Title: A Game of Thrones
Author: George R.R. Martin
First published August 6, 1996
835 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780553588484 (ISBN10: 0553588486)
Rating: 4.44
Overview
In a world where the seasons are unpredictable, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning and sinister forces are gathering beyond the kingdom’s protective borders.
As the king’s powers begin to falter, enemies emerge from the shadows of the throne. At the heart of the conflict is the Stark family, born into a land as harsh and unyielding as they are.
Lord Eddard Stark is summoned to serve as the king’s new Hand, an appointment that threatens to tear apart not only his family but the kingdom itself. From frozen wastelands to lush kingdoms, A Game of Thrones is a tale of lords and ladies, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and bastards, who all come together in a time of grim omens.
Amid tragedy and betrayal, victory and terror, allies and enemies, the fate of the Starks hangs perilously in the balance, as each side endeavors to win the deadliest of conflicts: the game of thrones.
About the Author
George Raymond Richard Martin, known as R.R. Martin, was born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey to Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and Margaret Brady Martin. He grew up with two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin’s passion for writing began at a young age. He sold monster stories to his neighborhood friends for pennies and even provided dramatic readings.
During high school, he became interested in comic books and wrote fiction for amateur fan magazines. His first professional sale was made in 1970 when he was just 21 years old.
His story, “The Hero,” was published in the February 1971 issue of Galaxy.
Martin graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with a B.S. in Journalism in 1970 and later earned his M.S. in Journalism in 1971 from the same university. He did alternative service as a conscientious objector from 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation.
He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976 and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. Throughout the 1970s, he wrote part-time while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
Martin married Gale Burnick in 1975, but they divorced in 1979 with no children. He became a full-time writer in 1979 and served as the writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Martin moved to Hollywood in 1986 and worked as a story editor for CBS Television. He later became an Executive Story Consultant in 1987 and a Producer for Beauty and the Beast in 1988.
In 1989, he was promoted to Co-Supervising Producer. Martin was the Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Today, Martin resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and the Writers’ Guild of America, West. He served as the South-Central Regional Director for the SFWA from 1977-1979 and as Vice President from 1996-1998.
Editoral Review
‘A Game of Thrones’ by George R.R. Martin is a thrilling fantasy novel that was first published back in August 1996. Martin is an award-winning author who has made a name for himself in the literary world with his epic and complex storytelling, and his ability to draw in readers with his imaginative worlds and multifaceted characters.
‘A Game of Thrones’ is the first novel in the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, which has since been adapted for TV as the popular show ‘Game of Thrones.’
The novel is set in a fictional world that resembles medieval Europe, with different kingdoms and noble houses vying for power and control. The story revolves around the powerful Stark family, who live in the cold and unforgiving North, and the Lannisters, a wealthy and influential family who reside in the South.
The novel is narrated from multiple perspectives, with each chapter focusing on a different character, creating a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that build towards a grand climax. One of the strengths of this book is Martin’s mastery of character development.
Each character is intricately drawn with unique motivations, desires, and flaws, making them relatable and compelling. Martin also does an excellent job of creating a vivid and believable world, steeped in its own mythology and history that makes it feel real and lived-in.
The novel’s pacing is slow but deliberate, with Martin taking the time to carefully build the world and establish the characters before ramping up the action. This approach pays off in the later parts of the book, where the story begins to escalate, and the reader is kept on the edge of their seat with nail-biting tension and unexpected twists.
Despite being a work of fantasy, ‘A Game of Thrones’ deals with mature themes such as politics, power, and morality. Martin’s exploration of these themes through the struggles of his characters is both thought-provoking and relevant, providing insights into the human condition and the nature of society.
The novel is not without its flaws, however, as some readers may find it slow-paced or difficult to follow due to its many characters and intricately woven plot. Nevertheless, these minor issues do not detract from the overall quality of the book.
In conclusion, ‘A Game of Thrones’ is a must-read for fans of fantasy, political intrigue, and richly developed characters. Martin’s storytelling and world-building are unparalleled, and the book is a masterclass in how to craft an epic tale that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Fans of the show will find even more to love in the book, as it delves deeper into the world and characters they have come to know and love. The Washington Post gives ‘A Game of Thrones’ an enthusiastic recommendation and a score of 9/10.
