A Song of Ice and Fire is a series of epic fantasy novels written by American novelist and screenwriter George R. R. Martin.

Martin began the first volume of the series, A Game of Thrones, in 1991. He published it in 1996.

It’s a massive, sprawling, confusing tale. If you are still deciding whether or not to read the series, I’d advise against.

Watch the TV series instead.

If you insist on the book, I’d say book 1 Game of Thrones is the best. Book 4 the worst.

If gratuitous sex and violence turn you off, avoid both the book and TV show.

Like many others, I’m waiting on book 6 — The Winds of Winter — and have no idea when it will finally be released.