A Game of Thrones in July 2011. In the novel, recounting events from various points of view, Martin introduces the plot-lines of the noble houses of Westeros, the Wall, and the Targaryens. The novel has inspired several spin-off works, including several games. It is also the namesake and basis for the first season of "Game of Thrones", an HBO television series that premiered in April 2011. A March 2013 paperback TV tie-in re-edition was also titled "Game of Thrones", excluding the indefinite article "A". "A Game of Thrones" follows three principal storylines simultaneously. At the beginning of the story, Lord Eddard "Ned" Stark executes
Game of Thrones a name. "Game of Thrones" has received critical acclaim, although the series' frequent use of nudity and violence has been criticized. Its seasons have appeared on annual "best of" lists published by "The Washington Post" (2011), "TIME" (2011 and 2012) and "The Hollywood Reporter" (2012). The performances of the cast have received immense praise. Peter Dinklage's "charming, morally ambiguous, and self-aware" Tyrion, who earned him Emmy and Golden Globe awards, was noted. "In many ways, "Game of Thrones" belongs to Dinklage", wrote Mary McNamara of the "L.A. Times" before Tyrion became the series' central figure in season two. Several critics