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mbfeeney's review
5.0
I actually think that, so far in the series, this has been my favourite book. I don't know why it felt different to read, but it seemed as if the chapters were shorter and the "voices" of each character's point of view was much stronger.
As with the 2 preceding books, this book is obviously building up to something, and I have to wait a couple of days before I can buy the next in the series to find out what that something is.
Still, my favourite character is Daenerys(closely followed by Jon Snow). Both of these are in their positions through no fault of their own, but are trying their damnedest to better themselves. Jon does seem a little more "why me" a times because of being a bastard which causes his birthright to be overlooked as the son of Ned Stark. Dany has overcome the control of her brother, lost a husband that she was scared of but grew to love, and is now in control of people of her own and trying to find a way to gain back the Iron Throne.
I honestly never expected to get sucked into this series in this way as I initially didn't like the TV Series, but as is usual for me, the books are better (even though the show is incredibly well done and very close to the books).
I have always been a fan of fantasy books such as these (my other favourite series are the Belgariad and the Mallorean by David Eddings), but many fantasy writers, for me at least, tend to overdo certain aspects of the genre. This series has the perfect medium for me.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
As with the 2 preceding books, this book is obviously building up to something, and I have to wait a couple of days before I can buy the next in the series to find out what that something is.
Still, my favourite character is Daenerys(closely followed by Jon Snow). Both of these are in their positions through no fault of their own, but are trying their damnedest to better themselves. Jon does seem a little more "why me" a times because of being a bastard which causes his birthright to be overlooked as the son of Ned Stark. Dany has overcome the control of her brother, lost a husband that she was scared of but grew to love, and is now in control of people of her own and trying to find a way to gain back the Iron Throne.
I honestly never expected to get sucked into this series in this way as I initially didn't like the TV Series, but as is usual for me, the books are better (even though the show is incredibly well done and very close to the books).
I have always been a fan of fantasy books such as these (my other favourite series are the Belgariad and the Mallorean by David Eddings), but many fantasy writers, for me at least, tend to overdo certain aspects of the genre. This series has the perfect medium for me.
I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
joyceontheroad's review against another edition
5.0
George R.R. Martin! What a bastard!
Telkens als een hoofdstuk eindigt, wil je meer weten. Hoe gaat het nu verder met die persoon, haalt hij of zij het nog? Intriges en spanning alom, en het vervolg ligt al klaar om gelezen te worden. Want komt Jon nog wel of niet op de muur aan?
Telkens als een hoofdstuk eindigt, wil je meer weten. Hoe gaat het nu verder met die persoon, haalt hij of zij het nog? Intriges en spanning alom, en het vervolg ligt al klaar om gelezen te worden. Want komt Jon nog wel of niet op de muur aan?
is_book_loring's review against another edition
4.0
There is no way I would ever not love any of A Song of Ice and Fire 's book. Once I got obsessed with the first book and love the characters with all my heart, it will goes the same for all its successor. But I have to admit that Part 1 of A Storm of Swords is a bit of slow paced even for a High Fantasy. There are a lot of unnecessary chapters in which the POV dragged in pointless story line, and encounter all these bunch of insignificant characters. Apart from that, this book is fantastic, those characters we love are going through great development and growth in their lives, and the possibilities of twist and turn of this series drive me crazy. I hope the second part will be more fast paced and I expect it will be more blood curling.
a_blades's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
why did jon have to leave ygritte ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜
ajreads22's review
4.0
NOTE: When reviewing these books, I will not allow my love of the show to influence the score; if the show is ever mentioned, it will not be for the purpose of comparison.
Due to 'A Storm of Swords' colossal size, the book is split into two parts in the UK: 'Steel and Snow', and 'Blood and Gold'. Because of this, I decided it was unfair to review this book as a complete experience and will instead review it in the same way I might answer the question "So how is it so far?", as I'm technically only halfway through the entire thing.
So, how is it so far?
Short answer: it's good. Really good, in fact. In terms of the overarching narrative, not a great deal of shocking things happen in part one - which isn't entirely surprising. Forgetting the fact that I know what happens in part two (and it's my favourite season of the show so I'm very excited to see how the book portrays these events), I could appreciate how Martin was assembling the individual cogs of the machine, getting characters to where they needed to be ready for the explosive moments of part two. The new viewpoints are fascinating - especially Jaime's (who knew that a murdering, traitorous, sister-f****r could become such a likeable character) - and Lady Olenna really is my favourite grandmother in any novel ever, she's fantastic. Of course, as with any ASOIAF novel, there are some viewpoints that aren't as exciting as the others, particularly Davos, but the others are so good that it's worth ploughing through the ones you don't like just to revel in the brilliance that are Tyrion's chapters, or Jaime's.
Overall, I really, really liked 'A Storm of Swords - Part One: Steel and Snow': it still has the same issues as the previous instalments with its sometimes excessive descriptions and some underwhelming viewpoints, but by taking the time to slowly establish the chess pieces ready to knock them all down in part two, 'Steel and Snow' has really made 'A Storm of Swords' look like it could be the strongest section of the series to date.
Due to 'A Storm of Swords' colossal size, the book is split into two parts in the UK: 'Steel and Snow', and 'Blood and Gold'. Because of this, I decided it was unfair to review this book as a complete experience and will instead review it in the same way I might answer the question "So how is it so far?", as I'm technically only halfway through the entire thing.
So, how is it so far?
Short answer: it's good. Really good, in fact. In terms of the overarching narrative, not a great deal of shocking things happen in part one - which isn't entirely surprising. Forgetting the fact that I know what happens in part two (and it's my favourite season of the show so I'm very excited to see how the book portrays these events), I could appreciate how Martin was assembling the individual cogs of the machine, getting characters to where they needed to be ready for the explosive moments of part two. The new viewpoints are fascinating - especially Jaime's (who knew that a murdering, traitorous, sister-f****r could become such a likeable character) - and Lady Olenna really is my favourite grandmother in any novel ever, she's fantastic. Of course, as with any ASOIAF novel, there are some viewpoints that aren't as exciting as the others, particularly Davos, but the others are so good that it's worth ploughing through the ones you don't like just to revel in the brilliance that are Tyrion's chapters, or Jaime's.
Overall, I really, really liked 'A Storm of Swords - Part One: Steel and Snow': it still has the same issues as the previous instalments with its sometimes excessive descriptions and some underwhelming viewpoints, but by taking the time to slowly establish the chess pieces ready to knock them all down in part two, 'Steel and Snow' has really made 'A Storm of Swords' look like it could be the strongest section of the series to date.
mphoebeg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sisterfibrosis's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ejthomas's review against another edition
3.0
This series is slowly creeping into the 4 star zone. I still can't put the books down when I begin to read them.
The story is becoming more fantastical as magic and monsters creep back into the world which I'm loving. I tend to try not to think too much about what is around the corner as I like surprises but even I could predict certain events in this book. How disappointing. On the flip side there is a betrothal (or two) that totally smacked me in the face. As ever, bring on the next installment!
The story is becoming more fantastical as magic and monsters creep back into the world which I'm loving. I tend to try not to think too much about what is around the corner as I like surprises but even I could predict certain events in this book. How disappointing. On the flip side there is a betrothal (or two) that totally smacked me in the face. As ever, bring on the next installment!
welshrebel1776's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5