The Skull Throne (2015)

A Game of Thrones

George R. R. Martin

1996 · 804 pages · 27 reviews

Others: Overwhelmingly positive

A Game of Thrones is the inaugural novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic series of fantasy novels crafted by the American author George R. R. Martin. Published on August 1, 1996, this novel introduces readers to the richly detailed world of Westeros and Essos, where political intrigue, power struggles, and magical elements intertwine. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, each chapter focusing on a different character, allowing readers to experience the narrative from various angles. This complex structure has become a hallmark of Martin's storytelling, immersing readers in the lives and motivations of a diverse cast. Plot Summary Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the narrative revolves around the power struggles among noble families vying for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. The story is rich with political intrigue, betrayal, and epic battles, as well as a deep exploration of themes such as loyalty, honor, and the consequences of power. Themes The novel explores themes of power, loyalty, and the moral complexities of leadership. It delves into the consequences of ambition and the struggle between personal honor and political necessity. The richly detailed world-building and intricate character development make A Game of Thrones a compelling and immersive read. Key Characters Eddard "Ned" Stark: The honorable Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, known for his unwavering honor and sense of duty. Catelyn Stark: The devoted wife of Eddard Stark, whose strength and wisdom guide her family through challenging times. Robert Baratheon: The King of the Seven Kingdoms, who won the throne through rebellion. His reign is marked by political intrigue and personal struggles, reflecting the broader conflicts of the realm. Cersei Lannister: The ambitious and cunning Queen of Westeros, whose political acumen and determination make her a formidable presence in the court. Jaime Lannister: A skilled swordsman and member of the Kingsguard, known for his prowess in battle and complex loyalties. Tyrion Lannister: The witty and resourceful dwarf, known for his sharp mind and cunning, navigating the treacherous politics of the realm. Daenerys Targaryen: An exiled princess of House Targaryen, seeking to reclaim her birthright and restore her family's dynasty. Jon Snow: The bastard son of Eddard Stark, who joins the Night's Watch and faces unique challenges in the far north. Sansa Stark: The eldest daughter of Eddard Stark, initially known for her naivety and romantic ideals, who learns to navigate the complexities of court life. Arya Stark: The youngest daughter of Eddard Stark, known for her spirited and adventurous nature, seeking her own path in the world. Bran Stark: The second son of Eddard Stark, whose life takes a dramatic turn. Awards and Recognition Winner of the 1997 Locus Award Nominated for the 1997 Nebula Award Nominated for the 1997 World Fantasy Award Winner of the 1997 Hugo Award for Best Novella for "Blood of the Dragon," which includes the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel Became a New York Times Bestseller in January 2011 and reached No. 1 on the list in July 2011 Followed by: A Clash of Kings

The core

Peter V. Brett

2017 · 831 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

"New York Times bestselling author Peter V. Brett brings one of the most imaginative fantasy sagas of the twenty-first century to an epic close. For time out of mind, bloodthirsty demons have stalked the night, culling the human race to scattered remnants dependent on half-forgotten magics to protect them. Then two heroes arose--men as close as brothers, yet divided by bitter betrayal. Arlen Bales became known as the Warded Man, tattooed head to toe with powerful magic symbols that enable him to fight demons in hand-to-hand combat--and emerge victorious. Jardir, armed with magically warded weapons, called himself the Deliverer, a figure prophesied to unite humanity and lead them to triumph in Sharak Ka--the final war against demonkind. But in their efforts to bring the war to the demons, Arlen and Jardir have set something in motion that may prove the end of everything they hold dear--a swarm. Now the war is at hand, and humanity cannot hope to win it unless Arlen and Jardir, with the help of Arlen's wife, Renna, can bend a captured demon prince to their will and force the devious creature to lead them to the Core, where the Mother of Demons breeds an inexhaustible army. Trusting their closest confidantes, Leesha, Inevera, Ragen, and Elissa, to rally the fractious people of the Free Cities and lead them against the swarm, Arlen, Renna, and Jardir set out on a desperate quest into the darkest depths of evil--from which none of them expects to return alive. Look for Peter V. Brett's complete Demon Cycle: THE WARDED MAN, THE DESERT SPEAR, THE DAYLIGHT WAR, THE SKULL THRONE, THE CORE Praise for the novels of Peter V. Brett The Warded Man "There is much to admire in Peter Brett's writing, and his concept is brilliant. There's action and suspense all the way."--Terry Brooks "[A] fast-paced and thoroughly enjoyable dark fantasy."--The Miami Herald The Desert Spear "Inspired, compelling, and totally addictive: the most significant and cinematic fantasy epic since The Lord of the Rings."--Paul W. S. Anderson, director of Resident Evil: Afterlife "Fans of epic fantasy in the tradition of Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin will enjoy the arrival of a strong voice in multivolume epic fantasy."--Library Journal The Daylight War "Highly entertaining, fast-paced, and action-packed."--SF Site "[Brett is] at the top of his game."--Tor.com The Skull Throne "Heart-thumping, adrenaline-pumping. The crescendo is near perfect."--Book Frivolity "A page-turner, and quite possibly the best so far."--Starburst Magazine"-- "The epic fantasy saga of humans winnowed to the point of extinction by night-stalking demons, and the survivors who fight back. The New York Times bestselling Demon Cycle series comes to its epic conclusion"--

Iron Jackal

Chris Wooding

2011 · 464 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

Moon Deeds : Star Children Saga

Palmer Pickering

2019 · 598 pages · 2 reviews

Others: Overwhelmingly positive

Stormdancer

Jay Kristoff

2012 · 449 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

In this dystopian steampunk fantasy set against a backdrop of feudal Japan, warrior Yukiko captures a supposedly extinct (but crippled) griffin for the Shogun, then learns -- after meeting secretive Kin and the rebel Kage cabal -- of the horrifying extent of the Shogun's crimes, both against her country and her family. Returning to the city, Yukiko is determined to make the Shogun pay -- but what can one girl and a flightless griffin do against the might of an empire?

The Death of Dulgath (The Riyria Chronicles Book 3)

Michael J. Sullivan

2015 · 432 pages · 3 reviews

Others: Leaning positive