George R. R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones was named the Best Epic Fantasy Novel by Goodreads, underscoring its lasting impact since its 1996 publication.

The novel helped spark a cultural phenomenon, amplified by HBO’s 2011 TV adaptation, which boosted sales and renewed interest in the series.

Collectively, the A Song of Ice and Fire books have sold over 100 million copies, been translated into more than 47 languages, and earned wide critical acclaim.

The saga is set in Westeros, where rival noble families vie for the Iron Throne amid a looming northern threat and the rise of a formidable army.

Martin has not published new installments since A Dance with Dragons in 2011, and public discussions have centered on his stipulations regarding continuing the series.

The first novel in the series has been highly acclaimed both commercially and critically, boasting a Goodreads rating around 4.45 with over 2.8 million ratings.

Since 1996, four more novels have appeared, with two more planned—The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring—and Martin has indicated he would not permit another writer to finish the series if he passes away before completing it.