A Game of Thrones
written by George R.R. Martin
Things are not well in Westeros. King Robert Baratheon’s rule is not as strong as it was years ago when he overthrew the “Mad King”, Aerys Tagaryan. Since then he has spent less time ruling and more time indulging in food, drinks, and whores. The Lords of the Seven Kingdoms are becoming restless. The fight for power is continuous, and winter is coming. The struggle for the throne is a dangerous game to play because, “When you play a game of thrones you win or you die.”- Cersei Lannister.
I have mentioned in the past my attraction to the books that are five-hundred page monsters. But, what do you call a book that is close to one thousand pages? You call it A Game of Thrones. I have been spending the past couple weeks trekking through this book that has risen to an insurmountable level of popularity. Granted the book has been out for over a decade, my determination to read this book was undeniable as soon as it came into my attention. I knew that even though I was a speedy reader A Game of Thrones would not be a quick read.
This book is the first in a series called A Song of Ice and Fire. This means that there are five one thousand page books out right now for a reader to enjoy, and that reader will enjoy these books. The premise of the series is strait forward while maintaining a complex story full of dazzling characters that make this world come alive.
The complexity comes from the many characters that are developed by George R.R. Martin. Each chapter the story shifts to the eyes of a different character. The shifting focus of the story is constant, but instead of creating a kind of randomness, confusion, and a disjointed story the changing perspective of the characters brings out the over all story.
In Westeros there are the Seven kingdoms that are rarely in a state of peace. Among them are the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, and the recently decimated Tagaryans. Between these houses are alliances forged of marriage or money and feuds just as strong that are shaped by revenge and threats. The Tagaryans possessed the Iron Throne until Jaime Lannister killed the king gaining him the infamous title “King Slayer”. Since then the last two Tagaryans live across the sea plotting their return. The Baratheons hold the throne now, but who is really in control of the Realm?” Queen Cersei Lannister, Jaime’s twin, is a part of the richest House in Westeros and is manipulative, and therefore, dangerous in her position.
Tyrion Lannister
This is where my personal favorite player in the game of thrones is from. Tyrion Lannister is mockingly called “the imp” because of his dwarfism, but his cleverness dwarfs most of the other characters. His mind is his only tool to stay alive in the vicious power struggle that he is caught in,
“My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer and I have my mind...and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge.”- Tyrion Lannister.
Finally there are the Starks. The only house that does not seek any more power than it already holds, yet they are the driving force to this book when Eddard Stark, who holds honor above all else as Lord of Winterfell, is pulled into the thick of the game by his old friend King Robert. However, his reluctance to play along and fight for power brings up the question; will he win or die?
This book may already seem utterly complex, and it is. However, it is not overwhelming, and will end up being the most beautifully orchestrated books you have ever read. In a kaleidoscope of characters and plot lines George R.R. Martin succeeds where others have failed. Each character is rounded and unique like they are each the protagonist. Some of these people Martin has created will burrow into your hearts like Tyrion did with mine, but tread lightly because anything can happen to them because Martin is a writer that will go to places other authors dare not go. That is what makes him one of the most skilled and entertaining writers I have ever seen. Each character consequently has their own plotline to live and that is where a reader finds everything they could possibly want from a book. A Game of Thrones is like a Christmas tree. Each character decorates the tree in their own way contributing to the overall magical effect, and underneath the all-encompassing story you find everything you could wish for; presents. You will see the literary gifts of revenge, love, murder, lust, hatred, loyalty, family, humor, bravery, shock, cowardice, danger, brotherhood, and some magic. Also like how Christmas is incomplete without the tree your bookshelf will be incomplete without A Game of Thrones.
Eddard Stark
