BLURB
In a world where the approaching winter will last four decades, kings and queens, knights and renegades struggle for control of a throne. Some fight with sword and mace, others with magic and poison. Beyond the Wall to the north, meanwhile, the Others are preparing their army of the dead to march south as the warmth of summer drains from the land.
Although the romance of chivalry is central to the culture of the Seven Kingdoms, and tournaments, derring-do and handsome knights abound, these trappings merely give cover to dangerous men and women who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. When Lord Stark of Winterfell, an honest man, comes south to act as the King's chief councilor, no amount of heroism or good intentions can keep the realm under control.

REVIEW

This book suffers from excessive descriptions of genitalia and sexual interactions. Also, the author has a seemingly unnecessary tendency to kill off the some of the main characters. Despite these failings, the book contains interesting, though transparent, intrigue; realistic and captivating characters; and intriguing suggestions of unexplored lands and peoples.

A Song of Fire and Ice - book I

The Song of Ice and Fire series completely floored me. Having recently begun a fantasy kick, I picked it up at the behest of a friend. Never before have I read a series with such a rich backdrop.

In reality, this first book serves in many ways to introduce you, slowly, to the incredibly detailed world this story is set in and the incredibly detailed history Martin has cobbled together. For me the story's interest drew from my curiosity about that history. Even now, 4 books into the series, I wait hungrily for the next tomb in anticipation of what might be revealed next.

One caveat is that there is a clear line of misogyny in the culture of the book. Without so much as a second sentence entire villages of women are raped and murdered. It's something to know and be able to deal with.

Dug it! Well done.

Comparable in feel to deep and chewy historical fiction like Shogun or Tai-pan.

Starts out slow. Many memorable character vignettes.

Particularly like the early interaction between Tyrion and Jon Snow. Many characters, even initially unlikable ones are given enough depth to be warrant interest and attention.

Chapters are arranged by character name, and are from the character's perspective. Works well.

This book series should be a multi-season HBO produced TV series. However its one of those that shouldn't havve an hour limit. Should be as long as a given episode warrants. Maybe 45 minutes one week. Maybe 2 hrs another week. Lots of potential here.