A Game of Thrones (1996) by George R.R. Martin is the first book in the epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire, a sprawling, morally complex saga that redefined the genre with its gritty realism, intricate politics, and unforgettable characters. Set in the war-torn continents of Westeros and Essos, the novel weaves together the fates of noble houses vying for power, all while an ancient supernatural threat stirs beyond the kingdom’s northern border.

The story begins with Eddard “Ned” Stark, Lord of Winterfell, being appointed Hand of the King to his old friend, Robert Baratheon. As Ned navigates the treacherous court of King’s Landing, he uncovers dark secrets about the ruling Lannister family, including Queen Cersei’s incestuous affair with her twin brother, Jaime. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, the exiled Daenerys Targaryen, last heir of the deposed dragonlords, is sold into marriage to a Dothraki warlord, Khal Drogo, and begins her transformation from a frightened girl into a formidable claimant to the Iron Throne.

Martin’s world is one of shifting alliances and brutal consequences, where no character—no matter how beloved—is safe. The novel’s multiple viewpoints (including Ned’s bastard son Jon Snow at the frozen Wall, and the cunning, dwarf Tyrion Lannister) create a tapestry of ambition, betrayal, and survival. Themes of power, honor, and identity collide as summer fades and the ominous warning echoes: “Winter is coming.”

With its rich worldbuilding, Shakespearean drama, and ruthless unpredictability, A Game of Thrones launched a cultural phenomenon, inspiring HBO’s record-breaking TV adaptation Game of Thrones (2011–2019).

Other books in the series: