Book one of the epic A Song of Ice and Fire saga—a fantasy masterpiece by George R.R. Martin that became a global phenomenon and inspired the hit HBO series Game of Thrones.

Long ago, in a time forgotten, a preternatural event threw the seasons out of balance. In a land where summers can last decades and winter can last a lifetime, trouble is brewing. The cold is returning, and in the frozen north of Winterfell, sinister forces mass beyond the Wall. To the south, the king's counselor, Jon Arryn, has died under mysterious circumstances. Now Robert Baratheon, King of the Andals and the First Men, has ridden north to Winterfell, offering Lord Eddard Stark the post of Hand of the King. Across the Narrow Sea, Prince Viserys Targaryen plots to reclaim his birthright with the help of barbarian hordes.

As plots and counterplots, intrigue and betrayal, sorcery and swordplay sweep the land, the fate of Westeros hangs in the balance. Only in the Game of Thrones do you win—or you die.

Details:

• Author: Martin George
• Publisher: HARPER COLLINS
• Publication date: April 15, 2011
• Print length: Varies by edition
• Print type: Paperback
• ISBN: 978-0007428540