A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) , by George R. R. Martin
By Peter on Oct 23, 2009 in Classical novel, Excellent book, George R. R. Martin, bestseller, book review, fantasy
A Game of Thrones is one of those big, epic fantasy stories. And this is the first book in the series by George R. R. Martin that is called A Song of Ice and Fire. 
Does it sound fairly familiar?
So why should you bother with this one? There are many answers possible. But the simplest is quite possibly the best: This series is bloody good! It is one of the best ever written in this genre! A masterpiece, simply.
It takes place in a realm where a vast struggle for power is about to erupt into the open. And while the forces are mostly human, there is also a tad magic and dragons. As well, the group of kingdoms is challenged by hordes of powerful and savage forces both from the north and the south. The key story is an intricate political drama with rival houses, love affairs, betrayal, bad advisors, ill-suited kings, and hunger for power, lust, and ambition.
There is a strong resemblance to England during the Wars of the Roses in this story, with the Stark and Lannister families of this book standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. And the conflict between these families plays a prominent part. However, Martin has also borrowed from the Mongol culture, and behind a huge, ancient wall that marks the northern border of the kingdoms lurks the hordes, with barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves ready to menace the south.
As well, Martin is influenced by the fantasy literature. Taken together, this makes for a pretty strong brew.
George R. R. Martin’s story is quite intricate, but also very gripping and truly original. The plot, both in A Game of Thrones and the other books in the series, are winners right off the bat. Even so his greatest strengths lie elsewhere – in his rich, bold and spellbinding writing style and in his many-sided, fully developed, consistent and very memorable characters. The descriptions are vivid but controlled, and many of the book’s images, like the gigantic black skulls of the Targaryen dragons, are very striking.
As well, it is a rather disturbing, gruesome, and in some instances terrible book. You will find some very graphic sex scenes, lots of horrendous, shocking violence, and lots of hardship, heroes that go off dying, treason and treachery.
A Game of Thrones is a book that has been very highly praised – even by fantasy giants like Anne McCaffery, Tad Williams, and Robert Jordan. As well, Martin’s trophy case is stuffed with major prizes, including Hugos, Nebulas, Locus Awards and a Bram Stoker. He is a great writer! I loved reading it, and view it as one of the best contributions to the fantasy genre in years. To my mind, it is right up there along with The Lord of the Rings!
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