Rating: 
Summary: Best Fantasy series
Review: In the Song of Ice and Fire books George R. R. Martin puts more character detail, personality and development than any other fantasy/sci-fi books I have ever read (been reading fantasy for over 20 years). The plots are complex and intricate yet often neatly tied together and the 100s of background characters are as dynamic and real as the main story lines. Unlike other series which seem to stretch out with little true action, these books are action packed despite the attention taken to detail and character development. While not for the very young readers, as adult themes and language are present, this is the best fantasy series I have ever encountered. I anxiously await the realease of the 4th book, and have actually re-read the series in anticipation of its release. A MUST read for anyone even remotely interested in the fantasy genre!
Rating: 
Summary: Great writing, thin plot coherence..
Review: I gave this book 3 stars because, though it was a good read, it appeals mostly to certain type of taste and reader. People keep complaining that it isn't a true fantasty, but what really defines what a fantasy is? The writing is excellent, but comparing this book to Tolkien is futile. For one thing, Tolkien's books were scene extravaganza's this however is more of a character extravaganza. The sets in this are just set's for the characters say their dialogue in. (Though some are beautifully written)
Now I have to agree that it is definately a type of soap opera, but that doesn't mean it resembles any of those hokey daytime shows. It just means that it is mainly about well drawn characters interactions with each other, and their scheming with and against each other.
But the biggest weakness of this book is its lack of making the overall theme clearly implied, or understood. I'm sorry, but to have an epic series you need to at least let the reader know for sure that there is an epic plot and theme that carries throughout the series. You don't have to state it is, but just leaving the reader unsure and unclear if its there, is a big weakness for an epic series.
And though each characters little story or theme seems to come full round by the end of this, you're left asking how does this all fit together, or does this all fit together? I took off most for that, because I think overall story is the most important thing for an epic fantasy. But all in all, a fascinating read.
Rating: 
Summary: A great start.
Review: "A Game of Thrones" is in many ways a great book. The characters really come alive, the fantasy environment is original and well described, and the book is written in good prose.
The only thing that annoyned me when I read this book was a couple of technical problems. For instance, the author seems to know rather little about snow and cold climates. I live far to the north and couldn't help noticing a few things (like the way snow melts when there's blood on it) that weren't true to life.
But apart from that, I truly enjoyed this book. I even decided it was so good that I didn't mind too much that the female characters were less colourful and interesting than the males.
And yet, I give this book a mere three stars. Why? Because this is the start of a trilogy that ends in nowhere. The following two parts end in a mess of plot threads. There is a fourth book coming soon but after reading part three, I have low hopes for it and I'm pretty certain I won't read it. Whatever epic story Martin intended from the start, he dropped the ball before he had finished part two.
If you want to read just this one book, go ahead. It's worth it, because "A Game of Thrones" is entertaining by itself. But if you want to read a story with a finish, buy another book.
Rating:
Summary: A Fantasy Classic
Review: After checking in with the Science Fiction and Fanasty Web Forum, and reading all the kudos this book received I thought I would give it a try. I Have not enjoyed a book as much since reading LOTR or the Wheel of Time Series. This is a superb novel , while a little slow to get started, by page 100 I was hooked and could not put this down. Strong characters that make you root for the good guy... but who are the good guys?
On to book 2!
Rating:
Summary: As good if not better then Jordan
Review: I have to say that this book and the whole series that follows it are is amazing. I used to start new series while waiting for the next Robert Jordan book. Now I'll be reading new series while waiting for the next Martin book. This series is what epic fantasies are all about and a its a lot less predictable then some other series.(Wheel of Time, Sword of Truth etc.) Martin weaves a web story lines. He builds up on one thread of the web and then suddenly cuts it off while creating new threads all the time. Your never sure whats going to happen next in these books at that is why they are better then WOT.
Rating:
Summary: Great Read! Will keep you reading all night.
Review: A game of thrones along with the hole A song of ice and fire series a probably the best fantasy books you will find out there right now.
A game of thrones takes place in a mideval setting that resemble the 100 year war. It is a gritty and inforgiving land. This book has great detail. The plots keep twisting everytime you think you have got it fingured out and will keep you guessing till the very end.
This is no good vs. Evil book. Your favorite characters may die at anytime, giving the book a real sensation of a real world.
I hope you read this book, you wont regreat it.
Rating:
Summary: Great book not the best
Review: One might ask in reading this review "Is this book good?" well i can honestly say yes it is. Is it the best? no. First of all while it is a fanatasy it is not all that fantastical. No magic swords or vastly powerful wizards. that isn't necessarily bad, with all the modern authors who stuff their books to the gills with spells and gods and magically invincible heroes,bu you feel like it is not actually a fantasy. Instead of magic Martin puts in political intriuge which isn't how most fantasies convey their point. Most fantasies will go after an emotional or religous theme and breaking away from that isn't bad either but it can give you a throbbing headache. Also the content isn't really all the friendly, with cursing, vast amounts of bloodshed, tons of sexual refrences (including some incest. Martin uses these to a great and unique effect in his book to show the hardships of his world, while most writers merely use sex and violence to make their books "cooler". And lastly the characters. The way Martin writes it you can never truely like the good guys and you can not really hate the bad guys which got me kind of annoyed but the characters were so well written that you can't help but be intrigued by them all. So in the end i definatly recomend it as a novel though not necessarily as a fantasy. There are better books though i won't name any since each person has Her/His own views. So go! Buy this book if you like political intrigue or if you like a good book but not if you need a fantasy fix
Rating:
Summary: One of the best ever, regardless of genre.
Review: Martin is a breath of fresh air, it's as simple as that. With the sheer amount of utter ... in the Fantasy genre, I have to wonder what is going on in the heads of people who didn't like this series. Jordan's never ending collection of goodie-goodie asexual [characters] and annoying carbon copy NoW rejects pales in comparison, as does Goodkind's collection of stand alone novels. I almost find myself liking Goodkind's writing style, ...Close but no cigar.Martin delivers the goods, there's no doubt about that. My only complaint is that I have to sit around several more months until aFfC comes out, reading inferior [stuff] by ... writers who should by all rights be pumping gas somewhere in Ohio, ... One last thing, reading the comments in order of lowest score is a real eye opener...
Rating:
Summary: A very well written epic
Review: Definitely worth a read through. In the novels, the well-developed characters are multidimensional and true to form. It is refreshing that the characters in the series experience true losses and not just temporary setbacks that come out for the best at the close of the story. Overall a very well written peice of work. If epic fantasy is your genre, I would strongly advise you to take a long look at George Martin's work.
Rating:
Summary: Original and unexpected
Review: Let me start by saying that a fantasy story set in a land with a perpetual or very long winter has always appealed to me.
That was the first reason I bought this one. That said, the book exceeded my expectations. All too often great fantasy stories follow a set plot: Little boy or girl, gets chased around,pursued by the evil one, develops his/her magic power/fighting prowess, comes back kills the evil one and gets the girl/boy as the case may be.
This is not that kind of story. After completing the book, I am still not sure who the villain is. (Except for the evil queen) Or even if there is a villain. All the characters'actions follow their motives and personalities, in a coherent fashion. The plot twists and turns, and keeps you guessing. After a while you realize that you really do not know how it will end. The story just absorbs you.
There is lust, violence and subtle eroticism; incest, treason, nobility and heroism. All the ingredients are there for a great series, and Martin weaves the characters and their motivations in a complex tapestry that really moves the story along.
A word about technique, each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the characters, and the chapter is named after the character, which helps keep you oriented.
A useful appendix is present at the end, which would be very useful had I read it before the story. Alas I had only the PDA download, so I did not know it. Also, if you get the PDA download, the maps are so small as to be useless.
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