Classic Fantasy Novel: A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Game of Thrones
Author: George R. R. Martin
Pages: 704
Genre: Fantasy

A Game of Thrones is an epic fantasy book that’s become a classic amongst fantasy fans. In this installment the accidental death of the King creates war and havoc in the country of Westeros and pits the Stark and Lannister families against each other, both coveting the empty throne. The deceased King was a Stark, who kept the kingdom at peace through his marriage to Queen Cersei, a Lannister. His death has resulted in chaos and subterfuge amongst both families.

The Plot:

The story unfolds shortly before the death of King Robert. The King asks Eddard Stark to accept the position of his highest advisor, of which Stark begrudgingly accepts. Soon thereafter he and his family move to King’s Landing in the south. In a twist of fate, Stark’s son Bran is involved in what appears to be an accident, but is more likely to be the result of foul play at the hands of the Lannister clan.

The kingdom of Westeros is divided into northern and southern regions. The cold north is aptly named, Winterfell. Winterfell is surrounded by a wall of ice constantly guarded by the Night’s Watch, a group of men sworn to allegiance to the throne and seclusion, abandoning family and friends for the cause. Ironically, Stark’s bastard son Jon decides to join the Night’s Watch, where he becomes a friend to a potential family enemy, a dwarf named Tyrion Lannister.

Another sub-plot involves Daenerys (Dany) Targaryen, a woman who is the true last heir to the kingdom of Westeros. As you can imagine, her life is in constant danger. As such she was forced to flee Westeros as a young girl. Unbeknownst to the Starks and Lannisters, Dany is slowly building her power and her army and plans to take her rightful place on the throne in Westeros.

Elements of medieval European practices, Mongol history, dragons, warfare and European geography make Westeros a wondrous and fantastical kingdom. While there is some sorcery and magic going on in Westeros, most of the plot involves bloody battles and fierce feuds between the dynastic clans. Rape, pillaging and outright murder are also prevalent plot elements in the book. Sexuality and sex are also an integral part of the novel, as some characters struggle with issues of sexual identity.

Author George R. R. Martin employs a unique method in the telling of the story. In A Game of Thrones the plot is peeled away through the eyes of the royal combatants. Chapters are devoted to specific characters in the story which later meld together in the final chapters. A Game of Thrones is the first fantasy book in The Song of Ice and Fire series. Adult readers who enjoy books of intrigue and mystery will most certainly enjoy this truly epic fantasy novel.

All of the Game of Thrones books in order are:

A Game Of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast For Crows

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