First of all, I really hadn't expected to enjoy this at all. I've somehow never seen even an episode of the GOT show and haven't read a proper fantasy novel since Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Narnia and The Inheritance Cycle more than ten years ago. 

But I thought the first book in ASoIaF was fantastic!! While it was a LOT more mature and political than any fantasy I had read as a kid, I was completely reminded why I used to love fantasy so much. The world building is so intricate. The history of Westeros seems so realistic and multidimensional. The various families really do feel like powerful dynasties that have been around in positions of power and influence for hundreds of years. The characters were great. I particularly loved the Starks (including Jon) and was truly rooting for all of them. Their struggle between duty to the realm and familial loyalty was 👌 

I was also really intruiged by the Targareans as a dynasty and am looking forward to see how Dani's story goes from here on out. The whole lost princess scenario gives me major Anastasia Romanov vibes. 

So looking forward to checking out the new HBO spinoff, House of the Dragon 🐉