I specifically mean that book. I’ve read the whole ASOIAF series and the first one, A Game of Thrones, is by far my favorite. The other installments are really good, but they progressively lean more into fantasy and magic the further you go. I’m not against those things, necessarily. But the things that hooked me on the first book were the characters, world-building, intrigue, scheming, rivalry and machinations within this fictional feudal society. I loved learning about the different cultures, regions and houses with their respective histories and particular characteristics, and how that influenced their struggles with one another over ultimate power. It was fascinating seeing the juxtaposition of how these events were experienced by the nobles vs the peasants as well. I also dig the dark, sexy, brutal tone.
Anyway, any other good series that are like this? I don’t avoid the fantasy/magical elements, but it’s also not really my thing.
by wrecktus_abdominus