A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers areheavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. InA Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, whichLocuscalled "well above the norms of the genre."Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters.  The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances.  Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest.There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, butA Game of Thronesis nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on toA Clash of Kings!--Nona Vero--This text refers to theMass Market Paperbackedition.