Fans of Arthurian settings will be at home in Martin's world of kings and queens, lords and ladies, battles and political intrigue. Joffrey Baratheon, at 13, is Robert's eldest son, and he sits on the Iron Throne. Joffrey is aided by his mother, Queen Cersei, and the dwarf, Tyrion Lannister, adviser to the King. Joffrey's uncles, Stannis and Renley, each has declared himself king and has gathered armies to back up his claim. The world is one whose seasons can last 10 years.
Summer draws to a close now and the long winter looms, with more than merely the cold as a threat.
Swordsmen march, ships sail, castles are rife with politics and strange alliances. The cast of characters, Great Houses and Small, noble and common, is large indeed. An appendix that lists only the names and affiliations of people mentioned runs 28 pages. This is an adult read. If you have read the first in this series and enjoyed it, all you need know is that the second one is out.