I don't even know where to start with describing the premise to this book. Everything is so entwined and convoluted and complex, and it just fits so perfectly together. So many characters that can appeal to so many senses and emotions to the readers, spawning rivalries between fans who pick sides. Plus, I can't say anything regarding to what it's about since I myself haven't really found out yet, since I am only halfway through the first book. One things about these books is that they are long. Book One is probably around 700 pages. I'll try and give a quick run-down of the characters and connections.
There's the Stark family, a lordship in Winterfell. Within this family there is Eddard, or Ned. Much like his surroundings in the cold North, Ned is stern and rules with a just hand over his land. Married to Ned is his wife, Catelyn. I don't care much for Catelyn, but even I must admit that she is one tough woman. Catelyn married Ned for politics, thought at the point the book starts in they are in love, and her former family - the Tully's - are important to look out for.
Ned and Catelyn have five children; the youngest being Rickon at age three. Then there's Bran - adventerous and stubborn at a playful age of seven. Arya, a tomboyish and rebellious girl of age ten, who avoids to be in her older sister Sansa's shadow. Sansa, two years Arya's elder, is the prim and proper lady who swoons over prince Joffrey (trust me, I will get to him later). The Eldest of the Stark children is Robb, who strives to be a good leader. But wait, something's amiss... Catelyn gave birth to five Stark children, Ned begetted six. Thus leads me to Jon Snow, Lord Stark's resident bastard. Jon is nice, sarcastic, and a big ambition to overcast his ego. One of my favorite things about the Stark/Snow chlildren is that they all get wolf puppies, and they actually are important to the story too! :)
Then there's the Lannister house. The Lannisters are infamous for their treacheries and formal "b*tchery". Twin brother and sister Jamie and Cersei are likely what any parent dreamed to raise - tall, blonde hair and blue eyes, strikingly beautiful and successful. Their brother Tyrion, however, got the short end of the genetic straw. ...Okay, that "short" comment was totally unintentional, but fitting so I'm keeping it. Tyrion's a dwarf, hobbling around with stunted limbs and an overly large head. Relishing in people's disdain, Tyrion spends a great amount of his time in brothels with booze on hand. Tyrion is sarcastically bitter, and has a mouth three times the size of his body. Despite all of his quick remarks, the Imp actually can be helpful, giving a remarkably profound speech here and there.
Cersei is married to King Robert, and please bear in mind that I am biting my tongue to hold back any biased character descriptions. Cersei's son, however, no bars are held. Prince Joffrey is a slimy, conniving, whiny S.O.B. This kid takes Draco Malfoy to a whole new level. At least Malfoy sounded dignified whenever he said "My father will hear about this." Joffrey just plainly goes all out with "I'm telling Mother! X("
Totally unrelated to those families on the mainland, pan across the Narrow Sea to ex-Princess Daenerys. King Robert's family had cleared her family off of the throne, and now she and her abusive brother Viserys live in exile. Viserys, though, has a burning vengeance to take back his rightful throne. His plan is to marry 14-year old Daenerys to the leader of the savage Dothraki tribe. Dany, witholding protests, accepts her fate and adapts to the Dothraki lifestyle, but what gets her through suffering with Viserys are her dragon eggs. The eggs have been petrified to stone with age - dragons have long been extinct. Her family is supposed to be of dragon blood, and Visreys rarely lets her forget that by annoyingly saying "Don't wake the dragon" when he gets mad. This guy is nothing like a dragon. A snake, more like.
Every one of the characters has their own story to tell, and you get views at all of their victories and tragedies - though mostly tragedies. Seriously, these people define the term "FML". Nothing good ever comes to these people. Abusive relationships, deaths, framings, disappearances beyond the Wall involving somethings called the Others, more abusive relationships... Sheesh! They only ones who seem to have a good relationship are a certain twosome who do incest. Ew.
Whew! Finally done hurting my brain trying to sort all of that out. Now that I described everyone, I'll let you know who are my favorites. I like Arya, Tyrion, Jon, and Daenerys. So far, that is. I can't help but wonder where they will all turn out when I get close to finishing the still-expanding series. Post in the comments who any of you guys like (just please spare me, any Cersei or Sansa fans). If anyone here is too lazy/busy to read the series (I can't blame you there), watch the HBO show. I gotta say that the books are better, but the show is incredibly accurate in events.
And remember: Winter is Coming.
Peace my brethren!
- Julia :)
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