Rating: 
Summary: Cannot... Put... It... Down!
Review: I feel compelled to add my voice to the chorus of positive reviews. This is an excellent series! It's been a long time since any fantasy novel has had me so engrossed. Martin spins a complex, richly plotted tales of rivalries, feuds, allegiances, battles, intrigues, betrayals, and supernatural menaces. Though the Arthurian world that the story is set in didn't seem terribly unique at first, it grew on me through the details. I found myself soon wrapped up in the intertwining storylines of the dozen or so main characters, whose actions, personalities, and experiences Martin renders more interestingly and honestly than most writers in this genre seem capable of. Yes, (to address the complainers) there are long stretches where there is more dialogue than action, but as much of import takes place in the throne room as on the battlefield, and Martin's dialogue is cracklingly true to life (unlike, say, Tolkien's).This is definitely an ambitious, epic tale, involving enough players and factions to necessitate an appendix at the end of the book, but Martin manages to keep all the pieces moving in a way that's logical and compelling. This is a fantasy series that refreshingly focuses first and foremost on the individual characters, weaving the story from their own flawed but genuinely human perspectives. Very often, the plot takes twists and turns that surprise not only them, but likely the reader as well, sometimes just when it seems Martin is finally building towards some time-worn cliche. This is one of those books that will keep you up until the small hours of the morning, because you have to know what the hell happens next, and next, and next... The traditional fantasy elements, like dragons or sorcerers, are there, too, but Martin treats these details in a nuanced, economical way, using them to lend the story a mythic aura without overwhelming its players. I'd caution younger or more senstive readers, though, that the violence (and language) in this and subsequent books can be quite savage at times. Brutal slayings occur throughout, and there are more than a few incidents of wanton rape or torture depicted as well. I don't think it's overly heavy-handed and it seems realistic to the medieval-level societies portrayed, where there was never much value placed on human life or rights, particularly where the poor were concerned, but some readers might find the grim details a bit much. Definitely R rated material. If you liked this book at all, I think that the series only gets better with the next two (all that have been written to date). By "A Storm of Swords" Martin seems to be writing more confidently, and his characters finding their own inner strength, as well. The "good guys" are darkened by having to make ugly decisions, and many of the "bad guys" become more sympathetic and interesting. Some readers have complained that there isn't enough of a distinction between the heroes and the villains, but I think they're missing out on the subtleties that make this a better series than most fantasy paperbacks (I got bored with the "Wheel of Time" books years ago).
Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: The best fantasy novel I have ever read. This book brings the characters to life and makes them a real as any one I know. I have read the first three books and have hooked most of my family and half my friends on the series. We are all eagerly awaiting the publishing of A Feast for Crows. Whenever I talk with my family we can't help to have a discussion about these books or speculate on what Mr. Martin has in store for us all.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguingly unique
Review: The families that make up this series are complex. The Starks have a wolf on their banner and the motto "Winter's
Coming." The Lannisters, who rule, hold the real power. The
Queen's a Lannister. The King isn't but the heir to the throne, Ser Jaime, the "Kingslayer," is. I didn't find it overly
melodramatic. Ned is the Hand of the King. He's the Lord of
Winterfell. When the Starks, Lannisters, and other claimants, start preparing for war, all hell breaks loose. It begins with Ned's oldest daughter breaking off her betrothal
to Jaime Lannister. Then spirals downward from there.
Rating:
Summary: Realistic Fantasy and Fantastic Realism
Review: Maybe this title is an oxymoron, but somehow this book achieves it. A Game of Thrones is one of the best books I've ever read. It might even be the best. Period! I am going to buy the second book today. I've shied away from the fantasy genre for many years now because the books simply get predictable and boring. Characters become cliche; plots become didactic and have fairy tale endings; the writing style becomes transparent. With this book, none of that is true. If you're looking for a fresh perspective on the fantasy genre, this book will not disappoint. George Martin has an extraordinary gift at writing. The story is woven together in seamless fashion. The character dialogue and their inner thoughts are so realistic that it felt as though I were watching a movie at times instead of reading. That said, there are some qualities of this book which might not appeal to everyone. You might not like this book if you can't handle : 200 initial pages or so of raw character development; multiple character perspectives on events; complicated, political relationships between the characters; murder; rape; injustice; and a conservative dose of the typical fantasy elements like magic and monsters. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!
Rating:
Summary: simply the best
Review: If there are ever textbooks written for fantasy literature, this book (or a part of it) will be included. The writing is brilliant. Each word counts. Phrases that are supposed to be witty actually ARE. Events that promise to surprise you DO. Characters who are supposed to be clever do genuinely clever things. In addition, Martin produces countless unique turns of phrase with the casual ease of a master. As for plot, this book represents the very best of a budding genre. To call the book high fantasy and compare it to Tolkien is not quite fair. Tolkien based his work on myth. Martin bases his primarily on history, and his work should properly be called a fantihistorical. Although the series has elements of myth, the most astonishing facts are nearly always historical. The Targarian habit of marrying brother to sister to preserve the bloodlines, for instance, was practiced by the Egyptian pharaohs. You will actually learn real things about history if you pay attention in this series. Martin's meticulous details are dazzling-types of cloth and food, details of trade and political agreements, a proper proportion of elderly, mentally ill, and sickly people in society, and realistic process of infection from wounds. His medicines are also well-researched, many of them used in some society at some time. Many of these elements are not apparent at the beginning of the story. Perhaps intentionally, Martin throws the reader off the scent in the prologue. Although the book contains magical events, they are rare. So rare, in fact, that when they occur, the reader may find herself skeptical, looking for a logical explanation and wondering if Martin really means us to believe magic is afoot. Like a skilled swordfighter, Martin is constantly weaving and ducking our guesses. He frequently starts a typical thread of plotting, only to turn the whole thing on its ear and take the story in an unexpected direction. And he does all this as naturally and skillfully as a dancer. If you enjoy fantasy, history, or just really good writing, this book is a must-read. ...and I dare you to read this one and not read the next two! Only one word of caution: this book and the next two are really all one story with no major break. _A Storm of Swords_ ends in a cliff-hanger where you'll be waiting with the rest of us on pins and needles. If you're very impatient, you should perhaps wait for the series to be completed before you begin.
Rating:
Summary: Intense
Review: This book was a fine book. It is plot- and character-driven. It kept me wondering what would happen next, or it didn't keep me wondering because I thought I knew and then I was wrong. Reading this book makes me feel sorry for George R. R. Martin because he can never read it with the sense of mystery and surprise that the rest of (literate, english-speaking and monied) humanity is able to. However, if you aren't in awe of this book, don't be shocked. I wasn't. Then I read the others. Which led me to the sense of awe and respect I have for this admirable entry into the realm of epic fantasy. Read this book with attention and respect. Read it because it is good. But more than that, read it because it is the opening chapter in the best story I've ever read, and I've read a lot.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Book if I do say so my self
Review: Wow, is the first word that I though of when I finished the book, then darn, because the book was over. I generally judge a book by the feelings that the book gives you as you read the book. Let me tell you that this book wrenched from happiness to sadness to even disappointment. NOT disappointment of the book, but of decisions those darn characters make. Some times I had to put down the book because those darn emotions got the better of me I just got so angry, sad, or happy, that I needed to cool down before I continued reading. Now that is what a good piece of the written word can do for you, that is the power of words. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but a thousand words can move you more and for longer.
Alas, sorry children, this book, and I suppose this series, is not for the faint of heart. This is a hardcore fantasy series, with graphic fighting and graphic sex. The characters are in the gray, and there are not many black or white, good or bad characters. Wit a lot of them, you can never tell their allegiance.
Well, why are you still reading this and not acquiring the book in some way (like this huge site you are on) and reading it.
Rating:
Summary: Breathtaking
Review: I have rarely read a series with such three-dimensional characters. Very few characters are all good or all bad. Most are sympathetic in some way. They are also among the most tragic books I've read. So many main characters die, and so many things go wrong... I recommend this series to anyone who is looking for something to sink their teeth into. Good characters, good plots, good writing. It's epic fantasy, but more of the "King Arthur" type than the unicorns and elves variety.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best fantasy series out there
Review: I found myself getting drawn into this story more than any other fantasy saga yet. The characters are not cookie cutter good and bad but of various shades in between. Characters live and die with seemingly little fairness.
It is a story of various kingdoms under uneasy allegience to one king. At his death, the kingdoms begin feuding for both control and freedom and the war begins. There is also danger lurking in the wilderlands behind the wall that borders the kingdom and not enough protectors to fight.
This is a stunning beginning to a tale that draws you in and makes you want wish that you could guide them through their follies. I highly recommend it to fastasy lovers.
Rating:
Summary: If You Like Epic Fantasy, This Is A Must Read
Review: If you're reading this, you're obviously curious about Martin's series. I can't say anything that has not already been said, except to say that it's all true. This fantasy series is excellent. I won't compare it to others, but I enjoyed it a great deal.
|
