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Summary: Don't Read This Book If You Can't Spell
Review: It seems that the reader reviews divide into two camps. The readers who can spell and really liked this novel and the readers who can't spell and were disappointed (bored?) by the many plot and character twists. I read this novel, then picked up the first book of the Jordan series "Eye of the World". Though I am almost through with the "Eye of the World", I can't wait for the sequel to "A Game of Thrones". I am going to the bookstore today and if it is out, I may not finish the Jordan book.
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Summary: Hooked on this series.
Review: I picked up this book, and purchased it based on nothing other than the recommendation given it by Jordan. Pleased does not begin to describe my reaction to Mr. Martin's novel. It is amazingly refreshing to find a work in the genre that relies on intricate plot and character development, rather than superfluous use of coloring agents such as magic. The brief exposure to the supernatural that we are given at the beginning, serves as a hint to the ominous mystery brewing in the north. Most of the rest of this first installment deals with political intrigue in a byzantine and jaded southern seat of power, and how it effects relations with the Northern realm, a place that is grounded in reality and respect for dangers that most have forgotten. Thankyou, Mr. Martin, for an enjoyable, intelligent read that gives a sorely needed shot in the arm to a genre growing trite.
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Summary: Wonderful. A Real Page Turner. Few Better !!
Review: "A vast, rich saga, with splendid characters and an intricate plot flawlessly articulated against a backdrop of real depth and texture." This is true but way to calm. I would say that this book is EXCELLENT. A must read for anyone who like deep characters, a rich world with a well developed political and historical structure. I am waiting for the next book. Hurry up!!!!
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Summary: A gritty, realistic wolrd
Review: Unlike many generic fantasy series, in which a varied bunch of noble adventures go on quests and confront evil mano-a-mano, this well researched novel take a good look at how crisis are really resolved in feudal societies. The protagonists don't waste their time sneaking around enemy strongholds: when the time comes they call their banners and march for war. Big war, in all it's ugliness and chaos. I found it very refreshing. The level of complexity in this novel is very well developed, but that's nothing new in the field of epic fantasy, yet unlike any other fantasy novel (with the exception of Tad Williams, but his is a totally different style and should not be compared) Mr. Martin's world is believable, both in its beauty and with all it's warts, flaws, and cruelly. I recommend this novel above any ongoing series.
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Summary: How can a book recommended by my dad be so good?!
Review: As I approached the end of my university term I received this book. Thinking it might be nice light relief in the evenings from my plethora of imminently due essays i started to read. At 6am the following morning I finally put 'A Game of Thrones' down after completing the entire novel in one sitting. Martin has managed to produce a fantasy work of pure genius. Every character in this book has a story you want to know more about. Although its very obviously a work that's leading to a sequel, the characters are developed to such an extent that you start to truly care. From the twisted Tyrion Lannister (who even after finishing the novel is a confusing individual - good, evil, both?) to the highly mysterious Jon Snow the characters reach out and grab the reader. The plot has so many twists and turns, most of the completely unexpected yet perhaps a more logical outcome to events than most fantasy writers would take. Never have I been more surprised at the final outcome for the (apparent) hero of a book than the fate that befalls Eddard Stark. The book ends with numerous loose ends, yet this didn't frustrate me. At least, except for the frustration of waiting for the sequel. The method of writing each chapter from the point of view of a particular individual works brilliantly. The book works on the best level of a fantasy series, as one story finishes (the investigation into the intrigues of Cersei, the work of Eddard Stark) numerous new and exciting possibilities develop. Bring on the sequel!
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Summary: Attracting readers with rape scenes
Review: I can not for the life of me understand why so many people love this book. While the prose is ok, the rest is third rate. There is very little in this book that i can feel is realistic (yes, i know that this is fantasy). The author seems to feel that the more voilence, the better. There is hardly a page without a sex scen, and a multitude of rapes, discribed in considreble detale. And that some rapeists are discribed as heroes, i find revolting. If you enjoy reading about this kind of thing, then by all means, buy this book, but it is certenly not my cup of tee. If you simply want a great fantasy book, the buy a book from Robert Jordans Wheel of Time series instead. He is, without a doubt, THE master of fantasy.
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Summary: And here we go again ( The caravan of clichees...)
Review: Reading all those '10's on this page send me wondering - have I been reading the same book as all those people ?? Admittedly, 'Games of Thrones' starts with a strong prelude, but is a straight downhill ride ( though not as exciting or speedy...) from there onward - more soap and historical, mixed with almost all clichees the genre has to offer, characters that one would find unconvincing, stereotypical and shallow on TV, not to mention in print, and a plot that seems very reminiscent (if not a reprint or most bluntly said 'RIP OFF'..) of Tad Williams 'Memory, Thorn and Sorrow' ( for those who haven't read it, its somewhat better..) Do not mistake me, this book has both good and original pieces, unfortunately the good parts are not original, and the original parts are not good' - to quote Samuel Johnson's infamous saying, which has rarely been truer. From the threatening mongolic horde of unbelievable numbers, enigmatic and ruthless ghosts in the woods, gilded and corrupt kings and steadfast man of honour, strong and willfull mothers and brooding, capable sons unjustly send into exile and the coming of a dark age symbolized by the start of winter (shudder...) nothing old, tried and altogether far too fammiliar is left out. Pray can anyone tell me where the fantasy (as in imagination !!) part of the genre can be found nowadays - most assuredly not in this 'Dynasty'esque hoard of clichee at least. If You are an avid reader of the genre and are not yet overfed with mentioned clichees be welcome, this will as nourishing as any other cake. For those seeking some new tastes to wet their appetites let it be said : 'Read at Your own risk - but do not tell, that You haven't been warned.....'
Rating: 
Summary: A great start to rich new series.
Review: Well-developed and well rounded cast combined with a twisting, turning roller coaster plot makes for a good, though heavy, read. Not for the faint hearted or those who need to reach the end in a hurry. I would rather a book that stood on its own and had a clean conclusion rather than one that will run over multiple thousands of pages.
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Summary: Simply the Best!!!
Review: George R. R. Martin's first Novel to his new series 'A Song of Ice and Fire' does not only break all the boundries of fantasy novels that you may have read before, it creates new one's, that leave you eagerly awaiting the second part to this series. Martin breaks all the rules with this one! It is a MUST read!!! I can not say more about this book. Buy it, read it, love it! You won't be sorry.
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Summary: Don't read if you have work needing to get done...
Review: I picked this up in vain search of something to keep me entertained while travelling home for a weekend (I'm a college student). After almost putting the book down because Jordan reviewed it, I read the beginning and was hooked. I love middle-ages style fantasy, and almost died when I realized that that was what I was in for...it's been too long since I've found a book like this. Recently, I've been depressed over reading the supposed great "Wheel of Time" series, that I found boring and slow to the point of comatose...this book was a welcome reprieve. I haven't been this thrilled by a first novel since Feist's "Magician:Apprentice", Goodkind's "WFR", and Friedman's "Black Sun Rising". The many characters and shifting viewpoints were wonderful, I got insights into the different characters and they seemed as human as possible, unlike some books. Nobody is perfect, and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequal to see what happens next. What is wonderful is that you don't know who is going to be the lead character, and I'm waiting anxiously to see who will survive.
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