I tried to read Martin's first book and had to put it down half way through. I do NOT think he is a great writer. He basically steals the plot from War of the Roses and adds a fantasy spin and some pretty horrifying details.

For a while I avoided the GOT series but friends raved about it so I watched the first episode and got hooked. Partly due to the acting by such stellar performers as Peter Dinklage and Lena Headey. The series sucked me in but I stlll won't read the books. I think Martin is a misogynist. Yes, so is history, and historians who care about accuracy won't sugar coat that, but Martin takes it over the top.