Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.” ― George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
Whether you were first introduced to the magical land of Westeros and its surrounding continents through the HBO show, or you’ve been a fan of the Fire and Ice series since it was first published in 1996, A Game of Thrones is a classic fantasy adventure everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. With a cast of colorful (and macabre) characters, you will instantly be transported to the land of the Seven Kingdoms and will find it hard to tear yourself away from its pages.
At first the constant character change of view from chapter to chapter might seem confusing, but stick with it and you’re in for a literary adventure. Lords, ladies, knights, prostitutes, undead and more all come vividly to life in the world George R.R. Martin has created and there are plenty of twists, turns, and curveballs along the way. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Martin turns the plot on its head.
We first meet Ned Stark and his family at their home in Winterfell. The entire castle is preparing for a visit from King Robert and his brood which includes his wife, the ice Queen Cersei Lannister. When the King asks his old war buddy to take on the prestigious role as Hand of the King, Ned reluctantly agrees because he is a man of honor even though his young son, Bran, has just suffered from a terrible accident. Taking his two daughters Sansa (who is promised to the king’s heir Joffrey) and Arya, the rebellious tomboy of the group.
Meanwhile in a land far away, the beautiful Daenerys Targaryen is being married off to a barbaric tribe by her manipulative brother, Ned Stark’s bastard son Jon Snow is pledging himself to the Black Watch (a group which promises to protect the kingdom), and a feisty dwarf named Tyrion Lannister tries to clean up the mess his sister the queen and his brother have created. All of these stories eventually come together at the thrilling climax.
Even if you don’t love fantasy, you’ll enjoy this epic tale of love, survival, family honor, and loyalty.
