A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin (1997, Paperback, Reprint)

George R. R. Martin does an amazing job with the opening book in his A Song of Ice and Fire series.

In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six, he rewards fantasy-fans with a vividly real world (Martin is a history aficionado and draws heavily on Midieval vassalage, chivalry, and honor), well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautiful prose. This is easily much better written than many other fantasy series. There is no writing for the sake of filling space. The way in which he tells the story is also unique - each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters in the book. Each chapter has the title as the name of that character. Martin is also not afraid to kill off his main characters - even though the readers often become very attached to them. There is no political drivel or commentary from the author injected into a character's words which so often can ruin a series (a la Terry Goodkind). Martin is just telling a story - he is not judging his characters or saying what is right and what is wrong. The action also occurs at a healthy pace. There are rarely any lulls to plod through. Definitely one of the cleaner, better fantasy books that I have ever read.

This book is also for mature audiences only. It is graphic in many cases. Martin portrays reality. Happy reading!

George RR Martin is simply put, a master of his craft. His books are amazing and the entire series, A Song of Ice and Fire is amazing.

The book was delivered in no time. The book was just what the seller said it was (it was in good condition, and had the exact cover that was shown in the picture). I would definitely buy from this seller again.

One of the best science fiction sagas ever written. Character development is second to none. These books will make you want to find other science fiction this good, but there isn't any. I recommend this to all. If the author ever finishes the saga I'll be happy;)

This fantasy novel is not your typical magic and swords fantasy book. It is excellence. I know this doesn't say much about it, but trust me, this book is the best of the best.

I absolutely love this book! It's intricate and delicate as well as being raw and powerful. This is the first book in a seris that spans at least six books now. Discover how it all began with this compelling novel!

Never received the book, and the seller is no longer on ebay. Was very disappointed. Oaud for it on Paypall and later received my payment for the book back.

Fantasy readers will find a rewarding experience when they delve into Martin's epic fantasy series. A Game of Thrones creates the usual fantasy genre world with Medieval technology and sensibilities, and Martin enriches it with abundant detail, deft use of political intrigue, and a many-layered development of the social order of his magical realms.

Written on the scale of a true epic, A Game of Thrones covers many different lands from harsh northern landscapes of old piney forests, to wealthy cities with high castles, scorching deserts, and barbaric nomadic encampments. An overarching theme of the world is its peculiar climatic state in which seasons shift slowly. It can be summer for decades and winter for decades. As A Game of Thrones opens, it is said that the summer is fading, and with much foreboding, that the time of winter is coming.

The social order consists of nobles and commoners, referred to cleverly as smallfolk. Religious power is dominated by the state church that worships the Seven, but this has been superimposed upon a far older religion that was closer to nature. All the castle strongholds of the ancient families contain a sacred grove called a Godswood. Once all the Godswoods contained a heart tree as a divine presence, but most have been ripped out since the rise of the Seven. However, one of the main noble families in the story, the Starks, still honor the Old Gods and have a heart tree in their family's Godswood.

A scholarly order called the Maesters is also an important player in the social order. The men of this order are learned in many subjects, almost limitless subjects if they are ambitious, and they also fulfill the function of delivering medical care. Each noble family has a Maester in its household. Maesters also handle most communication with letters and messenger crows.

An omnipresent force in the story is the Wall in the north. It is an ancient and massive construction of ice that guards civilization from the Wildling people of the far north and other more threatening supernatural dangers. The Wall is manned by the Night's Watch. Members of the Night's Watch take no wives and are ostensibly sworn to celibacy. Some men volunteer for the Night's Watch, which is called taking the black, but since the duty is hardly attractive, necessity demands that the ranks be filled from captured criminals as well.

No review can attempt to convey the full complexity of the plot of A Game of Thrones, but suffice to say the flashpoint of the fantasy novel's immense plot is the overthrow of the entrenched dynasty of the Targaryens by Robert Baratheon, which took place about a half a generation prior to the opening of the novel. Upon this setting of a recent upheaval, old ambitions and resentments linger among powerful families based on who sided with whom during the war between Baratheon and the Targaryens. Also, two heirs of the Targaryens survive in exile and plot to reclaim their kingdom.

The strength of Martin as a writer comes through in his characters. He constructs his fantasy novel entirely from the point of view of different characters. Each chapter is named for the character that will be guiding the story for that portion of the novel. The style of Martin's story telling has more modern grit than fairy tale charm. His fantasy is not meant for children, which has made him a resounding success. Additionally, Martin has mastered the cliffhanger. He knows how to make readers want more.

My son first read this book, passed it on to his wife, then she passed it on to her sister in law who passed it on to me. It's that good! I had loaned it to a friend and my daughter came to visit so we went on Ebay to get her a copy.
There are 4 books in this series and those who are finished with the 4th book are waiting with much anticipation for George R.R. Martin to finish his 5th. No other book will be the same after experiencing "A Game of Thrones".

THE BOOK IS THE BEGINNING OF A GEORGE R.R. MARTIN SERIES. IT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE AT BOOKSTORES AND THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY TO GET ONE AND THE SELLER HAD A REALLY GOOD COPY.

I was looking for a book that was not new but was still in good condition. You had the best price for what I was looking for. The book was just as you explained and arrived in a timely manner. Thank you for your kind and loving care in shipping this book to me.

This is the best book by far that i have ever read. Not only should you buy/read this book but also the other three in the seris: A clash of kings, A storm of swords & a Feast for crows. Comming out soon: A Dance with Dragons!

I was given the third book in this series to read and found George R. Martin's writing style fascinating. So much so, that I came to eBay to locate and purchase the other two in the series. I especially enjoyed the parallel story lines, subsequent weaving of characters crossing the same real estate along diferent timelines. An excellent read. I look forward to reading the fourth book "A Clash of Crows".