Series: Book 1 in the A Song of Ice and Fire series
Rating: ****
Tags: Fiction, General, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Epic, Lang:en
Summary
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are
left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they
reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new
installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page
doorstoppers are
heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of
characters through a myriad of subplots. In
A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected
six, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real
world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting,
and beautifully constructed prose, which
Locus called "well above the norms of the
genre." Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars
of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing
in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two
families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne
dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge,
ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which
barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as
years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives
among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest. There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but
A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it
garnered a __!
--Nona Vero
In a world where the approaching winter will last four
decades, kings and queens, knights and renegades struggle for
control of a throne. Some fight with sword and mace, others
with magic and poison. Beyond the Wall to the north,
meanwhile, the Others are preparing their army of the dead to
march south as the warmth of summer drains from the land.
After more than a decade devoted primarily to TV and screen
work, Martin (The Armageddon Rag, 1983) makes a triumphant
return to high fantasy with this extraordinarily rich new
novel, the first of a trilogy. Although conventional in form,
the book stands out from similar work by Eddings, Brooks and
others by virtue of its superbly developed characters,
accomplished prose and sheer bloody-mindedness. Although the
romance of chivalry is central to the culture of the Seven
Kingdoms, and tournaments, derring-do and handsome knights
abound, these trappings merely give cover to dangerous men
and women who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.
When Lord Stark of Winterfell, an honest man, comes south to
act as the King's chief councilor, no amount of heroism or
good intentions can keep the realm under control. It is
fascinating to watch Martin's characters mature and grow,
particularly Stark's children, who stand at the center of the
book. Martin's trophy case is already stuffed with major
prizes, including Hugos, Nebulas, Locus Awards and a Bram
Stoker. He's probably going to have to add another shelf, at
least. Major ad/promo.
Amazon.com Review
From Publishers Weekly
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.