In a world where winter lasts four decades, kings and queens fight for control of the throne while the Others prepare their army of the dead. Martin's return to high fantasy is rich with superbly developed characters, accomplished prose, and sheer bloody-mindedness. The romance of chivalry is central to the culture of the Seven Kingdoms, but dangerous men and women will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Lord Stark of Winterfell, an honest man, comes south to act as the King's chief councilor, but no amount of heroism or good intentions can keep the realm under control.