Game of Thrones by George R R Martin
The literary merit of the multi volume fantasy series The Game of Thrones by George RR Martin has provoked much debate amongst readers of this genre. The first book Song of Ice and Fire was written in 1996 with Book Five being released in Australia earlier this year and another 2 promised. Martin's Third Book was so large that it was released in 2 parts, The resurgence in popularity of this series may be attributed to the successful first series of the HBO teleseries of the same name on pay television. Opinions of Martin's epic tale range from the best in this genre, comparable to the writing of Tolkien and initially gripping but losing momentum by Book Three.
As a novice fantasy reader I was drawn into this epic battle to gain possession of the Iron Throne. Three main story lines are followed through the series with the story being told from the perspective of eight main characters. I am halfway through Book Four and while the story is sometimes a bit laboured I continue to be drawn to the mythical beings, nasty behaviour, political intrigue and the sometimes the puzzling killing off of main characters because on the next page something will keep me reading.
Who will win the Game of Thrones? How long will we have to wait until we find out?
