Rating: 
Summary: I think people are missing the point...
Review: I was reading some other reviews on here and it seems as though people are missing the very broad picture that these books are painting. Martin is telling the story of the end of an age.The Seven Kingdoms is up for grabs and everyone wants not just a piece of the pie, but the whole thing, pie tin and all. But while we have the mostly mundane power struggle between the mightiest lords of the Seven Kingdoms, we begin to realize that something far, far more sinister is afoot. Magic is on the rise and no one quite knows how to deal with it, the threat of winter looms over everyone's heads, and creepy murmurings from the North begin to percolate downward through the kingdoms. It seems to me almost like a "Final Fantasy" video game, in which the whole world coalesces into one final, huge, magical boom before shattering itself into a million pieces. The era of the Iron Throne's undisputed rule is over, even if its contenders don't realize it yet. The world is about to change in a significant way, altering its course from its current path. Martin's characters are believable. Each one is a complicated riot of different feelings, ambitions, and choices. There is no main character, but there doesn't need to be. The story is bigger than that.
Rating:
Summary: A Storm of Characters
Review: Well, I finally get around to reviewing one of Martin's books! My fiance and I have been reading them rabidly ever since he picked up the first book in the series, A Game of Thrones, earlier in the summer. We've both agreed that although he isn't deep as far as insightful material into humanity, Martin is fast-paced, fun, and reads like a medieval tale at times, with a healthy dose of good descriptions, fierce battles, and lots of politics. The characters are likeable, although at times his love of the loner bites through them, every one. I don't want to spoil the story, as surprises are what Martin is good at. Just know that he often subscribes to the idea that nice guys finish last. For those who know Martin only as a sci-fi writer, be prepared! Although he approaches this tale with the same kind of blunt humanity and technical preparation that goes into such novels, there is also some of the fantastic about the realm, as is proper in this genre. For those who are used to the typical fantasy novel, beware! There is far more sex and language and less magic than in the kinds of books you're used to. For those who have asked, my favourite characters (thus far) are Tyrion Lannister and Jon Snow. I look forward to the Sansa chapters, too. She isn't my favourite, but she's always in the middle of things. Arya annoys the hell out of me.
Rating:
Summary: A STORM OF WORDS
Review: George R. R. Martin continues to treat the reader with fascinating characters, political intrigue and a shocking death or two. I won't go into detail about the plot and characters of this book but instead I'll focus on why Martin is the greatest fantasy author of our time. As many have already noted, Martin doesn't follow typical epic fantasy conventions. Instead, Martin gives us a fantasy setting very much based on medieval Britain--a medieval Britain where magic is scarce and the jostling and scheming among the great houses of Westeros is the rule. Martin is unpredictable and it is difficult to guess where he's going with the story. He doesn't pull plot twists out of his hat, though, as a second reading of any of his "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels will reveal the groundwork laid down by Martin that led up to the surprising plot turns (the second time I read the novels I kept hitting my head every time I came upon a clue that led to one of the big surprises). Another quality Martin has is his ability to paint realistic characters: Not every good guy is that good nor is every bad guy all bad. In fact, some guys who you thought were good end up making some terrible choices--either out of greed, love or pride--that cost them honor, family and even their very lives. And some of the most unredeemable bad guys in the novel slowly change to become better, if not good, as they mature and try to shed their evil ways (not always sucessfully). The depth of characterization in A Storm of Swords is astounding as characters slowly grow--sometimes for the better, often for the worse. Martin doesn't let his love for his characters interfere with the gritty realism of A Storm of Swords. Some of the most interesting characters--hated and beloved--in the series die here. A few readers have complained about this but to me it is a refreshing change of pace from other epic fantasy novels where the good guys never die and always overcome the bad guys in the end. That's not the way it works in A Storm of Swords. A Storm of Swords is broken up into ten different characters' points of view (each chapter is titled with the names of one of those ten characters--some of the ten get more chapters than others do). Often we get to read about the same events twice only told from two (or more) differing perspectives. But don't think that because a character has his own chapters/point of view that he's immune from Martin's axe. A Storm of Swords is a realistic, gritty, epic fantasy novel inspired by historical events in medieval Britain. A must read.
Rating:
Summary: Easily Equaling Tolkien
Review: George R. R. Martin scares me. Ever time I read his books I am sure there is no possible way for a human being to have written them. They have too many subplots, but yet stay focused, too many characters, but doesn't stray. All in all, it seems to real to be true. I read the first book and thought, 'This certainly can't continue at this level.' I was right, each consecutive novel has surpassed the other, amazingly enough. My words may seem a bit strong, perhaps exaggerated, but they aren't, you must read it to be able to understand.
Rating: 
Summary: Baffled
Review: I can't believe I forced myself through these 3 god awful books. I cound't stand it. I put the books on my list because of recommendations here and I honestly cannot understand why anyone would like it. It was painful to read. The characters are cutouts, the plot is completely derivative. A HUGE disappointment and I cannot believe all the praise for these books is real.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent book, but not for everybody.
Review: I have read many fantasy novels, and I'll admit some are pretty good. You see, I am not a die-hard fantasy reader, but Martin's books became an exception. Compared to other novels by other big name writers such as Jordan's "Wheel of Time" series that lost it's edge after the first two books, or Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" series which got too lame and corny as it progresses; Martin's books has it's way of grabbing your attention page by page. And while other books stick to the classic "good guy, bad guy" theme, Martin's books gives life and growth to his characters so you will end up liking a bad guy, but hating a good guy. Another attribute his characters seem to have (and it's contagious!) is backstabbing. And of all three books, "A Storm of Swords" had the record of most backstabbings.
But as I said, it is not for everybody. Those die-hard fantasy fans looking for magic will be somewhat disappointed. The books contains scenes of magic, dragons, the undead, and others but not much. Another thing that people may not like is the violence. Those readers not into blood, guts, and gore may not like it much, but it doesn't bother me a bit.
So how does Martin do it? Is it the characters? The violence? The intrigue? I think it is the combination of all three plus more I didn't mention. I can't wait for the "Feast".
Rating: 
Summary: Finally, the series gets somewhere!!
Review: This was easily the best book of this series. After forcing my way throught the second book, I was convinced that Martin was really Robert Jordan in disguise, but after reading the third installment of this slow to publish series I felt much better. It appears that Martin is only getting ADVICE from Jordan, rather then actually being Jordan. The plot moved along very well in this book, the new character viewpoints were interesting and made the book all the better and best of all, almost everyone named "Stark" gets killed off or at the very least, develops a personality. In all seriousness, while there are many characters in this book, the only interesting ones are Tyrion, Jon Snow and Danaerys. I hope the fourth book is just about them or at the very least, omits all references to women named Stark. Unfortunately, in order to read the interesting, we also read the dull. I expect that the fourth book may come out while I am still young enough to have the use of my eyes, but I won't count on it. While I did enjoy the book, I will enjoy them all the more as soon as it becomes apparent that there is an end in sight. While authors and publishers may think that they are getting their money's worth from hacks like Jordan, Goodkind and dare I include you in this category Mr Martin, these never ending long running series will only hurt the genre in the long run. As editors are constantly forced to pore through endless and mindless tomes of repetitive fantasy text, the one or two authors with actual original ideas will most likely get left out in the cold. Read this book. It's fun, but don't expect too much from the future.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Ever
Review: The Ice and Fire books are by far the best books Ive ever read I love the way the story flows togeather and the story itself never gets lost. everytime you turn the page you just can't wait for more. Its a read all night book thats for sure!!!
Rating:
Summary: Its simply perfect
Review: After reading the first 2 books I had come to a few conclusions about the series and about George R.R. Martin's writting. First I realized that NO ONE was sacred, and anyone could suffer a horrible, screaming, ill-deserved fate. Second I realized that the man can write, and write well, unlike so many writters in this Genre (I really think Martin should be his own genre) He doesn't write repetitive, dry, and cliche phrases, sentences, or chapters. Third I realized that a WHOLE LOT of stuff happens, as opposed to so many fantasy books and series where the "great cliche hero" goes on his "great cliche quest" and nothing of importance happens for anywhere from 100 pages to 6 books. Fourth I knew, with absolute Certainty that though everyone was "Shades of Gray" in his world, there was at least 1 evil, foul character, and his name was Jaime Lanister. Then I read A Storm of Swords. Never again will I presume to doubt the master.
To say that this is "gritty Fantasy" would be a severe understatement. If you would like a book where good and evil are clearly defined, the good guys always win and the bad guys always loose and nothing really bad happens to the good guys, don't read this book; pick up david eddings of something. If you want believeable (yes believable),emotionally engaging, intelligent, literature, then read G.R.R.M.
This series, and especially this book, are simply incredible, reading it will affect you, it will engage you, and it will surprise you. If you read only one fantasy series in your life Read this one, If you read 2, pick up Tolkien.
Rating:
Summary: I did it to myself again
Review: After I began reading the Robert Jordan Series I swore I would never begin reading a series of books that had not been finished again. I was weak and this time it really cost me. Fortunately, the Jordan series became weaker and weaker with each book and therefor the waiting was quite tolerable. This is not the case with George R.R. Martins epic "A Song of Fire and Ice" series. These books are beyond excellent from cover to cover. Depth of character, interesting story lines, and what I like best: Martin does not rely on characters with super magic powers that are completely undefeatable to guide the current of the story. I will suffer the next 10 months awaiting the next novel but, if it is of as high of quality as the preceeding 3 books the wait for the 5th book may be quite intolerable. My recommendation: Wait until Martin finishes the series until you start!!!!
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