A Game of Thrones

[Matt]

I just finished this book, and I will probably start the second soon. I wanted to hear others thoughts on the book and what they liked about it. Feel free to post anything about the fist book, but don't give away spoilers for the second!

[Patrick]

I may be a bit late to this discussion, but never-the-less I'll throw in my two cents. And whatever else I have in my pocket as well.
I think that A Song of Ice and Fire as a series is one of the best fantasy series ever written. I know that sounds a bit like hyperbole, but I really believe that. George R.R. truly makes you care for the characters, something that is really hard to do with so many of them, even when all of the scenes are about people arguing and bickering over who killed who, or who politically sabotaged who.
Not only that, he creates a living breathing world that changes as the series goes on, but in a believable way. Both of those things are traits I love in fantasy.
As for Games of Thrones itself? Easily the second best book. The only reason it's not the first is because of one scene in the third book. It's a great induction to the world and George's writing style ie, everyone can die, without being to overwhelming in any way. It has great pacing and is down right fun to read.