George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series) A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, and A Dance with Dragons

A GAME OF THRONES: Immersive, gripping, and unique: The first book of the „A Song of Ice and Fire“ series defines the style and tone for the rest of the series. With „A Game of Thrones“ Martin set a new standard for the fantasy genre, which not many authors can possibly achieve. The main characters (there are many) are loveable, yet not without their faults which only makes them more realistic and relateable. The Starks, a noble Northern family, are in the focus of this first book, where they slowly drift apart from one another (geographically as well as emotionally), until there is no point of return. Meanwhile, a war between the Great Houses of Westeros is looming, a threat from the far North is growing and the last survivors of the Targaryen Dynasty, which conquered the continent on dragonback 300 years ago, are trying to raise an army. In my opinion „A Game of Thrones“ is the perfect beginning of an epic journey, though nostalgia may play a part in my rating. Plus the prologue may be the best start of any book (at least in the genre of fantasy and horror) ever. A CLASH OF KINGS: More characters, more kings, and more conflicts! The epic story continues and the readers get to travel to yet unseen places in Westeros and Essos, meet new people and get to know the magical elements of the world a little bit better. War is on and with it come intrigues, huge battles, and great tragedy. A STORM OF SWORDS: Cruel, devastating, heartbreaking. So much happens in this book and most of it ain’t good for our beloved POV-characters (Well, there are a few wins atleast...). Martin is a master of foreshadowing and creating tiny, little hints, which float right over one’s head on a first read. I love this book, it might even be my favourite of all time. A FEAST FOR CROWS: „A Feast for Crows“ is – in my opinion – the weakest book in the series, yet a masterpiece in itself. It’s more character than plot driven, which stings a little, when one remembers that there most certainly won’t be a sixth and seventh book. Nevertheless, it’s a great fantasy novel and character study which expands the world of „A Song of Ice and Fire“ and its people. Cersei’s incompetence is insanely (pun intended) funny, Brienne’ s determination inspiring and frustrating at the same time and Sansa slowly but surely learns to play the game. Known and new POV-characters must face the harsh realities of war and its consequences. A DANCE WITH DRAGONS: No one writes fantasy characters as well as GRRM does! *mild SPOILERS* I hated him. He was an arrogant prick, there’s no denying that, and also a traitor. And a child murderer. And even a sexual abuser. Yet in this book, he becomes one of my favourite characters. How does George do that?! Apart from that, this book has its ups and downs. The readers meet new characters as well as beloved ones – like Dany and Jon – once again. A few of the chapters are too long or little of significance happens in them (plotwise), while others are mindblowingly good. The biggest letdown however are the multiple cliffhangers on which this (most likely – I haven’t given up on it just yet. I’m delusional...) last book ends. Despite this, I can’t give it any less than five stars. I might be biased. (5/5)