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Cover of A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

A Game of Thrones

Book 1 of A Song of Ice and Fire

  • 801 pages · about 13 hours
  • First published 1996
  • 136 editions

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1 About this book

A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic series of fantasy novels crafted by the American author George R. R. Martin. Published on August 1, 1996, this novel introduces readers to the richly detailed world of Westeros and Essos, where political intrigue, power struggles, and magical elements intertwine.

The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character, allowing readers to experience the narrative from various angles. This complex structure has become a hallmark of Martin's storytelling, immersing readers in the lives and motivations of a diverse cast.

Plot Summary Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the narrative revolves around the power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros.

Good for readers who want: adventure, epic fantasy, and a long read.

  • Adventure
  • Fantasy
  • High Fantasy
  • Epic Fantasy
  • Fantasy, epic
  • Science fiction
  • Politics
  • Voyages and travels

2 About George R. R. Martin

Born 1948

George Raymond Richard Martin (born George Raymond Martin, September 20, 1948), also known by the initials GRRM, is an American author, screenwriter, and television producer. Martin is best known as the author of the epic fantasy novel series A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted by HBO into the Primetime Emmy Award–winning television series Game of Thrones (2011–2019) and its prequel series House of the Dragon (2022–present).

Bio adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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