The first book in the series, Game of Thrones, is a fascinating world of the Seven Kingdoms, where summer and winter last for several years, mysterious and terrifying enemies come from the north, and noble families wage a never-ending war for the throne. Almost three centuries before the events of the first novel, the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros were united under the Targaryen dynasty, which established power through complete control over dragons. The Targaryen dynasty ruled for three hundred years, until civil war and interpersonal conflicts led to the death of all dragons. Game of Thrones is set in peaceful times, but there will always be those who seek to seize power.

George Martin is an American writer, author of world bestsellers, including the world-famous A Song of Ice and Fire series, which is the basis for the equally popular Game of Thrones series. Martin is widely regarded as a modern master of fantasy, and his novels have been translated into many languages and regularly receive prestigious awards and prizes.