Rating: 
Summary: WOW!
Review: I don't care if you even like fantasy, you will read this book again and again, untill the COVER FALLS OFF!
Rating: 
Summary: Slow start, but captivating characters
Review: A terrific beginning to a series (but then I said the same thing about The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. But as long as Mr. Martin takes the high road and puts out sequels that continue to advance the plot or develop his characters, he should safely avoid the quagmire in which Jordan is sinking).Mr. Martin's ability to draw up characters who are unique and distinguishable, who stir up and spur on the plot, helps to deflect attention from the fact that the book is nearly 800 pages long. Very hard to do and very commendable. I am disappointed to hear that Martin plans to write 6 volumes in this series because I fear Jordan-itis setting in, with volumes of filler meted out over the course of a decade (or more) before reaching catharsis. I'm willing to give Martin the benefit of the doubt, hoping the remaining books will be as engaging as this one. If they are, I welcome him to write sequels until the Day of Reckoning.
Rating:
Summary: Slow until the last third.
Review: I found this book to be quite slow storywise until about the last third or so. Not to say that it wasn't enjoyable. The storytelling and characterization are terrific. Mr. Martin alludes to things that promise to make the following books very exciting. The last couple hundred pages were simply enthralling. I couldn't put the book down. I can't wait for the second installment!!!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent work !
Review: I read lots of fantasy and this is the best book I've ever read. Lots of interesting characters, plot and fantasy. The writing is excellent and the descriptions are detailed and realistic (when violence occurs, then violence is described). I can't wait for the sequel... Keep up the good work Martin !
Rating:
Summary: A tremendous work by a tremendous writer!
Review: I finished this novel a couple of days ago, and I strongly advise any of you who haven't picked this up to do so. While waiting for a new novel to come out I picked this one off of my bookshelf expecting it to be an okay book. Man was I wrong!! One way to tell when a writer is good is when he or she can truly captivate you. Alexander Dumas, Fyodor Dostoyevski and only a few others have been able to do so. George Martin is one of these writers. I was so involved in the story that I nearly put the book aside because of my anger over what happened in the story in a certain scene or two. That was one of the best things about the book. It involved me in the story, it made me feel as if I were right there alongside the characters feeling the same things they were. And contrary to some opinions, I can't see how any of the characters were one-dimensional. This is truly one of the greatest books out there, and it is well worth the time it may take to read it. I can honestly say that I am eagerly awaiting his next masterpiece! In fact, I have already reserved my copy.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book, A little more fantasy than I normally read
Review: Great book. I normally don't read this type of book, and didn't realize it would have so much "fantasy" like events (like the woman that is very interconnected with dragons), but it was drew me in. The book is very interesting, an examination of different claiminents to the throne (reminded me of the war of the roses in England's battle of thrones, and King Alfred's small gathering of English soil into one hands), including one group belonging to the last crowned king (who had combined several separate groups into one kingdom). The only part that started to get annoying was the "supernatural" forces beyond the north wall.
Rating:
Summary: best i ever read
Review: i thought that (a game of thrones) was the best book ever to hit the shelves of my sci - fi/fantasy collection. the characters were marvolously writen and the plot masterfully complex. i cant wait for the next books to come out.
Rating:
Summary: Utterly Awesome! I can't wait to read the sequel!
Review: I, rather disinterestedly, picked up this book at an airport,hoping it would kill an hour or so. From the first page, I was thoroughly gripped. I don't remember the whole 8 hour flight (& 2-3 evenings afterwards). Most books pale into insignificance alongside Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings", this one is definitely an exception! It has its kings & nobles, treachery & deceit, murder and butchery and is so reminiscent of the Bloody English Wars of the Roses. Is a throne and power worth so much??? Truly Fantastic reading!
Rating:
Summary: non-typical story of the fantasy genre
Review: Martin has written a wonderful novel that separates itself from the generic line of the fantasy genre. As taken from the book, or volume, "A Game of Thrones", "when you play the game of thrones, you lose or you die". Nothing could have been more true than what has been written by Martin. The chapters were written in different points of view from each character without forfieting the narrative description of the story. If anything, it stregthened the character's description. Each character was well-developed. There were neither heros nor villians in this novel. Each had his/her own sin, flaw, and virtue. Although some were more devious and non-virtous than others. Each plot ( plot within plot) was excellently executed. Each religion and culture established within the story well researched and told. Each description of the lands and places described so well that it seemed tangible to the reader. Not many writers or authors can claim that his/her novel brought in the three conflicts. Man versus man. Man versus hinmself. Man verus his environment. Martin has accomplished this. For a book to have all conflicts without sacrificing the storyline itself is quite an accomplishment. If a reader is looking for a hero versus villian in a fantasy novel, then this novel is not it. But if a novel that has plots within plots, twisted plots, men and women who can be hated then loved, battles that leave the reader breathless, and conflicts that seem to have no peaceful solution, this is a book that has the relief for such a craving.
Rating:
Summary: Step Aside, Robert Jordan; Martin Has Stolen Your Throne!
Review: After reading this book, I have to say, simply and concisely: forget Jordan; read George R R Martin! A truly marvelous cast of characters is set across a backdrop of sinister plots, excellent imagery, and a world so detailed it draws you inexoribly within its borders. In creating a world ravaged by brutal, decades long winters and bountiful years of summer, Martin sets the stage beautifully for the most spectacular political intrigue and fantasy war saga of the century. He interweaves a host of characters who have very distinct personality traits and histories. No one-dimensional Jordan characters here; even the villains are complicated three-dimensional characters. Take the Hound for instance -- a brutal, terrible man, yet you can understand _why_ he acts the way he does! My personal favorite character is Tyrion Lannister, who despite the constant jeers at his deformities, has striven to be his own person and find his own destiny. He is a novel all to himself! The only criticism I have is a nit-picky one. Martin's choice for character names could be a bit more creative. Jon, Ned, Robb, etc... I loathed some of the names he gave to the characters. But in spite of this, the intricate plot is spectacular, and sets up what might be one of the best fantasy sagas of all time.
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