The sprawling A Song of Ice and Fire series revolutionized the genre with its intricate political intrigue, moral ambiguity, and realistic, unpredictable stakes.

Like many readers of this series, I waited for what seemed like forever for each subsequent release after the first book - especially Storm of Swords! But, I have to say, the wait was worth it.

Martin's firm grip on the main plots - and the many sub-plots - while managing a nuanced and descriptive landscape and history throughout, is impressive. Of all the fantasy writers out there, I aspire to the discipline and writing skill of Martin perhaps more than any other author.

If you've seen the TV series (and chances are you have) I guarantee you will get even more out of the books. They are a journey worth undertaking, and an inspiration in many, many ways. The level of "base" human behavior, and the levels of cruelty and violence are way more detailed in the books - and way more nuanced. As is often the case, visual media is very good at offering a detailed description in an incredibly short period of time, but books - these books in particular - offer an immersion that visual media will never be able to replicate.