George R. R. Martin draws hundreds to Joseph-Beth in Lexington

Last night, author George R. R. Martin drew a crowd of around 900 to Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington. In case you've been living under some sort of rock, Martin is the author of five books in the epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire" which has inspired the HBO series "Game of Thrones." The first season of GoT garnered massive attention to both Martin and the books, which I think is absolutely spectacular. The series was nominated for 13 Emmy awards including Best Drama and Best Supporting Actor. Peter Dinklage, who is a total rockstar by the way, totally deserves the award which Martin expressed to the crowd last night.

The signing in Lexington wasn't even supposed to happen. George R. R. Martin specifically requested that Joseph-Beth Booksellers be added at the end of this leg of his tour for the newly released "A Dance With Dragons," the fifth book in "A Song of Ice and Fire." Joe-Beth was particularly sentimental for Martin because he came to Lexington on his initial tour for "A Game of Thrones." That book tour was drawing crowds of less than a dozen, but in Lexington, hundreds came out to support him. Fifteen years later, Lexington showed that it still loves its fantasy and it still loves George R. R. Martin. But Lexingtonians weren't the only attendees of last night's signing. According to the store's Facebook page, people drove down from Columbus, OH and up from Tennessee and South Carolina to see the author.

Epic Giveaway: Paperback box set of "A Song of Ice and Fire" signed by George R.R. Martin

Winter is coming and what better way to be prepared than by reading George R.R. Martin's epic series "A Song of Ice and Fire"? Martin was a special guest at Joseph-Beth Booksellers here in Lexington last night and we were lucky enough to get him to sign this box set! I've read A Game of Thrones and am currently reading A Clash of Kings. We just wanted to share the wonderousness that is this series with all of you! Watch for a post this week where we discuss the awesome book signing, but for now, please enter this contest and help us celebrate a huge milestone for our blog!

Details:
1. One (1) winner chosen by Rafflecopter.
2: PRIZE: Paperback box set of "A Song of Ice and Fire" signed by the author George R.R. Martin
3. You MUST fill out the Rafflecopter form.
4. Comment to win: Who is your favorite science fiction/fantasy author?
5. Giveaway ends 8/10 at 12:01am
6. The BOX is signed, not the individual books.
7. Use RAFFLECOPTER to tally up your entries.