George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series) (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R. R. Martin

One sentence summary

George R. R. Martin’s “A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)” is a thrilling saga of political intrigue, fierce loyalty and unyielding ambition set within an epic fantasy world.

Book genre

Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

Main topic of the book

The main topic of the book is political intrigue set in a world of fantasy. It is about a complex political struggle amongst the major powers of Westeros, a land reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

Key ideas

• Power: The struggle for power in Westeros is an ongoing theme throughout the series as rulers fight to claim the Iron Throne.
• Life and Death: The very thing that binds us together is the same thing that can also tear us apart – life and death.
• Loyalty: Loyalty, or lack thereof, is a key idea in the series, as characters battle to protect and maintain their loyalty to family or to a cause.
• Redemption: Redemption and transformation occur for many characters throughout the series as they struggle to find their place within the world around them.

Main Parts of the book and a short summary

• Book 1: A Game of Thrones: This book follows the various members of the noble families of Westeros, revealing the tangled web of politics, loyalty and ambition that binds them together. It also introduces the mystical element of the White Walkers and how they may be a threat to Westeros.
• Book 2: A Clash of Kings: In this book, the various major players of Westeros make their moves to either claim the Iron Throne, or secure the safety of their lands and their own lives. War is imminent, and loyalties are tested as the struggle for power continues.
• Book 3: A Storm of Swords: As the various powers of Westeros come to blows, we see the repercussions of the battle for the Iron Throne. This book also introduces the powerful and mysterious characters of the Targaryens and the secrets they possess.
• Book 4: A Feast for Crows: In this book, we see the aftermath of the great war, and the new alliances that are forged and broken. It also reveals a new challenge in the form of the White Walkers.
• Book 5: A Dance With Dragons: The fifth book in the series is set after the great war and follows the characters as they battle to protect their own lands and lives from their enemies. It also reveals a new mystery in the form of the dragons, and a new threat from the White Walkers.

Key takeaways

• Power is a central theme in the series, and surviving the battle for power is the ultimate goal for the characters.
• Life and death are both sides of the same coin in Westeros, and loyalty is both tested and rewarded.
• The White Walkers and the dragons both introduce elements of the supernatural that serve to challenge the characters and thicken the plot.
• Ultimately, the characters must assess their own loyalties, and strive to protect their own lives and those of their allies.

Author’s background and qualifications

George R. R. Martin is a celebrated novelist, screenwriter and television producer. He is best known for his series, A Song of Ice and Fire, of which this boxed set is a part.

Target audience

This series is suitable for mature readers and those looking for an epic fantasy adventure.

Publisher and first publication date

This boxed set was published by Bantam Books in 2012.

Go Back