Originally Posted by LoathsomePete

It's very different from your standard fantasy (god, isn't that a daft term?) series that took major inspiration from Tolkien. In fact I would say the series is almost a perversion of that type of fantasy, tainted by the ugly splotches of our world. Nobility and honour hold you down in this world rather than anoint you, good people die while wicked people prosper. It really is quite a fascinating approach to fantasy and the TV shows do a very good job of bringing the books to life. I would say get in on the show, you only have time to lose.