THE WONDER OF THE EPIC FANTASY SERIES,

SONG OF ICE and FIRE

Before HBO developed the TV series "Game of Thrones", it was a best-selling book first (aren't they all?) by George R. R. Martin. 

To date, five books have been published (the latest in July 2011) with two more planned, to complete the series. 

If you loved Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, then you will recognize structural similarities with the Song of Ice and Fire series. 

Lengthy tomes, the series follows three major story lines in the fictitious Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. While Martin has created a world all his own, there are elements of the medieval period (and recent history) in the stories.

It is "grittier" and is written for adults (in my opinion), as Martin writes frankly of violence, politics and sex. 

The series rests on its own laurels and I am happy to include it in my Book Beads gallery.

Check out Just Charming! for more details.