Book Review for: Game of Thrones

Book Review for: "Game of Thrones"
Written by: George R.R. Martin
Bantam Books
ISBN: 978-0-553-57340-4
835 pages
4.5 Stars

Martin fashions a story in the fantasy genre that is all encompassing and not lacking in imagination with "Game of Thrones." King Robert Baratheon needs a new "Hand" after the death of Jon Arryn and so seeks out Eddard Stark of Winterfell, but many secrets threaten Westros and the Seven Kingdoms.

The story opens with a threat presenting itself along the great northern wall. The threat was long thought gone, but now summer is ending and winter is coming. However, the seven kingdoms, united under King Robert are distracted by greed, avarice, pride, and secrets.

Robert has recently lost "The Hand of the King," Jon Arryn, so he seeks out his old friend, Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell to be the new hand. Reluctantly, Eddard agrees and travels to King's Landing with his daughters.

When Eddard leaves the north, his bastard son, Jon Snow, goes to the wall with the intent to "take the black," and act as a protector. Jon has an interesting story to tell as he comes to accept his new way of life.

Robert's wife, Cersei, is a member of the Lannisters, who are wealthy and influential in their own right. Cersei has 3 children she is determined to protect and secure their birthright as Robert's heirs, however, the secret she keeps close to her breast threatens to destroy Westros from the inside.

Another outside threat comes from the previous defeated king's progeny - Daenerys. A young woman, Daenerys and her brother, Viserys Targaryen, have sought out the help of the Dothraki to raise an army and take back Robert's throne.

When Robert dies in a hunting accident, many discover that when you play the game of thrones you win or you die.

Martin's novel is incredibly long, but encompasses three major plots and a host of characters. His writing is easy to read. His descriptions use a good economy of words to paint vivid pictures without lingering. The plot is intricate, but moves well, and keeps the reader turning the page.

What makes this book shine are the characters - all of them are interesting and unique - and they all have a story to tell. Daenerys was one of my favorites. The reader meets her a young woman who learns to become more assertive with a kind heart who gains resolve from love and heartbreak. The most rewarding aspect of Daenerys and her story is watching her assume her full heritage as a Targaryen.

"Game of Thrones" will take the reader through a gambit of emotions and leave them hungering for more. A must read that will take the imagination a ride of a lifetime.

Reviewed by: S. Burkhart

StephB is an author who likes to read many books and a variety of different genres. StephB is an author at http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Creative Writing.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steph_Burkhart/205657

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6599240