GREAT READS

A Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin.

If you are a Lord of the Rings fan, you might find George R. R. Martin's unfinished fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, an intriguing read. Containing much more murder, mayhem and sex than Tolkien's masterpiece, this series is a fast-paced, no holds barred saga of the struggle between three royal families for the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. The opening book, A Game of Thrones, introduces the Stark and Lannister families. From his home in the north, Winterfell, the honest and noble Lord Eddard Stark, is called to defend the embattled King Robert from the powerful and ambitious Lannisters. But there are more threats....winter is coming. Not three months of winter, but a deep, frozen winter that will literally last years. In the north, from behind the 700 ft high ice wall that defends the realm, strange beings, beasts and other unworldly things are on the move. And finally, after thousands of years of extinction, 3 dragons have been born, signifying the return of the third royal family. Exceptionally well written, multi-layered and filled with wonderful characterizations, this is a series not to be missed. Warning: Fans have been waiting since 2005 for the final books in this unfinished series.

Recommended by Mary Ellen Raun