Rating: 
Summary: For those with expectations:
Review: This is for those who are reading the 5 star reviews and getting all excited at the prospect. There's a lot of reputation riding on this book, and even though I promised myself I wouldn't, I had expectations... that were too high. This is not to say this is a bad book; in fact it's rather good. It deserves more than what I've given it, but that's how I felt after the inital disappointment.I had a few quibbles. The pace was too slow for me, although everyone is of the opposite opinion. The action demanded a faster pace; if it had been a more reflective book (such as Robin Hobb's Assassins trilogy), a slower pace would have been appreciated. But... Martin uses children and teenagers in a way that makes me fairly uncomfortable. I'm not a prude. I'm not a Christian. I'm a product of the MTV generation that is basically numb, if that's how you want to see it. And it still made my skin crawl sometimes. The characters were too stereotyped. I know. No one agrees with this one either. I've heard raves about how he changes character viewpoints all the time and how in depth it all is. Well, I didn't see it so much as an ensemble cast of characters, as an ensemble cast of stock types with a few quirks attached. But enough quibbles. On the upside, the plot is lovely and convoluted. You can see where it's going, but the journey looks so damn fun you stop worrying about the ending. Despite the stereotyping of most characters, there were still some that I found myself rather affectionate of. Among the notables - Arya (the plucky but unconventional young girl), Jon Snow (the boy on the threshold of manhood with a mysterious past), the Hound (the brooding villain who will probably be redeemed by some noble act resulting in his bloody death) and Sansa (the shallow bimbo type we all love to hate who ends up seeing the error of her ways). Finally, something that is both a quibble and a virtue - I really really need to read the next one now!
Rating: 
Summary: groundbreaking work
Review: George Martin has something spectacular. His world comes alive with this series, a series that has dark undertones. His ability to shift from one perspective to another is incredible. This is the type of book you take the day off from work to finish reading. I have been on edge waiting for the rest of the series.
Rating:
Summary: At last! Fantasy that is real, believable!
Review: The characters have depth. Martin shows the dark side of human nature yet weaves it into the fabric so that it adds depth to the story....makes it all exciting! The twist and turns of the story keep you in suspense for the entire read. I can't wait for the next book!
Rating:
Summary: Truly Amazing
Review: I picked up this book on a fluke, but it turns out it was the BEST book I have ever read. Within one week I went from cover to cover. One warning, however, if you have a lot of responsibilities in your life, do not buy this book, you will neglect them all.
Rating:
Summary: a human struggle for a fantastic world
Review: What I Enjoyed of this book is their characters'humanity: all their action are driven by love, fear, honor, lust, greed, power craving, and often are the reason for their downfall. Martin depicts a world in a subjective point of view that is not characteristically fitted in a good-vs.-evil struggle, but in a crescendo of caleidoscope of emotions and views. Feudal world is also depicted in a complete way, with privileges, and first of all, duties. Enjoyable read for all fantasy fan. Carmine Laudiero
Rating: 
Summary: superb
Review: I picked up this book by chance and ended up reading it almost non-stop til it was finished. When I wasn't reading, the characters and story haunted my mind. Mr. Martin seems to have avoided cliches quite nicely so far. The "good guys" show that they too have nasty streaks, and the "bad guys" seem like heroes who have simply put the wrong foot forward. There is no one main character. And here's something I've never seen before, we get to root for a whole family. The Starks are awesome! He's not afraid to kill characters when they get into impossible situations instead of making truly bizarre and unlikely plot turns to keep them alive. (by the way, Mr. Martin, I'm still mad at you for lettin my boy die! I won't say who, in case you haven't read the book yet...) He also uses children well. They aren't shown as stupid and helpless, but neither do they have the capacity of the adults. The plot twists and loops and doubles back on itself until you have no idea of what the outcome is going to be. The treacheries and intrigues of the seven houses keep even the most nimble of us on our toes. I can hardly wait to see how some of these plot threads turn out (particularly the Wall...). I'm only happy that I read the book now in March so I don't have to wait for the sequel! Although I'll probably devour that one too, and I'll have nothing to read for another year... I give this book 4 stars because I don't know if he can keep it up or not! If it's still going strong by the 3rd book and not sinking into Jordan-esque quagmires then he'll be worthy of a 5. ^_^
Rating:
Summary: This book was FANTASTIC! A must read!!
Review: Martin shows his skill for writing in this gripping book. It hurt every time I put it down. If you are looking for a fantasy book with twists, turns, and intrigue, this is that book.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing, yet verbose at times.
Review: I have found this book to be among the best that I have read, except for the fact that some of the action was "strung-out". By this I mean that, Martin paced the book in entirely too slow motion at certain points in the book. This made me put down the book in hopes the the action would pick up as soon as I got back to the book. But, all in all, it was a good book, and I am waiting for the Clash of Kings to come in.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!!!
Review: I suppose that says everything, but in truth, it was better than anything I ever suspected. Good enough for me to stay up til 3, good enough for me to buy the book, and good enough for me to try to buy the sequal! I can't wait!
Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANTLY THOUGHT OUT!!!
Review: BRILLIANTLY THOUGHT OUT, WITH JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HACK AND SLASH TO KEEP YOU ON YOUR TOES. THANK THE SEVEN GODS THAT SOMEONE HAS FINNALY COME OUT WITH A FANTASY BOOK THAT ISN'T GEARED FOR LITTLE KIDS. NO MORE FAIRY TALE ENDINGS WITH A HAPPILY EVER AFTER CONCLUSION.
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