Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
674 pages

Started: January 13th, 2012
Finished: January 19th, 2012

Series: Song of Ice and Fire series #1
Favorite Quote: Masester Aemon to Jon, when he’s tempted to break his vow and help his family, “A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man’s life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose.” p. 552

Summary: In a land where the seasons can last for years, the Seven Kingdoms are upon troubled times. The nameless creatures beyond the Wall are encroaching ever-closer to humanity. Two families and their allies fight for control of the kingdom while the famous Night Watch brothers remain neutral and do their best to guard the Wall with their dwindling numbers. And far to the East, two young siblings vow to win back the kingdom stolen from their family.

Comments: Very well-written but…ugh. My attitude toward books is usually “the bigger the better.” And since fantasy is one of my favorite genres, I was very excited to read this book. I understand the whole “grand epic adventure with far-reaching consequences that span kingdoms and generations” concept Martin was going for, but it left me with a bad case of mental bloat. I barely made it through this book, so the other four in the series will remain unread.