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amalia1985's review against another edition
2.0
The premise of the book is very interesting. Carolyn Larrington draws comparisons between actual historical events that took place during the Middle Ages and the events that have sealed the course of
A Song Of Ice And Fire series. In addition, an attempt is made to establish the basis on which certain characters were created by George R.R.Martin. This is all well and good, there's a whole lot of information and many parts of the text make you look upon certain incidents under a different light.
My main problem with this book was the writing. It felt dry, uninspired, and a bit pretentious. There were many syntactical errors in quite a few sentences, the transition between themes, places and characters was unpolished, and the constant reference in quotes taken by the show and the books resulted in a rather disjointed,almost dull, narration. Many of the writer's assumptions sounded quite unfounded. In truth, it felt as if I was listening to a history lecture given by an uninspiring teacher. The theme was engaging, but the execution seemed to me below average. Not to mention her predictions about the conclusion of the series that came across as a fangirl's fan fiction...Another thing that didn't feel quite right to me was the fact that this is a book mainly about the TV series, while the books themselves have been given a secondary part. Well, the books were there many years before the TV series were created, so a little bit of respect to the original source wouldn't hurt...
I have a few other books by Carolyn Larrington on my TBR list, and I really hope they are better. It seems to me that this book was written because the series are en vogue. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it. I was introduced to a few historical events I wasn't aware of, but if I compare it to Beyond the Wall or other books about A Song Of Ice And Fire series, it cannot rise above the 2 star rating.
A Song Of Ice And Fire series. In addition, an attempt is made to establish the basis on which certain characters were created by George R.R.Martin. This is all well and good, there's a whole lot of information and many parts of the text make you look upon certain incidents under a different light.
My main problem with this book was the writing. It felt dry, uninspired, and a bit pretentious. There were many syntactical errors in quite a few sentences, the transition between themes, places and characters was unpolished, and the constant reference in quotes taken by the show and the books resulted in a rather disjointed,almost dull, narration. Many of the writer's assumptions sounded quite unfounded. In truth, it felt as if I was listening to a history lecture given by an uninspiring teacher. The theme was engaging, but the execution seemed to me below average. Not to mention her predictions about the conclusion of the series that came across as a fangirl's fan fiction...Another thing that didn't feel quite right to me was the fact that this is a book mainly about the TV series, while the books themselves have been given a secondary part. Well, the books were there many years before the TV series were created, so a little bit of respect to the original source wouldn't hurt...
I have a few other books by Carolyn Larrington on my TBR list, and I really hope they are better. It seems to me that this book was written because the series are en vogue. I didn't hate it, but I didn't really like it. I was introduced to a few historical events I wasn't aware of, but if I compare it to Beyond the Wall or other books about A Song Of Ice And Fire series, it cannot rise above the 2 star rating.
bookfay's review
2.0
*I've got this book from Netgalley for an honest review.*
I really love the "A song of ice and fire" series, but for me this book was just ok. There were some interesting facts, but for me it was like sitting in a lecture were professor gives just some dry facts. So for most of this book I was bored, and finally started to skip pages. Also it could have been shorter, because there were some parts, that author repeated herself.
Off course some might enjoy this more than I did, but just be aware that you have to read all the series before starting this one, because it might spoil some things.
Do I recommend it ? I guess, you can give it a try.
I really love the "A song of ice and fire" series, but for me this book was just ok. There were some interesting facts, but for me it was like sitting in a lecture were professor gives just some dry facts. So for most of this book I was bored, and finally started to skip pages. Also it could have been shorter, because there were some parts, that author repeated herself.
Off course some might enjoy this more than I did, but just be aware that you have to read all the series before starting this one, because it might spoil some things.
Do I recommend it ? I guess, you can give it a try.
gerireads's review
3.0
3.5 stars!
Definitely an interesting and insightful read. It's in-depth enough without being too academic. I enjoyed it overall but I believe those who are primarily show watchers would enjoy this more.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Definitely an interesting and insightful read. It's in-depth enough without being too academic. I enjoyed it overall but I believe those who are primarily show watchers would enjoy this more.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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