A Game of Thrones by George R.R. MartinMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
"How is it that you haven't read this before now?" I hear you cry.
Basically, I think the success of the HBO series put me off. In a strange way it seemed over-hyped and the more publicity the TV series got, the more it seemed like the success of the books must be hype too. Oh, how wrong I was. This is fantasy writing at its very best. Hell, it's page-turning writing at its best. There is no need to go into details of the plot and characters, as anyone who is interested can find out all they want to know with a quick Google search.
But suffice it to say that the characterization is so well done that you feel for each of the diverse players in the great game of thrones being played out in a fantasy world every bit as rich and detailed as any real historical setting. Martin has breathed life into a world with its own history, myths, religions and peoples, in what must be, after Tolkien, one of the most spectacular examples of fantasy world building of the twentieth century.
The book is long, but it is gripping, and written in short chapters, each of which focuses on a different character from the select group of "Point Of View" characters. These include members of all the major factions involved in the brewing war for the crown of the seven kingdoms. Each chapter drives the plot forward and none of them is superfluous.
If you like fantasy, or just well written epics with strong characters and a gripping plot, do yourself a favour and read this book. You will not be disappointed.
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