A Game of Thrones
Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel 1997. World Fantasy Award nominee 1997, Nebula Award nominee 1997.
From a master of contemporary fantasy comes a novel of imaginative power unlike any you've ever read before. In A Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin has created a genuine masterpiece, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill the pages of this magnificent saga, the first volume in an epic series sure to delight fantasy fans everywhere.
A GAME OF THRONES
Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen wastes to the north of Winterfell, sinister forces are massing beyond the kingdom's protective Wall. To the south, the king's powers are failing – his most trusted advisor dead under mysterious circumstances and his enemies emerging from the shadows of the throne. At the center of the conflict lie the Starks of Winterfell, a family as harsh and unyielding as the frozen land they were born to. Now Lord Eddard Stark is reluctantly summoned to serve as the king's new Hand, an appointment that threatens to sunder not only his family but the kingdom itself.
Sweeping from a harsh land of cold to a summertime kingdom of epicurean plenty, A Game of Thrones tells a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards who come together in a time of grim omens. Here, an enigmatic band of warriors bear swords of no human metal, a tribe of fierce wildings carry men off into madness, a cruel young dragon prince barters his sister to win back his throne, a child is lost in the twilight between life and death, and a determined woman undertakes a treacherous journey to protect all she holds dear. Amid plots and counterplots, tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, allies and enemies, the fate of the Starks hangs perilously in the balance, as each side endeavors to win that deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.
Unparalleled in scope and execution, A Game of Thrones is one of those rare reading experiences that catch you up from the opening pages, won't let you go until the end, and leave you yearning for more.
”George Martin is assuredly a new master craftsman in the guild of heroic fantasy.” – KATHERINE KERR
”The keen and complex human characters and the convincing force of their surroundings operate as magic... setting George R. R. Martin's first fantasy epic well above the norms of the genre.” – LOCUS
”Offers the rich tapestry that the very best fantasy demands... few created worlds are as imaginative and diverse.” – JANNY WURTS
”A vast, rich saga, with splendid characters and an intricate plot flawlessly articulated against a backdrop of real depth and texture.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS
”A dazzling fantasy adventure... with a great cast of characters that weave a tapestry of court intrigue, skullduggery, vicious betrayal and greathearted sacrifice.” – JULIAN MAY
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George R. R. Martin
George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his epic storytelling, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Martin has captured the imagination of millions of readers globally. Born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he began his writing career as a young man and quickly became known for his distinctive narrative style. With works spanning across novels, short stories, and television scripts, Martin has established himself as a master of fantasy and speculative fiction.
A Song of Ice and Fire
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin is an epic fantasy series that has become a cornerstone of modern speculative fiction. Known for its intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists, this bestselling saga immerses readers in the violent, power-hungry world of Westeros and beyond. Set in a medieval-inspired universe, the series weaves together political intrigue, war, magic, and the supernatural, creating a gripping narrative that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
A Song of Ice and Fire consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Related series A Song of Ice and Fire (related works)
Related series A Song of Ice and Fire: The Graphic Novels
Related series A Targaryen History
Related series The Targaryan Dynasty
Book Reviews
A Game of Thrones is an incredibly clever and powerful book that completely pulls you in. From the very start, I had no idea what was going to happen next, and just when I thought I had figured things out, Martin threw in another twist. The unpredictability of the story is one of the best things about it—you can never feel too comfortable, and that makes it all the more exciting.
What really makes this book stand out is how real the characters feel. Every character has their own ambitions, flaws, and struggles, and there are no clear heroes or villains—just people trying to survive in a brutal world. The political intrigue is masterfully done, and every decision has weight, making it impossible to stop reading.
It's difficult to find enough words to praise this book and the whole series, because George R.R. Martin has managed to create a perfect fantasy series. All I can say is that A Game of Thrones is a unique fantasy book and it's difficult to find similar books. I've read many fantasy books and I like all kinds of fantasy books, but there are certain books which are clearly above all other books. This book is one of those books. The complexity and richness of the characters and the events is truly amazing. If you're not familiar with this book, you should buy it. You won't regret it. A Game of Thrones is an unforgettable reading experience.