Rating: 
Summary: Great book, Great series
Review: This was an excellent book from start to finish. Like the previous two in the series it kept me captivated for days while I poured through the pages. Not typically one to read fantasy, I have been impressed and subsequently hooked by Martin. Only thing to prevent this from getting a full five stars is its amount of plot twists packed into one book. Almost unbelievable, however Martin has a style that can somehow pull it off when others would likely fall short. Cannot wait for the next installment.
Rating: 
Summary: A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3)
Review: Please do not buy this book, it rambles on for 900 painful pages. The first 2 books were good even with all the players but this one hits the bottom of the barrel and then failed to give an ending. Failure of ending a book is getting to be an epidemic with today's fantasy writers. As I read the book there were good parts but just about everybody I liked gets killed. I told my wife every time I read the Storm of Swords book, the first 2 books were good, this one has to get better. It never did.
Rating: 
Summary: High suspense without a quest - that's something to achieve!
Review: I will refrain from getting into judgement whether Storm is better as Game or Clash, but it definitely upholds the standards set by G.R.R.
The most remarkable feature of this epic fantasy saga, setting it apart from all others, is the absence of a quest. Also absent is a clear distinction between overwhelming good and overwhelming evil, though certainly some of the characters are more evil than others. What is unique for this series is the in-depth development of individual characters of all sides of the conflict(s). The characters which we learn most about are not nessecarily the greatest heros or greatest villains. Characters which we grew to dislike over the course of the first installments suddenly are given their own voices, calling for understanding, which we grow reluctant to withhold. For example, even if it would never cross our mind to forgive Jamie the Kingslayer for throwing little Bran out the window, we come to understand and respect certain aspects of his personality.
What also sets this saga apart from all others is the complete unpredictability of the outcome. Even in the classic of all classics of the genre, the ultimate victory of good over evil is predictable from the very beginning, the only question remaining how it will be brought about. In ASoIaF we don't even know the ultimate goal, let alone whether it will be achieved or not (I would not even be surprised finding myself surprised by the revelation that the feared Others aren't bad at all, but simply misunderstood champions of some uncomprehensible cause of greater good). G.R.R. keeps us suspended, secondguessing and tearing ourselves apart in awaiting the next sequel, making this the best fantasy series ever encountered.
Rating:
Summary: Best series ever
Review: I don't read these types of books, but I have read all three within the Fire and Ice series. This is saying alot. The characters and the sweeping, ever-arching plot lines and forever engrossing. I just wish he would write as fast as I can read them. Friends of mine have read and re-read them over three times now. Wonderful books!
Rating:
Summary: IF YOU LIKE ROBERT JORDAN, READ THIS
Review: GEORGE R R MARTIN IS THE BEST FANTASY AUTHOR IN PRINT SINCE ROBERT JORDAN HIT THE SCENE, AND IN MY OPINION BETTER. THE DEPTH OF THE CHARACTERS HE HAS CREATED IS AMAZING. THERE IS CONSTANTLY ACTION, OR SUSPENCE LEADING UP TO. IF YOU THINK THESE BOOKS ARE GETTING SLOW... BE CAREFUL . SOMETHING BIG IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN.
Rating:
Summary: Renders me almost speechless
Review: After the suprising events in this book, I could only find myself saying one word when finished, "Wow". "A Storm of Swords" is full of so many plot twists that just when one thinks they know what is going on, something completely different happens and takes the reader by suprise. I will give Martin kudos for the fact that I only predicted a few events beforehand that actually happened. Many books nowdays are full of predictable work that is almost boring to read. The same can not be said for this book, or this series. "A Storm of Swords" finally brings into play more of the life of the Black Brothers and the Wildlings. But don't be fooled, that isn't all that the book covers. Troubles in the Kingdoms are still being brought into play. We see more from Dany and learn everything there isn't what meets the eye. The Kings are all still fighting for control. Deaths aplenty happen in this book, some more suprising than others. But that does not take away from the appeal of the book. There are a few characters that have died in the past books that I would rather not have been killed off, and this book is no exception. That is really the only problem I have with the book. But, I am willing to accept the deaths as part of the plot that is keeping this wonderful story moving along. I was a little hesitant when I picked this series up first. It started off a little slow. But now...to me there is never a dull moment. The chapters flow together smoothly, and never once have I been bored. The action is incredible. The plots/subplots/subsubplots are simply amazing and intriguing. This book really brings to play many of the main characters. Finally we see more from Jaime's point of view. Samwell is another character that gets a POV in this book. Since starting this series, I can probably rate it up to one of the best of all time in my opinion. It blows every other series I have read out of the water. George R.R. Martin is a great author and I look forward to his next book, which hopefully comes out soon. If "A Feast for Crows" (Supposedly the next book's title) is as good as this one and the ones before it, I will not hesitate to spend the money to add it to my collection.
Rating:
Summary: Simply fantastic!
Review: The superlatives used by the majority of reviewers almost can't describe the overwhelming excellence of George R.R. Martin's groundbreaking fantasy epic, which reaches yet another level of greatness with this third book of a fantasy series, which will be the ultimate measure for the next decade of novels of this genre. After taking us into a world of intricate political machinations, breathtaking heroics, fatal betrayals, foredoomed affairs of the heart and blood, and an awakening magic about to return to a world at the eve of eternal chaos with the first two books of the 'Song of Ice and Fire' series, Martin manages to capture the readers attention once again. Additionally he succeeds in raising the suspense and the fascination for the stunned reader to yet another new level. The moment you start reading 'Storm of Swords' you won't be able take a break from reading this astonishing masterpiece of contemporary fantasy literature. So, what's it about? After the Lannisters have fend off the assault on King's Landing by Stannis Baratheon, their ascent to undisputed dominance over Westeros appears to be only threatened by young Robb Stark, King of the North. The Baratheon line has been decimated to the last stronghold of Lord Stannis, the Starks are under pressure from an unexpected foe threatening their heart lands, and the remaining political and military powers seem to flock together under the banners of juvenile, but cruel and ungoverned King Joffrey Lannister. But the Lannister's reign is shadowed by the unpredictable fate of the brothers Jaime - still under captivity by Catelyn Stark, and Tyrion - severly wounded since the fight at King's Landing. While Tywin Lannister tries to secure his grandson's hold to the Iron Throne, mysterious powers beyond the frontiers of Westeros are steadily growing, threatening the balance of life itself on the lands devastated by war, famine and anarchy. In the far north, Jon Snow struggles to uncover the secrets of the wildling hordes while attempting to preserve his very integrity as a Black Brother. And on the other side of the world, Princess Danaerys has yet to master challenges of warfare and treachery to lay the final claim to her rightful seat on the Iron Throne. What makes this book so extraordinary is far more than just a complicated and thrilling pattern of medieval strife and heroic exploits. Martin uses down to the bone honesty to describe human ambitions and passions. He reminds us that the line between benefactors and criminals is never pin sharp. And success and failure stand only as separated from each other as chance and circumstance permit. His plot is witty and never predictable, the dialogues used are charming, sharp and spirited, and rarely I have seen such a huge cast of carefully outlined characters. It's been a long time (in fact since Donaldson's Gap series) since I have experienced so many different feelings for the main protagonists, ranging from cheers to hatred and from sorrow to utmost astonishment and joy - and more than once I had to discover, that my personal feelings concerning a specific character had undergone a 180-degree turn from rooting to booing (or vice versa). Admittedly Martin is no easy-going read. His style of narration and writing competes with the likes of Iain Banks and Umberto Eco, his tales are full of symbolism and hidden meanings and the plot is so thick and rich of surprises and backyard information, it can be really tough to keep all details in mind. But whatever it takes to follow Martin's ambitious writing: It's worth every piece of paper and minute spent reading. Cuz the way Martin gets the reader involved in his story is simply outstanding and when you finally reach the final pages of 'Storm of Swords', there are only 2 things left to say: First 'Wow!' and second 'When will Book 4, 'A Feast for Crows' finally be available...'
Rating:
Summary: you will not be able to put this book down
Review: Unlike some other series which I will not mention, George RR Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice just keeps getting better and better. His complex characters and unexpected plot twists make for the kind of reading in which you look at your watch, see that it is 4 am and realize you have to go to work in a couple of hours. If you like books that are unpredictable, beautifully written and leave you saying "I cant wait for the next one" I highly recomend every book in this series
Rating:
Summary: A welcome antidote to sweetness and light
Review: I love this series. Martin has created an extremely rich, layered world with a huge cast of realistically complicated characters, and he is willing to subject all of them to things that could actually happen - things humans have indeed done to each other throughout history. He has created a different world, but peopled it with the same species we're stuck with on this one. He is more "realistic" not only than the fluffy, sweetness-and-light fantasy writers, but also than many "gritty" writers who write only about unpleasant things and people, whether in an effort to shock, or to be cynical enough for a modern audience, or to be "serious writers." Martin is willing to dedicate the pages and the energy to creating real people and letting them loose. Some reviewers have complained that they're tired of, or repulsed by, the amount and nature of the ...in these books. I agree that this is not how many of us choose to think about ..., but I think it does reflect accurately on how the people he's describing engage in and think about it. A more legitimate complaint is that he doesn't bother describing it when two people who are happily married are enjoying it together. Maybe that's because he's killed off at least half of each such couple. But let's remember that the dramatic stuff is always going to get more play than the routine. There aren't a lot of descriptions of peaceful meals or anything else peaceful in these books. I'm not sure why we'd expect much of anything to provide sweet, otherworldly respite in these books. But we can get that in our own lives. Something I would add to the observations of Martin's superb characterization is that I am very impressed by his ability to channel children. He's captured the fact that while children are ignorant and inexperienced in many respects, many of them can certainly think well and can understand quite complicated aspects of reality. Arya is smart (though certainly bitter) and resourceful. Sansa is older, but (frankly) not that bright, and learns more slowly (it's taking her a heck of a long time to get over her romantic delusions). It's nice to see an author reflecting these real differences rather than treating anyone under 15 as an ... who thinks and speaks in words of one syllable. Finally, one reviewer thought there was nothing to be learned from these books, no philosophy. I disagree. Throughout the books, people make difficult choices among competing loyalties, goals and ideals. Their choices are not always wise or kind, but it is our job as readers to reflect on this and draw our own conclusions as to what they should have done. It would be terribly annoying if Martin beat us over the head with his own opinions. His restraint in this regard should not be interpreted as moral relativism, but as "show, don't tell" writing. And the fact that characters are not rewarded properly for their choices reflects real life. It takes more courage to make moral decisions and tough choices when we believe that we will not be repaid good for good. After finishing this series, we should be grateful in instances where doing the right thing will actually not lead to our public beheading.
Rating: 
Summary: Confused
Review: Dear George Martin, You confuse me Sir. Is this a trilogy or not? If not then I await the next installment in what has been an epic story, full of excitement and intrigue. Should you complete the series I would give my seal of approval and a hearty recommendation to anyone to read these well written and thoroughly entertaining books. However, If this is the final part (which I sincerely hope it is not) then I despair as you would have ended the saga in a confusing, botched, premnature, unfinished and shameful way. To end with "A Storm of Swords" would be cruel to your audience and would require you, if you have honour - as I am sure you do, to refund their hard earned money. In either case the message to your readers has not been clear. I suggest you mention this to your publisher as their PR job has obviously been somewhat poor. Sincerely yours,
Andrew Bartlam
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