"When you play the game of thrones you win or you die. There is no middle ground." 
 I thought about choosing a less commonplace quote, but let's face it; Cersei's speech is iconic; it captures perfectly the essence of the series. In this fantasy world masterfully created by George RR Martin, everybody wants to sit on the Iron Throne and rule over the Seven Kingdoms; but with enemies, lies and treason lurking around every corner, only a few are bound to survive the game. So this is an iconic quote from an iconic series. After all, how many authors have received as much praise, how many books have been read and loved by as many people? 
 A Song of Ice and Fire is everywhere these days and for a good reason. George RR Martin managed to create a whole world from scratch, one so detailed and well- thought out that feels as real as our own. The books are huge and complicated, but this is what makes ASOIAF stand out in the fantsy genre; each time the reader decides to revisit this world, they notice something new; a detail that slipped away the first time, a foreshadowing of things to come. 
 A Game of Thrones is my least favorite book in the series, because the primary focus is on the Stark family and there is a limit to how much naivety and pride I can handle. I'm more of a Tyrell- Lannister- Martell kind of girl; BRING ME ALL THE SCHEMERS ALREADY. But even I can't give it less than 5 stars. And it only gets better. 
 Also, Tyrion's and Tywin's conversations are going to be the end of me. I'm literary crying. 
 Lord Tywin did not stir from his chair, but he did give his dwarf son a long, searching look. "I see that the rumors of your demise were unfounded." 
 "Sorry to disappoint you, Father," Tyrion said. "No need to leap up and embrace me, I wouldn't want you to strain yourself." 
 and 
 "And this is Bronn, a sellsword of no particular allegiance. He has already changed sides twice in the short time I've known him, you and he ought to get on famously, Father."