Shelfology Book Pairing

by George R. R. Martin

In the latest installment of Daniel Abraham’s masterly adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s fantasy classic, the bonds of family and sanity are tested. At last, Catelyn Stark and her prisoner, Tyrion Lannister, have reached the Eyrie, the lofty citadel of Catelyn’s sister, Lysa, the grieving widow of Jon Arryn. Because Lysa believes that the Lannisters were responsible for her husband's death, Catelyn had thought to find an ally in this forbidding refuge. Instead the refuge seems more like a prison . . . and the “ally” a fearful and vindictive madwoman. Meanwhile, across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen is also faced with a sibling’s madness—her brother, Viserys, impatient for the crown promised him by Khal Drogo, grows increasingly unable to hold his rage in check.

Our World Explained in 12 Simple Maps

by Tim Marshall

How did the USA become a superpower? Why do people go to war? And why are some countries rich while others are so poor? The answers to these questions and many more in this eye-opening book, which uses maps to explain how geography has shaped the history of our world. Discover how the choices of world leaders are swayed by mountains, rivers and seas - and why geography means that history is always repeating itself. This remarkable, unique introduction to world affairs will inspire curious young minds everywhere. Praise for Prisoners of Geography: "A fresh way of looking at maps . . . as guideposts to the often thorny relations between nations" - New York Times "One of the best books about geopolitics you could imagine" - Nicholas Lezard, Evening Standard