A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire 1) by George R. R. Martin

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Description

Here is the first volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords and A Feast for Crows . As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery,... read more

Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis

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Summary

A decade and a half after the rebellion that shook Westeros to its core, life has calmed in the midst of a seven year summer. Life for the former usurpers - and the usurped - is about to change, once again. The story begins at Winterfell, a castle held by Lord Eddard Stark, Warden of the... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

Cast of Characters/Important People

Lord Eddard Stark: Warden of the North, Lord of Winterfell. A quiet man of honour, courage and intelligence.
Lady Catelyn Stark: Wife of Lord Eddard Stark, daughter of House Tully of Riverrun. She is fiercely protective of her five children, but resents the presence of Jon Snow, Eddard's bastard son.
Jon Snow: The bastard son of Eddard Stark, by a mother of unknown identity, he was raised at Winterfell side-by-side with the true-born Stark children. He is much like his father in character.
Robb Stark: The oldest true born Stark son, heir to Winterfell. Like his siblings, he knows his duty and bears it without complaint.
Sansa Stark: The eldest Stark daughter, she is notably graceful and pretty and admires the Queen's court, excelling at all things ladylike.
Arya Stark: Youngest daughter of Eddard and Catelyn, she dislikes domestic tasks and feminine pursuits, instead opting for adventure and sword fighting. She is a fiercely cunning and resourceful girl.
Bran Stark: The second to youngest Stark son, he aspires to become a knight.
King Robert Baratheon: The King of Westeros, married to Cersei Lannister. Eddard Stark's oldest friend. A man who loves drinking, fighting and "whoring", against his wife's will. He is called "The Usurper" by his enemies, due to the fact that he rebelled against the previous king, Aerys Targaryen.
Prince Joffrey Baratheon: Son of Cersei and Robert, heir to the Iron Throne. He is spoiled and willful, with an unchecked temper.
Queen Cersei Lannister: Tywin Lannister's eldest child, twin to Jaime and sister to Tyrion, she is the most ruthless of her siblings. Beautiful and crafty, her ambition is thwarted only by her impatience with the tedium of details.
Ser Jaime Lannister: Twin to Cersei and brother to Tyrion, he is a knight of the Kingsguard and is often called "The Kingslayer" due to his part in the usurpation of Aerys Targaryen.
Tyrion Lannister: A dwarf, a son of Tywin Lannister. His height and appearance are scoffed at (many call him "The Imp") but his cunning and intelligence are difficult to equal.
Daenerys Targaryen: Daughter of King Aerys Targaryen and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, she was conceived and born during the War of the Usurper. Known as "Stormborn," she and her brother Viserys wander the Free Cities, depending on wealthy patrons such as Illyrio Mopatus.

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Memorable Quotes

“"In the game of thrones, you win or you die"”
Cersei Lannister
“The common people pray for rain, healthy children, and a summer that never ends. It is no matter to them if the high lords play their game of thrones, so long as they are left in peace. They never are.”
“I beg to differ. Death is so terribly final, while life is full of possibilities.”