A Game of Thrones - George R.R. Martin

There’s a lot of hype about these books and the TV series.   And for good reason.  This is some old time epic action.  Martin’s version of the Wars of the Roses plays out on his very British-looking island of Westeros.  In fitting tribute, he has Lannister and Stark in place of Lancaster and York.  Yet this is no hack historical rip-off.  Martin buries within his world a deep sense of unique history and place. 

Don’t come looking for intricate metaphors or meandering prose.  This is straight up storytelling.  And Martin does a great job.