It is hard for me to write about this book, because there is no way that I can be objective. Been reading and loving fantasy ever since my childhood, and this is probably one of the best epic fantasy book there is. Right in the same league with The Lord of the Rings. And for me it came in the right time, while Lord of the Rings was great book for my childhood and early adolescence, A Game of Thrones is far better suited for my current age.

Prologue of the book already gives a reader good idea what to expect from this story - realism and no mercy relationship between author and his characters. This is amplified by the fact that every chapter in the book is told from personal point of view by some main or minor character, and even more by the fact that George RR Martin is doing excellent job in portraying his characters inner thoughts and doubts, making them more humanlike, and making it easy for the reader to identify with them. But when you do, make sure not to get too attached, because next chapter might be the last for of them!

All this might sound harsh, but it fits in the events and surrounding of this book perfectly. And when you start reading it is very hard to stop, like some powerful drug, curiosity awakened by this style of writing will not let you alone until you read entire book, always wondering "who will be next!". And when you do read entire book, cliffhangers left by Martin will make you wonder what will happen in the next book?

Don't misunderstand, the flow of events is natural, and many of characters manage to pull themselves from dangerous situations by their wits, courage, or even pure luck. But when everything is set, and believe me as an reader you will know that it is time, and someone's death is unavoidable - he will die. No miraculous change of heart, no divine act of mercy, no Supermen flying to the rescue. And for me that works!

All this time I have avoided revealing plot of the book, trying to arrouse interest only by it's authors approach, but some insight into the plot is also needed: Events take place in the lands of Westeros, country surrounded by water from three sides and giant ice wall from one. In this land summers last for years and winters for decades. Plot begins with ending of a long summer - a omen for even longer winter. In far north, covered in snow and ice, The Others - mysterious beings bent on eradicating all life - are starting to move. In the south king Robert is asking his old brother-in-arms lord Eddard Stark to come to kingdoms capital as his right hand, to help him unveil mysterious death of their old patron Lord John Arryn. This starts chain of events which will eventually lead to the death of the King, and start of the all out war between successors to the crown for dominion over Westeros, while the long winter approaches.

A word of caution for the end - content in A Game of Thrones is not meant for children! It has explicit sex scenes, swearing, even incest, so think twice before deciding to buy this book as an present for someone. Best way, off course, is to read it and then decide for yourself what is the age limit. If you are a Reader don't miss this piece of art. Promise is for at least few days of great reading experience, for me it is even more than that, because whenever I want to read good fantasy, there is "A Game of Thrones".