue, suspense, politics, war, love, romance and much more.
This is not a read for the faint of heart. There is a good deal of rage, bloodshed, cruelty, death, tragedy, as well as rape, incest, profanity and sex, just as you would find in the real world in this first book of seven in the epic fantasy series.
A compelling and truly amazing piece of work is this 1997 Nebula and World Fantasy nominated winner of the 1997 Locus Award for best fantasy novel and the 2003 Ignotus Award for best foreign novel. It is a must read for all intelligent readers who love fantasy!
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Great article! Thanks for sharing. This is a book I’d really like to read sometime.
I’ve long been a fan of Martin’s, I will look for this book next time out.
Great write thanks for the read.
I am actually about one fourth of the way through the second book, “A Clash of Kings” and am really enjoying it as well. I think I’m going to read the full series. Thanks for your comments
-M
Sounds like a good read…I will look it up next time I visit the book store.
I have never read his books but you have me interested.
Great write, thanks!
Great post.
Just my kind of book. Sounds way too intriguing, so intriguing that I have to read it now. I love anything to do with kings and Queens and war. thanks for the review.
Nice write, Michele. God bless, and it is good to be together again,eh?
Uh oh, my Canadian roots are showing.
Great review on the book Michele!
I feel like reading this book now. I wonder if there is a translation into French, if not I could do it with pleasure !
Take care,
François
That was a powerfully provocative review, and you sold it with sizzle. Great work!
AC
Great review, Sounds like a very interesting book
worth the read
Great review! Sounds really like a good book to read.
Thanks you have introduced me to a new author! Good article.
This book (and the series) is one of the most frustrating books I’ve ever read… yet I could never put it down, and I can’t wait for the rest of the series.