Game of Thrones

The Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin A Game of Thrones is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, a land reminiscent of medieval Europe. Fifteen years prior to the novel, the Seven Kingdoms were torn apart by a civil war, known as the “War of the Usurper." Prince Rhaega Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark angering her family and of her fiancé, Lord Robert Baratheon. The Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen had Lyanna' father and brother executed when they demanded her safe return. Her second brother, Eddard, joined his boyhood friend Robert Baratheon and Jon Arryn in declaring war against the ruling Targaryen dynasty. The civil war ended when Prince Rhaegar was killed in battle by Robert Baratheon. The wealthiest family around The Lannisters finally agreed to support King Aerys, but then turned against him, by capturing the capital at King's Landing. Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard betrayed and murdered King Aerys and House Lannister swore loyalty to Robert Baratheon. The Tyrell and remaining royalists surrendered and Robert Baratheon was declared King of the Seven Kingdoms. Unfortunately, during the war, Lyanna Stark had died, apparently of illness shortly after her brother captured the fortress where she'd been held captive. Robert Baratheon instead married Cersei Lannister to cement the alliance with her House. Despite Robert's victory, the Mad King's younger son Viserys and only daughter Daenerys were taken to safety across the sea by loyal retainers. Six years later, King Robert proved his resolve by defeating a rebellion by Lord Balon Greyjoy of the Iron Islands. Balon's two eldest sons were killed and his youngest son, Theon, was given to the care of Eddard Stark as a ward.
As warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, a vengeance mad boy Viserys has grown to maturity in exile in the