GAME OF THRONES By George R R Martin

Game of Thrones By George R R Martin

Categories: Fantasy, adventure

I am aware that this book (series) already has a cult following.

Having acknowledged that, this book is amazing! You get to experience the interlocking web of vast plot lines, stories, and histories.

We enter the realm of Winterfell, home to Lord Eddard (Ned) Stark and his brood of five children with wife Lady Stark, plus one bastard Jon Snow. His family has reigned over the North since the first men came to this part of the world. Winterfell is part of the Seven Kingdoms, ruled over absolutely by King Robert Baratheon, who happened to grow up with Ned Stark. His former Hand of the King has died suddenly and Robert asks his most trusted friend in all the Seven Kingdoms to fill the position of most trusted advisor, second in command.

So begins the start of an epic tale seen through the eyes of Ned Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Hand to the King. Lady Catelyn, wife to Ned, of the House Tully. Tyrion Lannister, brother of the Queen Cersei, an Imp who wields knowledge like a knight wields a sword. Jon Snow, Lord Stark’s bastard from his one dishonorable trist during the very beginning of his marriage to Catelyn , which happened while he was away at war and Catelyn was home pregnant with their first child Robb. Sansa, eldest Stark daughter, betrothed to King Robert’s son Prince Joffrey; a selfish and gullible girl. Arya, younger Stark daughter who is hot-headed and tomboyish; she and Sansa are about as opposite as any two sisters can be. Bran, second youngest Stark child, who happens upon a dark secret early in the book that sets off a chain of crushing consequences. And on the other side of the world (or across the sea) we encounter Daenerys, who was once of the reigning family of the Seven Kingdoms, and in a manner of ways entitled to the Iron Throne across the sea, were it not for her elder brother Viserys. However, Viserys arranges a marriage so Daenerys will be queen of the Dothraki nomads, a force with over a hundred thousand warriors at his command. The timid Daenerys turns into a Khaleesi (queen) and finds courage and power among the Dothraki, alongside her husband Khal Drogo.

This was an incredible book for a number of reasons. It was fantasy, magic lives in this world,  but that was not the focus of the story. It was entirely driven by these characters. Each chapter told in their voice was a window through their eyes, taking their reactions and motives and using them to propel the series of events that happen. It was also not a clear cut black and white picture of people. Sure, there are villains who come out and make you hate them, but the story flows in a way that makes you realize they are probably doing what is best for them, what they believe to be true. The only exception to this for me was the spoiled, loathsome Prince Joffrey. I found his actions to be revolting and cruel, which if that was the way you thought people would follow you and fear you, perhaps would work to a small selection of people. But his “antics” left little for me to empathize about. Another who could be a villain is Joffrey’s uncle, the Imp Tyrion Lannister. Tyrion, however, has none of the ruthless ambition of his family and is quite humorous. He won me over (and quite a few powerful people in the book as well) with his wit and cunning.

My favorite was Princess Daenerys across the sea. She transformed from a timid, submissive sister into a powerful, exceptional leader. There is only one Iron Throne that rules the Seven Kingdoms and it turns into a shuffle of who should be seated there ruling, who is best equipped, best suited, who has the most valid claim. Like actual life, this was no easy web to untangle. Several people end up having a legitimate argument as to whom the crown belongs to.

The novel was suspenseful, scary, delightful, sad, surprising and exciting. I grew attached to each narrator and even though I knew a lot of big spoilers beforehand, was close to tears during a particular death. It moved me, feeling this pain from the child who witnessed it. I embraced the growth of each person and cringed at the struggles they faced. The fantasy aspect, direwolves and white-walkers, dragons and tree-spirits, was speckled throughout the adventures. Dive into this book, live these stories like I did. It takes an effort to begin a 700+ page book, but this one will keep you guessing until the last page.

Memorable quote:

“The things I do for love.” -Ser Jaime Lannister (Kingslayer)

How do you feel about the Game of Thrones?