Review of A Game of Thrones

For those readers wishing an unspoiled read of this novel, please look elsewhere as spoilers may be present.

I wanted to read some more fantasy epics before returning to Jordan’s Wheel of Time, and several people on the messageboards and internet reviews kept referring to Martin’s Song of Ice and Fire series, touting its greatness. So, I bit. I picked up a copy to see what everyone was clamoring about. As it turns out, the book’s not bad. (And both Song and Wheel series have dragons reborn.)

Martin’s Game of Thrones is book one of a several book series set in a fantasy world. I will say that compared to the Eye of the World, Game of Thrones moves quickly—allowing readers a better grasp at the world at hand, and empathy for the Stark family and their direwolves. I can even felt kinship, of sorts, with the dwarf Lannister and the house Targaryen.

The story takes focus on the Stark family and their struggles to maintain dignity and worth in the changing world. Events set into motion carry the Starks into despair and ruination that only a sword may spare them from.

The main thrust of the Stark story is the family’s figurehead and his ties to the king. A servant to the king is killed, and Eddard Stark is called upon to help the king once more. While investigating the murder of the servant, Stark is wrapped deeper into intrigues as the court comes apart towards the end, taking Stark with them.

The story is more accessible than other series I’ve read, and that is a good thing when dealing with the first volume of a series. The world’s back history and details are given more towards the end, or in brief bits as not to overwhelm the reader. Those who dislike cliffhangers may also be warned about the quick chapter build-ups, only to shift to another viewpoint character half the world away.

I look forward to the other volumes in this series, even though I’m in for a bit of a wait between volumes.