A Game of Thrones is the first book in a series where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime. The story unfolds in a land of extreme climates from harsh, brutal cold to summertime realms of abundance. Central to the narrative are the Starks of Winterfell, a family typifying the stern, resilient nature required to survive in such a demanding world. As sinister forces gather in the frozen wastes beyond the kingdom’s protective Wall, the Starks and other noble families face a series of grim challenges. The plot weaves through a complex tapestry of lords, ladies, soldiers, sorcerers, and rogues, all caught in strategic games of power where betrayal and tragedy strike as frequently as victory and terror. The ultimate goal for these characters is to navigate the treacherous political landscape and win the game of thrones, on which their very survival depends.