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. After more than
a decade devoted primarily to TV and screen work, Martin
(The Armageddon Rag, 1983) makes a triumphant return to high fantasy with
this extraordinarily rich new novel, the first of a trilogy. Although
conventional in form, the book stands out from similar work by Eddings,
Brooks and others by virtue of its superbly developed characters,
accomplished prose and sheer bloody-mindedness. 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. It is fascinating to watch Martin's characters
mature and grow, particularly Stark's children, who stand at the center of
the book. Martin's trophy case is already stuffed with major prizes,
including Hugos, Nebulas, Locus Awards and a Bram Stoker. He's probably
going to have to add another shelf, at least. Major ad/promo.

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