Rating: 
Summary: Stands above others in the genre
Review: I have read many reviews of fantasy fiction and wondered at the enthusiasm granted some books/authors. It seems that many reviewers are too ready to elevate very average fiction to that of truly great writing. I enjoy authors such as Goodkind, Modesitt and even better Donaldson. When you compare their books to this series however, the former works are generally inferior. This is the first time I have granted a 5 star rating for a book. I believe such praise should be reserved for those titles that are superior in measure to other GOOD books. Martin has succeeded in creating a gritty, dark and unpredictable story that will leave the most experienced reader wondering. Is it perfect? No. On occasion some characters seem a somewhat thinly drawn and too predictable. Most however are rich and hard to classify. They are coloured in shades of grey rather than black/white. This alone, for example, puts Martin's work above the easy predictablility of Goodkind's. This is adult fantasy with adult situations. Fantasy can rightly be described as literary escapism much like McDonald's serves "junk food." Tastes good but doesn't offer a lot for you. Martin's work is not the kind of fiction for those looking for the quick payoff. Storm of Swords is a finer example of the genre. It is literary fantasy worthy of being placed on the short list of the best of the type. Can't wait for #4
Rating:
Summary: No shelter from this storm!
Review: This book is one of the reasons I read. When I received it in the mail, I read it like a demon, devouring page after page until the wee hours of the morning, and when I finished I was ready for another 900 pages.The book is aptly named, as it chronicles the bloody civil war of the Seven Kingdoms, and it spares no one, least of all the reader. Characters die, and some of them die pretty badly. There's treachery, political machinations, magic, murder...I actually found my heart pounding at one scene in particular (I will not give it away, but you'll know it when you get there). This book delivers everything the first two promise, and then it makes some promises of its own. I'm left salivating for Book 4! If you do not read these books, you are missing something great!
Rating: 
Summary: Broken swords for a storm of swords
Review: The epic fantasy "Storm of Swords" was a disappointing sequel to "A game of Thrones" and "A Clash of Kings." The term "deus ex machina" is the Latin phrase which basically describes the plot of the third novel. "deus ex machina" means in the traditional sense, that a god intervenes in order to save the hero. In the modern sense, like in "Swords", someone or something saves the character at the last moment. This occurs again and again in the lives of many of the characters in the novel. This is an not an original idea and is reminiscent of Ron Hubbard's "Battle Field Earth". The Hero there also has more lives than James Bond. The only differences in "Swords" and "Battlefield" consists of the medieval times in "Swords" while "Battlefield" is in the future. We give 2 stars for imaginative skill with wrights, giants, and dragons. One question final question only remains to be answered in the next volume--"What ever happened to Ricken, Bran's brother?" We hope it is not another "deus ex machina". The swords have been broken enough.
Rating:
Summary: Very deftly done
Review: When reading the books of George R.R. Martin, one gets the impression that he planned every detail, every chapter and event from the beginning - how else to explain such absolute genius in plotting and structure? I was left shaking my head many times in disbelief as Martin upped the tension even more, all the while seamlessly resolving loose ends from the first book. Also interesting is the way he uses parallel events in 'A Storm of Swords' -- weddings, trials, betrayals, to name a few. This book is, however, one of the most depressing I have ever read: 'Storm' is relentlessly brutal and almost agonizing to read in places. The reader struggles on, not knowing if his favourite character will survive another chapter. Every character, from nameless inkeeper to prominent protagonist is expendable, it seems, which actually lends the series a sense of danger not to be found in other fantasy. Quite recommended - but be forewarned.
Rating:
Summary: Valar Morghullis: all men must die
Review: The Starks words 'Winter is Coming' seem to advance in this volume. Winter and a Storm. I'm not sure though if the storm is one of swords, but many heads are chopped of or blackened by poison. It would be a disgrace for this masterpiece to betray who's heads, sorry.. Although some storylines sadly came to an end, I must admit that I have been laughing most of the time. No matter how dark the pages were: the humor got darker along. How? Well, Martin understands how to write from the thoughts and feelings of the character instead of his own. All characters are very distinct persons, not seperated into one pile of good and one of evil. They are different because of their history and life: even when the reader doesn't know all these facts. But things slowly become clear: in ' A Storm of Swords' we learn a great deal more on for instance: Lysa Arryn, Littlefinger, Tyrion, the Kingslayer and countless others. Speaking about Others: They are coming...... One character makes this volume 'The One To Read': Jaime. He and his brother Tyrion (of whom we already knew he could slaughter a man with his tongue) are the most interesting fantasy-characters I know of. Things get really interesting when Tyrion meets The Black Viper of Dorne (read for yourself!). I sincerely hope that the dragons will dance on Westeros soon. 'Hurry, and marry Lord Snow, Daenerys!' Only then we can sing a true song of Fire and Ice.
Rating: 
Summary: The Bochco Syndrome is taking over!
Review: I did like this book, though I preferred the other two in theseries. Usually with writers I like, I get more into the series as itgoes along. Instead, I found myself wishing the Martin would get alife and start letting something, ANYTHING good or cheerful occur. Itnever really did. I remember when Steven Bochco started with HillStreet Blues, things just got more and more depressing to the pointwhere it was difficult to watch. It has happened with each of hissubsequent long running tv shows. Martin is similar, perhaps becausehe, too, is a television writer. The occasional dark strike in fantasyfascinates me. Relentless stuff like this only depresses me. Where'sthe glory? Where's the heroism? Can't anyone ever get a break in thisworld? Still, Martin is the best of the Big Guys writing today,showing far more ability that Goodkind, Eddings, or even Jordan, whoat least grasps the concept of good AND evil. Mercedes Lackey andElizabeth Hayden hold their own with him. All in all, I guess I canrecommend this book, though I would wait for paperback...
Rating:
Summary: Martin is terrific
Review: In all 3 of the series Martin has been unpredictable. It is refreshing to not know who is going to win, or lose who is going to die,or win. A really enjoyable series.
Rating: 
Summary: Kill Them All
Review: I have to say that I truly like this series. It's a wonderful transition from the normal fantasy series, i.e. no true monsters, magic, or true goodness and evil. While I do enjoy Jordan's WOT and Goodkind's SOT series more, these books rank up there. But I do have a few small problems with this series. -Why does it seem Martin follows a "kill them all" stance in his books. While it is a new concept to kill off major characters, and one that is somewhat refreshing (it makes it so you do not have to remember hundreds of characters) it appears if he continues along this thread he will have no more people on which to write. Is that how this series is to end. "Well all the characters are dead, so looks like that's the end." "Sorry people that's all [he] wrote." I for one do not wish this seris to end at book 7 simply there are no more characters on which to write. Do any of you? -Second, G.R.R. Martin has to be the most pessimistic man in all the world. Nothing good ever comes to any of his characters. Even when it appears something good has happened, such as Bran finally finding a way to find the three-eyed crow, we all know something unquestionably bad is going to happen. Perhaps he will become completely paralized. I mean come on. This series is somewhat remenesent of what life was probaly like in Midevil days, but still, I'm sure some good things happend to some people during that time of history. I for one thing Martin should now begin each book with "Nothing good will come of this." Will any of these characters ever get a break? -Third I find it hard to believe that everyone in the world has stopped believing in the "Others". You do not build a wall of ice for generations, and then suddenly start believing the reason you built the thing in the first place has ceased to exist.I realize of course that many of the other characters in the world have their own worries, what with so many wars and all, but it would be somewhat more believable if some of these people would look to the north and realize something terriable is afoot. -Forth. Everyone keeps talking about how well this series is progressing. I see no progression at all, and for the simple reason that I don't think a reason for this series was ever clearly stated. I mean, where is this all leading. Are all the wars being fought by the kings the important issue, or is it the up-and-coming war with the "Others". So far all I have seen is alot of death, some needlessly, alot of fighting, some for no reason at all, a serious amount of backstabbing (I do not feel I could trust a single one of these characters to tell me the sky is blue), and so much political intrigue I feel as if I am stuck in a fantasy version of a Tom Clancy book. Where is this all leading. Why must I know Sam has killed a wrath, when it seems he is possiably the only one who ever will. The way this series is progressing I fear one of two things will happen. 1-either all the characters will be dead before the "Others" have a chance at them, or 2-so few characters of any importance will remain that we will not care what happens in the story, either from the wars for power, or the ultimate "battle" with the "Others" which may never happen All in all, I like this series. It's a nice rest from the tried and true fantasy books we all know and love. But will I ever love it? Sadly I must say no. I mean, how can I love something I could read about in any history book about Europe's past. Simply put, this is a good series with wonderful new ideas and writing, but will it be remembered? Surly not. So in my opinion, read Jordan and Goodkind, for though their series have staggered somewhat, at least we know an ending will happen eventually. When it some to the Martin series though, it seems the entire world's population must die before an ending is found. But, who knows, perhaps Martin will pull a rabbit out of his hat and prove my "kill them all" opinion is wrong. I know I'll keep reading his books, but only after footing the bill for much better authors such as mentioned above.
Rating:
Summary: A Storm of Swords
Review: OK. Look at all the reviews and they are all 4 or 5 stars.(almost). We are not kidding. These books are really great. I've read a lot of fantasy and these books are by far my favorite. I love all the characters, good and bad. I love the world and feel a part of it. These books become a part of you and the charaters as well. I never cried like a lot of the other reviewers, but I might have come close a time or two. Wait...I did cry once. It was when I was finished. I didn't want it to end. I want the next one now. This book really is superb. Better than Lord of Rings to me, and Wheel of Time put together. Buy these books now or wait for all of them to come out. Just buy them. You won't be disappointed.(far from it,really)
Rating:
Summary: George R.R. Martin is the MASTER!!!
Review: With his epic series "A Song of Ice and Fire" Martin has created a truly unique fantasy series that stands apart from the rest of the genre. It is the grimmest series I've ever read but also the most realisitic and hence entertaining. Sorcery and dragons are used sparingly, increasing the readers suspension of disbelief, and is completely free of elves, fairies, talking trees and other staples found in most fantasy literature. What Martin excels at, besides phenomenal character development, is building up readers expectations and then delivering the exact opposite. Surprises are sudden and absolute. Also, he obviously doesn't have a problem with killing off major characters as evidenced in this third installment.
|
