Rating: Summary: The Best Fantasy since Tolkien Review: I have heard many say that this novel ranks up there with McAffrey or Jordan's work. Don't believe it for a moment. George martin makes Robert Jordan look like a hack. This is probably the first really original and refreshing book in the fantasy genre since the Riftwar Saga, and it is better than that. I read A LOT of fantasy, and this books belongs in that tiny selct group composed of The Lord of the Rings, The Riftwar Saga, and the Thomas Covenant trilogy. Whats more, this novel transcends its genre. My fiancee doesn't like fantasy at all, but once I convinced her to read the first ten pages, she was hooked. martins writing and characterization is second to none. This is a great novel that happens to be set in a fantasy world. It doesn't get any better than this.
Rating: Summary: A powerful fantasy novel for all to love... Review: This is a book to lose yourself within. It gives you a lot but leaves you wanting more. You feel for the characters and hope that things work out. There is no reason to disregard this novel for it's sexuality. This book goes into depth of what DOES happen in most stories behind the scenes. It has excellent description, but is long. WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU ARE NOT READY FOR A LONG AND EXCITING RIDE!!!
Rating: Summary: A masterpiece, not just of fantasy, but of literature Review: A GAME OF THRONES is a truly magical book. The content is sometimes overtly magical; the book starts with one of the most horrifying depictions of the undead I have ever encountered, and closes with ths songs of dragons. More often the magic is subtle; omens and dreams and hints of magical beasts and legendary races. But the true magic is in the characters. This is a book with many key characters, all complex and intricately drawn, and realistic. Even the most noble of the heroes are flawed, but in ways that make them seem drawn from life, not just cribbed from the ranks of quirky and tragic fantasy characters. Martin has done a magnificent job. As fantastic literature, I rank this novel with the best: Tolkien, Ellison, Bester, Herbert's original DUNE. But I also find it hard to believe anybody that enjoys reading intelligent, mature fiction of any genre would not be able to appreciate this book. I rank A GAME OF THRONES among the very small list of books by a very diverse group of authors of all genres that I consider my all-time favorites. And I anxiously await the follow-up, A CLASH OF KINGS, which I have already pre-ordered via Amazon. Some reviewers have commented negatively about the sometimes-explicit sexuality of this book, and while I do not share their discomfort with this aspect of the work, I do concede that some may agree with them. IMHO, the sexuality which pervades this book is important to the feel of the setting, the flow of the plot, and the development of the characters; as is often the case in reality, sexual matters are an important part of the lives of some of these characters. Even if you are uncomfortable with overt sexuality in literature, I feel you would do yourself a disfavor by skipping this book. For all but the most prudish of mature readers, I recommend this book without reservation.
Rating: Summary: excellent. one of the best sci fi/ fantasy books I ever read Review: Wow. I have never heard of Martin before but, after reading this book I am a loyal fan. It was one of the best books I ever read. He ranks up there with jordan, eddings and feist. I can't wait for the sequel. Hope to read it soon.
Rating: Summary: Every year one novel comes out worth getting, this is it.. Review: Sometimes it is hard to find a fantastic fantasy novel, almost as hard as it is to write one. However, when I stumbled onto this novel I found a compelling world torn between passion and intrigue that I wish I never had to leave. Purely the work of a godly author, Martin's spiritually and physically stimulating story will no doubt leave all ages breathless as they laugh, cry, and pray for the immortal characters.
Rating: Summary: A near match to Tolkien World Review: Mr Martin has entered the fantasy world with an excellent book. Intrigue and double crossing around the corner. How to serve honor and everybody thirst to take the Throne. Already I hate the Lannisters, and my favorite characters being Jon Snow and Arya Stark. Where will it end and how will it shape up. I don't know. This is a book that one must read if one is looking for something to read after Tolkien world of Middle Earth.
Rating: Summary: A brilliant start. Review: This book is one of the finest and most entertaining books that I have ever read. For once the writer isn't afraid of killing of some of the major characters, without destroying the plot.
Rating: Summary: Excellent master at his art is George R.R. Martin Review: this superb book should line the shelf of any die hard fanatasy fan not only does George introduce you to a thrilling world but he dipcts the events that happen around specific charaters this leads you to want to know more of this enigmatic world and what it has to offfer
Rating: Summary: EXCELLENT! Review: I finished reading this books in 2 days only! Wow!!! I really really love it! Excellent story, great characters and plot. I love the wolves too. This is one of the best story I ever read, the one that you cannot put down before you finish it. I even stay up until 5:30 am. My mind keep telling me to read one more chapter. just one more, and I ended up with lots more. This is one of those books that one MUST have! truly a masterpiece. I can't wait to read the sequel.
Rating: Summary: Couldn't put it down. Review: When Anne McCaffrey said, "I read my eyes out," she wasn't kidding. A Game of Thrones is a book rather to be absorbed than read. Depth of characterization, consistency, and all-around page-turning suspense and action set this tale at the head of the class. The Tolkien influence is there, but the author is blazing a trail of his own and I'm looking for his name on the bindings. Only one shortcoming that I can see. Too much and too graphic, gratuitous sex. Literary voyeurism has not only never appealed to me, it stops the flow of the story -- time out while you share the author's sexual fantasies, whether you want to or not. Good writing is better without it. Case in point, the Dragon Lance series by Margaret Weiss and Tracy Hickman. The sexual nature of the human, subhuman, inhuman, non-human beast is best written understated rather than over. That A Game of Thrones was a five-star read in spite of it is a credit to the superior writing skill of George R.R. Martin.
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