Readers of epic fantasy series are:
(1) patient - they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent -
they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment
comes out, (3) strong - these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally
agile - they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots.
In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected seven, George R.R. Martin
rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but
coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well
above the norms of the genre."
Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the
Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story
of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates
the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern
border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south
as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads
and dreams of fiery reconquest.
There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless
compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best
Fantasy Novel.

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