A Game of Thrones

     The intensity, detail, and suspense of this book and series starts off quickly even in the prologue.  In this first book, the noble Stark family is pushed to its limits when divided into the north and the south after Lord stark is called upon to be The Hand of the King.  The antagonists are made out to be the Lannisters, quite quickly, after Prince Jamie, The Kingslayer, pushes Ned Stark's son, Bran, out a window, paralyzing him.

     Ned Stark is the Lord of Winterfell, a strong leader made from the winters that can last years, who will make whatever choices necessary for the well being of his people and family.  I loved the character Ned Stark because his sense of honor always pushed him to do the right thing in his mind. The author George R.R. Martin gives the character a huge amount of depth and a great back story with King Robert that allows the reader to understand their relationship very well.  To be able to know a character like Ned so well it is devastating to lose him, after being in such a short part of a large story, and to see his family set on the path to destruction, was painful.

     Though his time in the larger story line of the Lannisters vs the Starks was short lived his effect on others character and the secrets he took to his grave will surely carry on.  I don't think I have ever encountered  a character quite like Ned and I'm excited to see how his death and other factors of his demise play roles later on in the book and the next books.