Rating: Summary: This is a terific book Review: This book has characters and a plot that are both complex and developing. But there are two things I would like to warn anyone who wants to buy this book and the two books before it about. Firstly the religions in this book are confusing and generally evil. They really screwed with my head. I think that the author since the first book is trying to slowly cause readers to understand his revelation about religion. I don't believe that his concluding revelation will be that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.Secondly there are about ten very explicit sexual scenes in this book. I think they are used to help readers better understand the cultures of the people in this book and they do that well, but they are really disgusting and bizarre. I almost feel like not recommending the book because of them. Sex in books one and two are the same as I've described this third book as being. Outside of sexual and spiritual stuff I think that this is a great book to read. It has lots of plots, and cultures, and tons of characters. Each chapter is told from the perspective of a major character and the characters are spread out to many different places. I am giving the book five stars because I think these other aspects of it are so awesome and sex and religion are a matter of taste.
Rating: Summary: The Only Re-Readable Series Review: I have to admit, I have a derelict and dusty box filled with the trilogies, quartets, and quintets of past, and I have yet to re-read any of them. They just don't feel right. But after reading the first novel in this series, I have read each book at least twice. Martin's multi-layered storytelling and full, dimensioned characters make you want to see what happens to them, and the plotlines are beautfully laid out, a serpentine structure that gets better as it slowly uncoils. In addition, martin knows how to keep an audience without the feeling of making the reader tired of reading. Jordan has nothing on this guy, and he never will.
Rating: Summary: Only six books he said...that a promise? Review: Can it be a true? A great fantasy epic not trapped to follow the opening sequence of LotR? Where's the powerful magician coming to visit the town? How about a mysterious stranger lending a life saving aid? Someone whose name most resembles Tolkien (two middle names initial r. r.?) writes a great fantasy novel devoid of significant similarities (I mean how can any author not have similarities to Tolkien even a little while writing anything 'fantasy'?). Well G.R.R. Martin certainly did just that. As if on a quest to break the major rules of fantasy writing, anyone who's dead tends to stay dead on his series. And the 'good' guys are not impervious to death either. I find it refreshing for an author to be so definite and bold. And his boldness doesn't in any way mar his great story. Quite the opposite, it lends to the story and briskly carries the story along (and on some cases too brisk, but that's nit-picking). I don't know who started having more main characters then can be counted with one hands (Robert Jordan jumps to mind) but I do find it distorting to read couple of chapter about one character and to have it abrubtly end to start fresh with another. I'll tell it straight off, I don't like reading about certain character's exploits. On the topic of stating the cons, I've heard some people not liking this series due to its overt amount of sexual content. Sexual content - more stronger then your average fantasy fair (ok, more so then ALL the other fantasy series) but I don't find it in any way to be 'overt'ly sexual. Lovely series thus far. Here's hoping GRR Martin doesn't make more then 6 books on this series.
Rating: Summary: A Feast For Crows? Review: I won't write anything new about this book, since there are a myriad of other reviews that capture the essence of this series. I did find the first two books in the series just a wee bit more enjoyable, thus the four star rating. If I could have, I'd have rated this book at 4.9 stars. In any case, it still is, simply put, a wonderful book and a great read. It also stays relatively true to the incredible world vision that emerged in "A Game of Thrones." I'll also add that by the time you finish reading this volume, you'll still be thirsting for more, i.e., the next installment in this epic doorstopper series, "A Feast For Crows." READ THIS WARNING---- I just perused Martin's official website and as of today's date (12/03/03), Martin has not even finished writing "A Feast For Crows." So why does Amazon[.com] have this listed as a preorder? Martin says he has no page count, he is trying to finish AFFC as fast as he can, but, I repeat, it is NOT finished! Martin also addresses the Amazon[.com] error and has no idea where their information comes from. He also adds that the only thing finished is the cover art. At least Amazon[.com] got that right! So, prepare for a major disappointment if you think you'll be getting your new copy on the date Amazon[.com] cites as the release date. In conclusion, I would have put this review with the "A Feast for Crows" listing, as Amazon[.com] usually allows reviews to be printed before a product is actually even available to the public. For some reason, they don't allow it for AFFC. I wonder why? Needless to say, we all would love to get our hands on a copy as soon as we can, BUT Amazon[.com's] erroneous listing of "A Feast For Crows" is a tease we all could do without.
Rating: Summary: Superb Review: This was one of the greatest books I have ever read. It continues the story for the battle for the Iron Throne of Westeros. House Stark continues to fall to bad luck throughout this book, with betrayals and Lannisters barring them from succeeding, but in the end glory is found by the most "unexpected" of Starks. Jon Snow's adventures in the north were increasingly exciting, as well, I found. The end of this book does definitely not disappoint, and this book is a must-read for all Martin fans. A Storm of Swords introduces new types of fantastic magic and plot twists that one would neve suspect... until the end. And all the while the Others gather in the north...
Rating: Summary: Greatest Series Ever!!! Review: You can't keep the Championship title forever. Just ask Ali or Tyson. It may be sad, but its true, G. R. R. Martin has replaced Tolkien as the ruler of the fantasy world. The First two books in This series were the best books i had read in years, and this one was even better than them! It is really rare for a series to get better in latter volumes (ask Jordan or Goodkind) but George shows us that it can be done. This book is also 922 pages! it doesnt cut any corners like some other series where they release a 450 page book when all their previous books in the series were 700+ pages (and charge the same price of course) This book carried on where the last one left off, We spend lots of time in the north and begin to see why there is a Gargantuan wall there in the first place!... and of course the usual (for these books) slaughtering of MAJOR characters... G. R. R. Martin offers no more protection to major players than he does to a peon in some field. Anyone can die (and does) which is a nice change from Goodkind (Richard will never die) or Jordan (where its likely only Rand will die) And the major ones that ones that do "live" can find themselves short a hand, or have their throat slit, or framed for murder of a king.... Oh, Ya, one of the many kings gets "offed" in this book too.. Its no wonder G. R. R. Martin wants a cast of 1000 characters over his 6 books, considering the rate he kills them. I just wonder if 1000 will be enough? The next book is called "A Feast for Crows" which implies a lot more dead bodies...I cant Wait! Buy This Book, Buy 2 copies actually since you will wear one out from reading it. This series ROCKS and IS the BEST fantasy series ever bar none.
Rating: Summary: Answers questions, leaving more questions! Review: The "Song of Ice and Fire" series keeps getting better. The unpredictable plot, coupled with convincingly consistent, yet complex characters and narratorial voices kept me on the edge of my proverbial seat. "A Storm of Swords" brings Martin's artistry to new heights as he continues to make surprising twists to the plot, logically built on previous events. The fact that the narration often refers to events and conversations long past makes for a smooth and easy read that keeps you informed. Martin obviously knows exactly the power of his prose, as he uses these references to guide the reader's expectations in such a way as to surprise even the most cynical and rational reader. The politics of Westeros continue to fall apart as alliances are broken and wars are won and lost. Events set up in previous books come to a head, only to leave the reader anticipating the answer of dozens more questions that the answers presented pose. All in all a great read, and highly recommended to any fan of serious fantasy. Additionally, I recommend it to anybody that wants to read about cloak-and-dagger politicking that doesn't leave a cliche'd taste in the mouth.
Rating: Summary: Very good book Review: I liked the first two a lot, and was sceptical that this one would be as good, I was suprised, it is a very good book. I read a few of the other reviews and don't really understand why people don't like this. I do like the overall style of chapters focused on each character and it got me to where I would want to look forward to see what happened to each character at the end of each Chapter, luckily I resited. Its a fast paced book, even though it very long, which is good.
Rating: Summary: squids Review: Best books ever.Dont buy this book if you need to sleep cos if you are anything like me you wont put it down.Riveting twists and characters that are real people - not fantasy heros that sh#t gold.Some characters that I had on my nightly deathwish list arent so bad when you reread and understand thier motives <tyrion,the hound>.Others I love more!.Others Id like to meet on the battlefield.Some squids out there have decided in thier small brains this is a trilogy?.It is a 6 part story - or was planned to be at the start.Cant wait for more - hurry up please!!
Rating: Summary: WHAT EDITOR GOT HOLD OF THIS AUTHOR BETWEEN BOOKS?????? Review: i originally found this series through the 'Legends-Short Novels by the Masters of Modern Fantasy'. i was delighted by the first two novels. BUT DONT BUY THIS BOOK!! some editor somewhere must have told mr martin he would sell more copies if he joined the trend in making science fantasy into science fantasy soft porn. it's just too stupid. it drives the story line and the story goes nowhere. this also happened in terry goodkind's series. for all his reuse of character descriptions, as of book 9-[#10 is just out] at least jordan has resisted this trend. my real rating is ZERO stars!!
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