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 are heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A 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, which Locus called "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, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! --Nona Vero --This text refers to an alternate Mass Market Paperback edition.
Lấy bối cảnh vùng đất Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, bộ tiểu thuyết A Song of Ice and Fire kể lại câu chuyện về danh dự và sự dũng cảm, tội ác và âm mưu trong cuộc tranh giành ngai vàng Iron Throne giữa các vị vua và nữ hoàng của bảy vương quốc. Được đánh giá là bộ tiểu thuyết kỳ ảo đáng đọc nhất từ sau The Lord of the Rings.
