Prologue Summary

A Game of Thrones is set in medieval times with a knights-and-ladies sort of kingdom, and a wider, exotic world around it. This world, where seasons last for years, is ineptly ruled and a struggle for power is about to erupt. Over the sea, the heir of the previous dynasty, Viserys Targaryen, is struggling to win back his crown by marrying his sister Daenerys off to a powerful nomad chieftain. In the north the Starks are reluctantly drawn into a web of politics and plots. Further north, the ubiquitous otherworldly forces of evil are gathering. As the story expands, the subplots branch out and intertwine with increasing complexity, and the reader is drawn deeper and deeper into the tale. Martin's story is intricate, gripping and original, but his greatest strengths are his memorable characters and a rich, assured writing style.

The Night Watch...