A Game of Thrones
A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One
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4.6 • 7.8K Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
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 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.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Game of Thrones has become such a pop-culture phenomenon that it’s easy to forget it all began with George R. R. Martin’s words. Even after many seasons of great TV, the power of Martin’s storytelling—and the energy of now-legendary characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow—leap off the page. It’s gripping whether you’re reading it for the first time or the dozenth. Martin is famously unafraid of putting his creations in harm’s way, keeping us unbalanced at every turn and establishing a world as vivid and brutal as any in fantasy lit.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
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.
Customer Reviews
Very good book!
But where is Elden Ring, George?
Amazing
Detailed, amazing,interesting, vivid. I love this series with every chapter more and more.
Epic!
This is a fantastic series!! I’m on a mission to read 50 books in a year. I’ve hit the halfway mark and decided to reread this series since Dance wasn’t out yet when I read it previously. I’m a huge fan of the show - but like most, the books are better by far. A Game of Thrones kept me captured the entire way through. Dany is my favorite character and I found myself reading and then counting the chapters until I would hear from her again. Martins style of story telling is beautiful.. I love how much detail is poured into these books but yet they move through time quickly without sacrifice. It’s easy to while the day away reading this book. If you’re debating whether to read them, you must! The size of the book is a little intimidating, but once you’ve sunk your teeth in you’ll be so glad because the story is soooo amazing! I feel this book and the first season of the show are most alike. Once you move on to A Clash of Kings you’ll notice more of the story is left out of the show. I’m looking forward to the final two books... I have full confidence that George will hook us up with a fabulous ending that gives us all the detail we crave.
Also, for the huge fans like me.. read A World of Ice and Fire. It isn’t written as a story like this series, but I loved the reading the history of Westeros. Just an absolute phenomenal world created here!! Through and through.