Title: A Game of Thrones
First published: January 5, 1998
Description: ***A Game of Thrones*** is the inaugural novel in ***A Song of Ice and Fire***, an epic series of fantasy novels crafted by the American author **George R. R. Martin**. Published on August 1, 1996, this novel introduces readers to the richly detailed world of Westeros and Essos, where political intrigue, power struggles, and magical elements intertwine.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character, allowing readers to experience the narrative from various angles. This complex structure has become a hallmark of Martin's storytelling, immersing readers in the lives and motivations of a diverse cast.

### Plot Summary

Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the narrative revolves around the power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The story is rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and epic battles, as well as a deep exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of power.

### Themes

The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral complexities of leadership. It delves into the consequences of ambition and the struggle between personal honor and political necessity. The richly detailed world-building and intricate character development make ***A Game of Thrones*** a compelling and immersive read.

### Key Characters

- **Eddard "Ned" Stark**: The honorable Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, known for his unwavering honor and sense of duty.
- **Catelyn Stark**: The devoted wife of Eddard Stark, whose strength and wisdom guide her family through challenging times.
- **Robert Baratheon**: The King of the Seven Kingdoms, who won the throne through rebellion. His reign is marked by political intrigue and personal struggles, reflecting the broader conflicts of the realm.
- **Cersei Lannister**: The ambitious and cunning Queen of Westeros, whose political acumen and determination make her a formidable presence in the court.
- **Jaime Lannister**: A skilled swordsman and member of the Kingsguard, known for his prowess in battle and complex loyalties.
- **Tyrion Lannister**: The witty and resourceful dwarf, known for his sharp mind and cunning, navigating the treacherous politics of the realm.
- **Daenerys Targaryen**: An exiled princess of House Targaryen, seeking to reclaim her birthright and restore her family's dynasty.
- **Jon Snow**: The bastard son of Eddard Stark, who joins the Night's Watch and faces unique challenges in the far north.
- **Sansa Stark**: The eldest daughter of Eddard Stark, initially known for her naivety and romantic ideals, who learns to navigate the complexities of court life.
- **Arya Stark**: The youngest daughter of Eddard Stark, known for her spirited and adventurous nature, seeking her own path in the world.
- **Bran Stark**: The second son of Eddard Stark, whose life takes a dramatic turn.

### Awards and Recognition

- Winner of the 1997 Locus Award
- Nominated for the 1997 Nebula Award
- Nominated for the 1997 World Fantasy Award
- Winner of the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Novella for "Blood of the Dragon," which includes the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel
- Became a New York Times Bestseller in January 2011 and reached No. 1 on the list in July 2011

Followed by: [***A Clash of Kings***][1]

[1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257939W
Subjects: Adult, Action & Adventure, Fantasy, High Fantasy, Epic, Epic Fantasy, Epic Fiction, Epic Literature, Fiction, fantasy, epic, Fiction, fantasy, general, Science Fiction, Fantastic Fiction, Fiction, Ficción, Moral Ambiguity, Betrayal, Loyalty, Family, Revenge, Vengeance, Bien y mal, Civil War, War and Conflict, Imaginary Wars and Battles, Guerras imaginarias, Politics, Intrigue, Feudalism, Royalty and Nobility, Kings and Rulers, Knights, Courts and Courtiers, Seasons, Invierno, Trial by Combat, Voyages and Travels, Walls, Penal Colonies, Magic, Dragons, Supernatural, Wights, Folk Healers, Incest, Forced Marriage, Persistent Vegetative States, Imaginary Places, Seven Kingdoms (Imaginary Place), Hugo Award Winner, Ignotus Award Winner, Locus Award Winner, New York Times Bestseller, Fantasy fiction, Novela, Reyes y soberanos, Guerra civil, nyt:trade_fiction_paperback=2011-09-10, Accessible book, Protected DAISY, OverDrive, nyt:mass-market-paperback=2011-04-10, Seven kingdoms (imaginary place), fiction, American Fantasy fiction, general, good and evil, winter, series:A Song of Ice and Fire
Places: Westeros, Seven Kingdoms, North, Winterfell, Winter town, Karhold, Last Hearth, White Harbor, Wolfswood, White Knife, Bear Island, Gift, Mole's Town, Wall, Castle Black, Shadow Tower, Eastwatch-by-the-Sea, Long Barrow, Beyond the Wall, Haunted forest, Riverlands, Riverrun, Twins, Harrenhal, Raventree Hall, Darry, Seagard, Stone Hedge, Blackwater Rush, Trident, Blue Fork, Green Fork, Red Fork, Tumblestone, Vale of Arryn, Eyrie, Bloody Gate, Stone (waycastle), Snow (waycastle), Sky (waycastle), Gates of the Moon, Gulltown, Fingers, Three Sisters, Giant's Lance, Alyssa's Tears, Mountains of the Moon, Casterly Rock, Golden Tooth, Lannisport, Crownlands, Kingsroad, King's Landing, Red Keep, Great Sept of Baelor, Kingswood, Dragonstone, Stormlands, Storm's End, Reach, Highgarden, Narrow sea, Essos, Braavos, Lys, Myr, Pentos, Norvos, Qohor, Ghoyan Drohe, Dothraki sea, Vaes Dothrak, Qarth, Meereen, Summer Isles, Asshai, Sunset Lands
People: Eddard Stark, Catelyn Stark, Robb Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Bran Stark, Rickon Stark, Jon Snow, Theon Greyjoy, Luwin, Rodrik Cassel, Jory Cassel, Vayon Poole, Jeyne Poole, Alyn, Tomard, Hallis Mollen, Harwin, Mordane, Mikken, Old Nan, Hodor, Osha, Syrio Forel, Rickard Karstark, Harrion Karstark, Eddard Karstark, Torrhen Karstark, Galbart Glover, Robett Glover, Mors Umber, Hother Umber, Jon Umber (the Greatjon), Jon Umber (the Smalljon), Maege Mormont, Wylis Manderly, Wendel Manderly, Roose Bolton, Hoster Tully, Edmure Tully, Brynden Tully, Robin Ryger, Utherydes Wayn, Tytos Blackwood, Jonos Bracken, Jason Mallister, Patrek Mallister, Marq Piper, Walder Frey, Stevron Frey, Walder Frey (Black Walder), Emmon Frey, Aenys Frey, Jared Frey, Hosteen Frey, Merrett Frey, Walder Frey (Little Walder), Lothar Frey, Walder Frey (Big Walder), Walder Rivers, Lysa Arryn, Robert Arryn, Yohn Royce, Robar Royce, Nestor Royce, Mya Stone, Lyn Corbray, Anya Waynwood, Colemon, Mord, Robert Baratheon, Joffrey Baratheon, Myrcella Baratheon, Tommen Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Bryce Caron, Tywin Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Jaime Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Kevan Lannister, Lancel Lannister, Ilyn Payne, Podrick Payne, Bronn, Sandor Clegane, Gregor Clegane, Addam Marbrand, Harys Swyft, Loras Tyrell, Horas Redwyne, Hobber Redwyne, Barristan Selmy, Arys Oakheart, Boros Blount, Mandon Moore, Meryn Trant, Preston Greenfield, Balon Swann, Petyr Baelish, Varys, Pycelle, Gyles Rosby, Aron Santagar, Janos Slynt, Dontos Hollard, Lothor Brune, Jalabhar Xho, Gendry, Marillion, Chataya, Shae, Timett, Shagga, Beric Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr, Jeor Mormont, Aemon, Benjen Stark, Othell Yarwyck, Bowen Marsh, Donal Noye, Alliser Thorne, Dywen, Yoren, Waymar Royce, Chett, Samwell Tarly, Grenn, Pypar, Dareon, Jaremy Rykker, Three-eyed crow, Viserys Targaryen, Daenerys Targaryen, Jorah Mormont, Illyrio Mopatis, Drogo, Qotho, Cohollo, Haggo, Rakharo, Jhogo, Aggo, Doreah, Irri, Jhiqui, Mirri Maz Duur, Illyrio, Jon Arryn, Sansa Stark Joffrey Stark, Lysa Stark, Peter Baelish, Others, wildlings, Viserys, Daenerys, Khal Drogo, Dothraki, Rhaegar Targaryen, Stannis Baratheon, Brandon Stark, Rickard Stark
LC classification: PS3563.A7239 G36 1996