NOW THE ACCLAIMED HBO SERIES GAME OF THRONES—THE MASTERPIECE THAT BECAME A CULTURAL PHENOMENON Winter is coming. Such is the stern motto of House Stark, the northernmost of the fiefdoms that owe allegiance to King Robert Baratheon in far-off King’s Landing. There Eddard Stark of Winterfell rules in Robert’s name. There his family dwells in peace and comfort: his proud wife, Catelyn; his sons … wife, Catelyn; his sons Robb, Brandon, and Rickon; his daughters Sansa and Arya; and his bastard son, Jon Snow. Far to the north, behind the towering Wall, lie savage Wildings and worse—unnatural things relegated to myth during the centuries-long summer, but proving all too real and all too deadly in the turning of the season.
Yet a more immediate threat lurks to the south, where Jon Arryn, the Hand of the King, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert is riding north to Winterfell, bringing his queen, the lovely but cold Cersei, his son, the cruel, vainglorious Prince Joffrey, and the queen’s brothers Jaime and Tyrion of the powerful and wealthy House Lannister—the first a swordsman without equal, the second a dwarf whose stunted stature belies a brilliant mind. All are heading for Winterfell and a fateful encounter that will change the course of kingdoms.
Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys, heir of the fallen House Targaryen, which once ruled all of Westeros, schemes to reclaim the throne with an army of barbarian Dothraki—whose loyalty he will purchase in the only coin left to him: his beautiful yet innocent sister, Daenerys.
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This book is what started it all! Fantastic. With each plot turn and death. Creative, imaginative. Addicting!
I guess I’m one of those rare people who don’t find this world that interesting. I enjoyed the first book well enough, I suppose, but there was really nothing that compelled me to read further (or watch the series).
As a positive, though, I will say that the world building here is extremely skillful, never bogging down into dry exposition (a la …
Force yourself to read the whole series. So good and while the first book and the show are almost identical, later books vary and are just as good! Love love love
Read the first book took a long time felt like I had to keep telling myself to go read it in order to finish it. The second book is following the same way. One of the rare instances where I like the show more than the book.
Amazing book. Read it from cover to cover and enjoyed the whole thing.
Good read!
too much violence and rape
I sent these books to my Mom before I had actually read them myself. When I read them, I was appalled at my mother’s likely reaction. She was riveted, as was I.
I really enjoyed this book and was excited to read the others in the series, however by the time I read the last I was over them. I f you can read one or two books in a series you may enjoy it as well. If you are a “completist”… I’d say pass.
Can’t get enough of this to fill me, And when I watch the series , every time the credits start rolling I yell “What! NOOOOOO! I want MORE!!!!”
I could not get enough of these books! The story line grabs you and does not let go. Love, hate , murder, mystery, fantasy, everything you could want in a great book.
This isn’t one of those series that got super popular for no reason. This is the most original work of fantasy I’ve ever read. I just hope he lives to finish the books.
love the w hole series
Usually I like to read the book first then watch the movie – but this one has so many characters I had to flip my usual routine. So much happening so early! Had to buy the hard copy to keep flipping back and forth for references.
Better than the show
There’s a reason this is one of the most popular series today, and it’s not just because of the HBO show. “A Game of Thrones” is one of the best-written series I’ve read in a long time. We’re talking plots inside plots, impossible-to-predict twists, and so many amazing characters that you’ll have a hard time picking a favorite. Every word is a …
that aggravating bugger martin enjoys killing the characters he’s made you like…
The author creates characters you love right away, and others who are vile and despicable. Those we love suffer and die too soon, and the villains flourish and evade justice far too long. Many plot twists kept me reading into the wee hours.
Can’t imagine why this would need yet another review!? Even readers who are not typical fantasy fans will enjoy this. On par with Dune quality world and universe building, with a fantasy bent rather than sci fi. Don’t let the HBO series be the only version you get.
Read the originals when they were first released. Had to wait 5-6 years between each book.