Book Review: A Game of Thrones

 George RR Martin first published A Game of Thrones in 1996.  It has since gone on to become one of the top selling fantasy novels of all time--it frequently tops the Amazon bestseller list and is sure to do so again in the near future.  In fact, HBO is supposed to air a 10 part series of this first book in George RR Martin's bestselling series, A Song of Ice and Fire. 

This book begins with an amazingly detailed scene that takes place in the cold north.  Beyond the Wall that dominates the north lands of Martin's world, something fierce is brewing.  The Others, as they are referred to, begin to move south and the Stark family and their land of Winterfell are what stands between the Others and the rest of the Kingdom.  The Stark family is quickly introduced into the narrative and each of them are very distinct and for the most part, like able characters.  This story moves from there when the King of the entire land, a friend of Lord Stark comes to visit.  He asks Lord Stark to move south and be his advisor.  Things quickly get moving and many like able, hate able, and interesting characters begin to interact in unexpected and sometimes horrific ways. 

I can't say enough good about this novel. If you enjoy anything by Tolkien, Alexander, or some of the other fantasy masters of all time, you will absolutely love this book by George RR Martin. The characters are real. The people are sometimes people you want all the best for, and sometimes they are people you desperately want to fail--and often your wishes for them are not granted.
Martin's world is deep and full of trouble. He deftly avoids the huge reliance that many fantasy authors place on the idea and workings of "magic". Instead, A Game of Thrones reads more like a historical fiction book in a completely real and possible world. And sometimes that is what makes it so terrific and terrifying.

This is not a book for young--mature subjects are dealt with and sometimes the violence, although never gratuitous, if frequent and somewhat graphic.

Go get it and read it. Start immediately. This is easily one of the best fantasy books I have read in the past twenty years. In fact, I rank this book as one of the best fantasy books ever in my Hub Greatest Fantasy Books of All Time.  It moves fast.  It is engrossing.  The characters are full and real.  The voice is perfect--the world is believable (this is often a big problem with fantasy books--they feel unreal and unbelievable), and the dialogue is strong.  Overall, I give this book a 9.75 out of 10.  One of my highest ratings ever--and it deserves it.