Game of Thrones. Book One of a Song of Ice and Fire

Long ago, a preternatural event disrupted the seasons, plunging a land into chaos where summers can last decades and winters a lifetime. As the cold returns, sinister forces gather beyond the Wall in the frozen north, while the king's power wanes in the south, marked by the mysterious death of his trusted advisor and the rise of hidden enemies. Central to this turmoil are the Starks of Winterfell, a family as unyielding as their harsh land. Lord Eddard Stark is reluctantly called to serve as the new Hand of the King, a role that threatens to fracture his family and the kingdom. The narrative sweeps from the icy north to a southern kingdom of abundance, weaving a tale of lords, ladies, soldiers, and sorcerers amid grim omens. An enigmatic group of warriors wields swords of otherworldly metal, fierce wildlings abduct men into madness, and a young dragon prince barters his sister for a chance to reclaim his throne. A child teeters between life and death, while a determined woman embarks on a perilous journey to safeguard her loved ones. Amidst plots, betrayals, and the struggle for power, the fate of the Starks hangs precariously as all engage in the deadly game of thrones.