A Clash of Kings

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Summary: An author tapped into the primal soul story-telling...!!!
Review: Author George R. R. Martin has written a novel that is larger than the genre of fantasy. With an enormous cast of remarkably done characters and a keen eye for conflict, he has brought us a story that a reader of any genre will be enthralled by. That it is a fantasy makes it even better: he has driven the standard to new heights!

I first read Mr. Martin's work many years ago--the first I believe, a short story about a knight.... I read a few other stories over the years, and--while impressed, I made no effort to read his works unless I chanced across them. When I saw his name on the cover of _A Game of Thrones_, I decided to give it a try. I can only say that I now have made it a point to go back and discover as much of his work as I can!

With plenty of knights, nobles, lords and ladies, he has also included a rich tapestry of common folk, so often forgotten by many authors. He has created a rich history for his world, and balances the elements of fantasy in a manner that never over-powers the characters or setting, but that always lets the fancies of the mind take flight. Political intrigue has seldom been so intriguing, and his characters keep true to themselves, and so--whether or not you like them--you follow them eagerly through the wilds, across seas, down hall-ways, and into the depths of their hearts, ever anxious to see what happens next.

Truly, here is an author tapped into the primal soul of story-telling. For the first time, I find that I consider there to be an equal to my favorite fantasy author and master, R. E. Howard...and I think he would smile down on Mr. Martin's wonderful new series and other works! The sacred genre has a fine new champion!

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Summary: JRR Tolkien fan from 1970; liked R. Jordan..love Martin!
Review: Being a PhD in Medieval Lit & Languages after reading Tolkien and CS Lewis as a teenager, it is rare that I fall into a fantasy world with such committment! "A Game of Thrones" kept me enthralled. Martin's characters are people we remember and wait to meet again and again and he wisely and brilliantly introduced the wonderful, loyal "Direwolves"- these creatures stole my heart before any of the Starks! Please tell me the second book is closer at hand than Spring '99!!

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Summary: A Clash Of Kings Preview
Review: I saw Martin speak at the Worldcon in early August. He said that the pub date for the Harper CollinsUK edition was November of this year, and in January 99 from Bantam US. So I have to wonder if this pub date is correct, or did Bantam move it back? Either way, this second novel is well worth the wait! There is also a new novella, called The Hedge Knight", set 100 years before AGoT, that is being published in the new anthology "Legends" from Tor. I've heard some of ACoK read by Martin, and it's full of beautiful writing and compelling characters, and a story that turns and twists and excites the imagination.

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Summary: Possibly better than Robert Jordans' "Wheel of Time" Series.
Review: I am usually very particular about the Sci-Fi that I read, so when I saw Robert Jordan's review on the cover of The Game of Thrones I knew that I had to read it. I was not disappointed! Once I started the book I could not put it down, I rushed from chapter to chapter in a frenzied gluttony of the mind. Truly a great read!!!!!!! The characters are vivid and fascinating. Some I truly hated and others I came to love. Martin ran me through a full range of emotions with each succeding chapter. I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next journey in the series.

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Summary: "Outstanding; Awesome; Far and Away One of the Best...."
Review: Martin has taken Fantasy to the next level. I can not recommend this book enough. For anyone who reads Fantasy & Sci-Fi: Get this book you won't regret it. Martin, weaves together the most captivating tale I have ever read; Characters that you care for, plot twists that keep you jumping and a style that keeps you turning the pages. Martin is truly one of the "Best".

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Summary: A fantastic book!
Review: This was one of the best books I have ever read. The characters capivated me and the many plots keep me on the edge of my seat! I never knew what was going to happen and I spent every last spear minute I had reading A Game of Thrones. It seems a life time I've been waiting for the next book and I eagerly await for it to come out in December. I would tell any fantasy reader that this is a must read!

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Summary: the best book ever written!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: When one of my fellow Karate mates gave me this book to read, I kinda shrugged it off, because I was a solid Wies and Hickman man. But, once I started to read it I couldn't put it down. after the first half of the book I realized I liked it more then any Weis/Hickman book EVER made to this date!!! As I read on I was so in dpth in it I actually felt for the chatacters. This book has everything a book needs: description, entrigue, action, suspense, and all other elements and good fantasy book needs plus more!!! I to am a young author. If you would like to have me send a copy of what I have so far e-mail me. Once again, this is the BEST BOOK EVER WRITTEN!!! I JUST CAN'T WAIT FOR 'A CLASH OF KINGS'!!!!!!!!!!

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Summary: You'll never see fantasy the same way again!
Review: George R. R. Martin has gripped the world of fantasy writing by the horns and wrenched it free of its old stereotypes. From the wide scope of the world he creates to the depth of the characters to the intricacy of the plot, this is by far the most incredible piece of writing to come down the chute. Most intriguing, however, are Martin's constant reminders that this is NOT a fairy tale, a feature that adds an almost frightening amount of realism. The world of fantasy will never be the same!

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Summary: Must Read!! I am Eagerly awaiting A Clash of Kings.......
Review: This book is easily one of the best Fantasy books I have read since the Dragon Lance Saga (the original books). The way George R.R. Martin develops each main character throughout the story is truly amazing. I love how each chapter revolves around another person in the plot. There are so many unexpected twists that I found myself gasping and cheering all at once. And then how he breaks each chapter so you want to rush through the next to see what happens. This book is excellent...and I dare say it will cause me to by any of his fantasy offerings in the future. I EAGERLY await A Clash of Kings.

Joe

Rating:
Summary: Captivating!
Review: Of the fantasy series I have read, only Robert Jordan's world compares to the one that George R.R. Martin has created with A Game of Thrones. The book is enthralling, it kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. At this point it is impossible to predict what will happen next; I can't wait for the next book in the series to be published!