Synopsis
The sequel to A GAME OF THRONES, this massive novel follows behind-the-throne machinations in all corners of the Westeros, as men (and women) vie to seize the kingdom by trickery, bloodshed, or magic. Meanwhile, the various disjunct members of House Stark struggle to survive in the war-torn land, while Daenerys Taragaryen and her ever-growing power continue to lurk in the wings.
| Details | | Publication Date: | 1999-03-01 | | Series: | Song of Ice and Fire/George R. R. Martin, Books 2 |
| Size | | Length: | 761 pages | | Height: | 10.0 in | | Width: | 6.3 in | | Thickness: | 1.8 in | | Weight: | 36.8 oz |
Publisher's Note
Lord Eddard Stark is dead; his family scattered. His eldest son has declared himself King in the north. His daughter Sansa has been bonded to the Lannister heir who rules in the south. Theon Greyjoy seeks to restore the supremacy of the Greyjoy line. The two brothers of the late king each desire their liege's throne. Now five separate factions seek to control a land which is slowly being torn apart not only by internal politics and the slow return of an ancient magic, but also by an encroaching winter that might well last a lifetime. And a continent away, Danaerys Stromborn, last surviving member of the previous ruling family, gathers her own inhuman forces about her.
Transporting readers into a forgotten land of revelry and revenge, wizardry and warfare, Martin weaves a tale in which maidens cavort with madmen, brother plots against brother, and the dead rise to walk in the night.
Industry Reviews
First there was the award-winning A Game of Thrones, but you'll find no games here. Five factions fight for the crown in Martin's fantasy country.
Leuchtenburg
The second novel of Martin's titanic Song of Ice and Fire saga (A Game of Thrones, 1996) begins with Princess Arya Stark fleeing her dead father's capital of King's Landing, disguised as a boy. It ends with the princess, now known as Weasel, having led the liberation of the accursed castle of Harrenhal. In between, her actions map the further course of a truly epic fantasy set in a world bedecked with 8000 years of history, beset by an imminent winter that will last 10 years and bedazzled by swords and spells wielded to devastating effect by the scrupulous and unscrupulous alike. Standout characters besides Arya include Queen Cersei, so lacking in morals that she becomes almost pitiable; the queen's brother, the relentlessly ingenious dwarf Tyrion Lannister; and Arya's brother, Prince Brandon, crippled except when he runs with the wolves in his dreams. The novel is notable particularly for the lived-in quality of its world, created through abundant detail that dramatically increases narrative length even as it aids suspension of disbelief; for the comparatively modest role of magic (although with one ambitious young woman raising a trio of dragons, that may change in future volumes); and for its magnificent action-filled climax, an amphibious assault on King's Landing, now ruled by the evil Queen Cersei. Martin may not rival Tolkien or Robert Jordan, but he ranks with such accomplished medievalists of fantasy as Poul Anderson and Gordon Dickson. Here, he provides a banquet for fantasy lovers with large appetites and this is only the second course of a repast with no end in sight. Author tour. (Feb.)
White
| See an error? Submit a change request |
All rights reserved.
