A Game of Thrones is the first book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. [Now that the show is due soon, I just had to read it in advance.*]

Plot:
[It’s difficult to sum up the plot, because it incorporates so many stories and point of views that you’re bound to either write a lengthy summary of the whole thing or a short general synopsis that doesn’t really tell you anything. I chose option B.]
In a world, where summer has been lasting for the last 10 years, change is coming: Not only is winter approaching, but the current king is tired of ruling, while the former royal family tries everything from their exile to get their throne back. But also within the kingdom there are people who would rather see somebody else crowned. In all of this, the Stark family is caught up; the Lords of the North, honorable people trying to do the right thing. But we all know: the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

I loved A Game of Thrones. The characters are well drawn and engaging, the story had me hooked from the get-go, the writing is good and the pacing is excellent. If you like epic [and when I say epic, I mean epic] fantasy, you can’t miss this.

Martin writes each chapter from another person’s pov. It’s fascinating how a coherent whole pieces itself together from those parts. He doesn’t really change his style for each character, though (like Joe Abercrombie does, for example) but since he has a limited narrator for each of them instead of letting them do the talking, I’m completely fine with that. Also, Martin really gets into the head of his characters, capturing their goals and dreams and thoughts with ease. [Only with Sansa I felt that he didn’t take so much care. She basically remains a caricature until her very last episode, where she grows somewhat to be her own person a little more.]

The most impressive thing for me was the pacing. Even though the book’s close to a thousand pages and even though it jumps around in the story a bit, it never gets boring, you never wish that you were reading someone else’s point of view at that particular moment (because no matter with which character you are at the moment, you want to know what’s happening with them).

Generally, I’d be at a loss if I had to decide for a favorite character.

Martin also has a good sense of humor, especially apparent with the big-mouthed Tyrion. [I can’t wait to see Peter Dinklage in that role! It’s gonna be legendary.**]

I can’t wait to read part two.

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*And after reading, can I just say how much that casting rocks? I don’t think I’ve ever agreed so much with an entire cast.
**Again, that casting is completely awesome.