A Storm of Swords

Rating:
Summary: MORE!
Review: How could anybody do this to faithful readers? After each book, we're left craving more, like junkies for a fix. I got the first two out of a library, intending to read the first one and finish the second after I came back from vacation. I ended up lugging the second book from the US to Asia, and the third book I'd gladly carry around for the rest of my life. Martin makes you cry, scream, and laugh, as characters the reader loves die ignobly and those you hated turn out to possess redeeming virtues. During this book, you almost forgive Littlefinger, you empathize with the Kingslayer, and you cheer (over and over and over) for the continued exploits of Jon (who is one of the best characters of the book). One note for the squeamish; don't finish the book right before you sleep... oh, what the heck, imitate me; pick it up at 9 PM, put it down at 3 AM. Somebody needs to stand over Martin with a whip and make him write the next three before the end of the year :-).

Rating:
Summary: Best Current Fantasy Epic
Review: "The Song of Ice and Fire" is head and shoulders above the other two big fantasy series currently running. I've pretty much abandoned "The Wheel of Time" (repetitive, dull and boring) and "The Sword of Truth" (pointlessly meandering, deux ex machinas). "SI&F" has strong, distinct characters and tightly crafted plotlines, and compelling prose. Things actually happens that change the makeup of the world in each book. Kudos to Mr. Martin.

Rating:
Summary: For the love of money
Review: Thats the only reason I can think that this author continues to write this series. He certainly isn't doing it for you the reader. He is almost as bad as Jordan and others who prolong a series for no apparent reason. His characters are for the most part shallow individuals whom he cant keep consistent changing their basic selves at a moments notice. He rambles somtimes incoherently as he leads you from subplot to subplot without the ability to tie them together. While the first book was...okay, the second began the descent and now this claptrap brings you to the nethermost region of readers hell. I can't understand how anyone would rate this above 1 star (I gave it 1 only because there is not a no star button). I have been searching for years for a good series of fantasy, but have only found individual novels that meet my standard, that would hold me, and draw me in as only the masterpiece has done in over 35 years of reading fantasy. If you are pleased with this book (God help you), if you are pleased with the work of Jordan, Eddings, Brooks or Goodkind go back to basics and re-read (or God forbid read for the first time) The Lord of the Rings and remember how 1st class literature/fantasy is supposed to be written.

Rating:
Summary: The Only King of High Fantasy- G.R.R Martin
Review: If I had the power, I'd crown a new king of fantasy. G.R.R, the other R.R., seems to get better with every book. Unlike the majority of fantasy authors in business today, Martin decided to wow us with realism and gripping plotlines, as opposed to dragons and wizards shooting fire every few pages. I read this book in two and a half days, and I'm still confused why it took me so long. Read this series, please, you will be better for the experience, and you might even begin to respect yourself. I know i did.

Rating:
Summary: Newest Fantasy at its Best
Review: A Storm of Swords is the third book of 6 planned in this series. If you like intricate plots, political intrigue and "realistic" fantasy where the characters have strengths and weaknesses, then this book is for you. I am widely read in this genre. I appreciate the minimalist approach the author has to magic in fantasy - and his willingness to take chances with his characters. You really do not know how this whole series is going to end - the story is very refreshing in its unpredictability. This is not "high fantasy" - this is GOOD fantasy. Enjoy.

Rating:
Summary: Best Series in Years!
Review: This book was not the usual dragging on of day to day events just to fill up pages that I am used to seeing in these little cliff hangers. It was the best of all three. I was shocked and surprised by the turn of events, when I'm used to knowing what is going to happen chapters before it does. I can't wait for the next book. I just hope he doesn't drag it on until I'm sick of it like Robert Jordan has with his Wheel of Time series.

Rating:
Summary: Great Series!
Review: The series kept me riveted. The first two books wove the tale and the third was the climax; but left you saying..."there has to be a fourth!" Excellent read! I highly recommend this series.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps on getting better
Review: I have to admit when I joined the ranks of Martin's readers, I was dubios at best. I was waiting for Goodkind and Jordan to come out with their next sequal, and I was in desperate need of a fantasy fix. I read the review on the first of Martin's books, and was seduced by the flattery of the reviewer, when it came to the qualities of fantasy readers. So I bought the first one, and took my time getting around to reading it. It was barely interesting enough at the begining to keep me turning the pages. But, soon, the pace picked up, and it has only gotten better from there. A Storm of Swords is has a good pace, and interesting plot. You find yourself sympathizing with characters that you once thought that you once hated, and intended to let out a cheer when you read of thier demise. Martin manages to do this, with grace and skill. Few writers can make you change your feelings for a character, without being heavy handed and obvious about it. But Martin simply lets you see a different side of Such Characters as Jaime, the Hound, and Littlefinger. And if they are not quite the hero's of the story, they are, like all of Martins Characters, very human and real. The only complaint that I have about his books is that they just end. THere is not closure or real ending. It is simply ends. Leaving you hanging for the next one. But, like most fantasy saga readers, it is a feeling that I am now used to, if not happy with.

Rating:
Summary: Re-arranging history
Review: All g.r.r Martin has done is taken the War Of The Roses and set it in a different world. Where the Yorks are the Starks and the Lannisters are the Lancasters.The entire trio of books are abysmal not worth the paper they're printed on. The world Martin created doesn't seem real and doesn't grip you as Jordan's does. The amount of medieval intrigue is over the top and not enough magic or action to counter it. The plot gets all confusing with too many characters all over the place (who's the hero who's the baddy?).No central character, and those he concentrates on are very unlike able.

Rating:
Summary: Enough already!
Review: I surrender - I couldn't get through this volume. After devouring Books 1 & 2, I was eager to immerse myself in Book 3. But the death, misery, horror, cruelty, despair, and mercilessness is too much. I love you George, but there's no escapism here, not a scintilla. I know escapism is "out" these days, but have some pity on your readers!