Matthew

George Martin's first in the Song of Ice and Fire Series is one of the best, most balanced, pieces of adult fantasy literature I have ever read or listened to. It is a story deeply incised with political intrigue, mysteries, and powerful magic which, cleverly, is kept mysterious and unrevealed throughout most of the novel. The story follows the Stark family, lords of the north as their realm, the seven kingdoms begins a perilous descent into chaotic times, and the Lannisters, a family of arrogant, Machiavellian, perverse urban royals trying to maintain their power. There are dozens of other major characters and scores of stories within the main story.

Roy Dotrice's reading is also exceptional. Dotrice gives each character their own unique voice, and acts them out rather than simply reciting their lines.