“There is entirely too much tut-tutting in this realm, if you ask me. All these kings would do a deal better if they put down their swords and listened to their mothers.”

American fantasy author and screenwriter, best known for his epic fantasy series *A Song of Ice and Fire*, which has defined modern fantasy literature. His intricate world-building and morally complex characters have influenced generations of writers and readers, while his work on *Game of Thrones* has made him a central figure in contemporary storytelling.