A Game of Thrones

Rating:
Summary: Fantasy literature evolves....
Review: Honestly, I think I've identified those readers that may not like this series. If you're exclusively into adventure fantasy or those stories where heavy emphasis is set on the bad guy getting his while the good guy prevails, then you might not like A Song of Ice and Fire. If you're a fantasy action buff, and must read about characters getting their asses handed to them or killed in virtually every chapter, then this series might not be for you.

There's fighting in these books. There's conflict and war. But all of it is precipitated by clever, underhanded, and somewhat complicated family and courtroom politics. In a Song of Ice and Fire - and unlike some other fantasy novels - war isn't provoked by a mad man's irrational desire for global conquest and potential heroes aren't molded as a result of this.

There are no great, flashy heroes or fantastic villains. What you have are gray pieces set on one big game board; pieces that move in subtle fashion according to the whims of their masters and conspirators. These moves are planned surreptitiously, leaving the reader wondering what will happen next. That's one of the reasons why some people may find the books to be boring --- because the schemes orchestrated by the characters in the book intentionally leave their reader's, as well as the other characters in the story, in the dark until it's almost too late. If you want to read a book where you know everything that's going to happen next, where you can pat yourself on the back for being able to understand/realize examples of cunning that any 12-year-old can decipher beforehand, then skip this series.

If you want to appreciate true levels of canniness, subtlety, and wit that would make any drow of Menzoberranzan blush, then pick these books up.

Rating:
Summary: Not the same old Fantasy Story
Review: If you are worn out with the typical fantasy story, but find yourself going back to the genre because you like the whole good vs evil thing, this book will be a pleasant suprise for you!. If however you are easily offended, some of the laguage and sexual content may put you off. Let me reiterate, this is not a book for your kids. This is a book that keeps you guessing, people die, good guys, bad guys and pets. This is just the begginning of a very long and uncompleted story, but a very rewarding read.If you want something different,that still has swords, horses, politics, love, hate and hope, try this one on for size!

Rating:
Summary: For Mature Audiences
Review: The "Fire and Ice" books by George R. R. Martin are written from an adult's perspective; if this were a movie, I would give it an R rating for sex and violence.

The plotting is cleverly done and involving. The geography and societal divisions are fictional, and yet are grounded in similar geographical locations and historical forms of Britain, Europe, and Asia. More importantly, the characters are finely crafted, well-rounded, and complete -- no two-dimensional, black and white definitions here.

While despising the evil actions taken, the character definition allows you to understand motivations and to some extent identify with even the worst individuals. At the same time, even the heroes have flaws, flaws which are intrinsic to the high standards they try to follow.

There are no "Disney deaths" in this series. Also, there is no guarantee that good or admirable characters will win; they are in real danger, from real evil, and it becomes apparent that there is some bad in even the best of us.