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4.51 AVERAGE
4.51 AVERAGE
The longest-to-read-but-enjoyable book series in the history of man. That's all you need to know. It's great. It'll take almost a year if you are busy. And he's still not done! When is the next one?
Great series!! Way to many characters to keep track of but I can't wait for the next one!
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have recently been getting into epic fantasy, and so far A Song of Ice and Fire is the best in this genre I have encountered.
Set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, it follows an enormous cast of characters of all shades of morality, from the near-perfect Brienne of Tarth to the absolute monster Ramsay Bolton as they make their way through a terrible war and enormous political upheavel, while a magical threat grows up north.
Most of the characters are somewhere in between Brienne and Ramsay, between, which I liked; instead of a battle of good vs. evil, it's about a ton of people working for their own purposes, where the "good guys" have flaws and the "bad guys" sometimes have redeeming traits.
The first 3 books in this series were unquestionably great. I tore through hundreds of pages of politics, battles, exciting journeys, and characters arcs in a few days. The books consistently keep readers on their toes, as major character often die, and there are rarely stretches of nothing happening in these books. It doesn't feel like a ponderous book-more like an addictive tv drama with an added dose of epic scope.
I loved how there were all these different characters wrapped up in their own plotlines, with all those threads tying together to form an excellent saga. Martin really has a way with characters-each person's thoughts and dialogue feel different, and it's very rare to find someone acting out of character to move the plot forward.
The world-building is strong, in how Martin slowly reveals more and more of the world, rarely giving us answers-what's west of Westeros? What caused the Doom of Valyria? I need to know more about the Others! Sure, I don't get how the ironborn get all their wood, or why this gigantic continent only has 1 language, but whatever.
The last 2 had a noticeable dip in quality. None of the main plotlines really seemed to be moving forward, and I feel like some of the new characters are straight up unnecessary *cough* Arys Oakheart *cough.* I still keep reading, because I have to see what happens to Jon, Tyrion, Arya, Sansa, Jaime, Theon, Stannis, and so much more.
My other main complaint is that the series isn't finished. I have only been waiting for The Winds of Winter for a month, and it's already killing me. There are so many plotlines converging, so many battles and character arcs that I know it's going to be good, but it just won't arrive.
Martin has carefully crafted his magnum opus here. It is a long, epic series, that has taken over my life with its addictive plotting, strong characterization, and intriguing world-building. My overall rating: 88/100, or 4.4. Great character work, good world-building, amazing first three books, but loses sight of the overall narrative in the later books. I hope The Winds of Winter will improve the series overall.
Set in a world reminiscent of medieval Europe, it follows an enormous cast of characters of all shades of morality, from the near-perfect Brienne of Tarth to the absolute monster Ramsay Bolton as they make their way through a terrible war and enormous political upheavel, while a magical threat grows up north.
Most of the characters are somewhere in between Brienne and Ramsay, between, which I liked; instead of a battle of good vs. evil, it's about a ton of people working for their own purposes, where the "good guys" have flaws and the "bad guys" sometimes have redeeming traits.
The first 3 books in this series were unquestionably great. I tore through hundreds of pages of politics, battles, exciting journeys, and characters arcs in a few days. The books consistently keep readers on their toes, as major character often die, and there are rarely stretches of nothing happening in these books. It doesn't feel like a ponderous book-more like an addictive tv drama with an added dose of epic scope.
I loved how there were all these different characters wrapped up in their own plotlines, with all those threads tying together to form an excellent saga. Martin really has a way with characters-each person's thoughts and dialogue feel different, and it's very rare to find someone acting out of character to move the plot forward.
The world-building is strong, in how Martin slowly reveals more and more of the world, rarely giving us answers-what's west of Westeros? What caused the Doom of Valyria? I need to know more about the Others! Sure, I don't get how the ironborn get all their wood, or why this gigantic continent only has 1 language, but whatever.
The last 2 had a noticeable dip in quality. None of the main plotlines really seemed to be moving forward, and I feel like some of the new characters are straight up unnecessary *cough* Arys Oakheart *cough.* I still keep reading, because I have to see what happens to Jon, Tyrion, Arya, Sansa, Jaime, Theon, Stannis, and so much more.
My other main complaint is that the series isn't finished. I have only been waiting for The Winds of Winter for a month, and it's already killing me. There are so many plotlines converging, so many battles and character arcs that I know it's going to be good, but it just won't arrive.
Martin has carefully crafted his magnum opus here. It is a long, epic series, that has taken over my life with its addictive plotting, strong characterization, and intriguing world-building. My overall rating: 88/100, or 4.4. Great character work, good world-building, amazing first three books, but loses sight of the overall narrative in the later books. I hope The Winds of Winter will improve the series overall.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Book 1: A Game of Thrones
Khal Drogo of the Dothraki people is a brute but a gentle and lovable one. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen was sold to him by her brother but the two ended up being a loving couple. I admire her courage, and her three dragon eggs. I hope the eggs will hatch and bring forth dragons because dragons are awesome! The ever powerful Khal Drogo's death, and the loss of her baby was tragic. I wonder how she'll get her Iron Throne back now that Khal Drogo is no longer around to go to war for her.
Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell suffered a tragic end as well. I hurt for Arya who unfortunately almost saw his head chopped off under false accusation of treason (towards King Robert of House Baratheon). Sansa, Arya's older sister, is despicable and she deserves to suffer for her stupidity. Serves her right that she had to watch her father's head lopped off and have it playing repeatedly in her mind. Sansa is a horrid sister, and a disloyal daughter. Her selfish schemes to be near Prince Joffrey, who turned out to be the result of Cersei & Jaime Lannister's incestuous relationship that has been kept secret for many years, backfires on her when she finds out that he is not great king material but rather a cruel, and idiotic child king already misusing his powers.
Cersei Lannister of House Lannister, the Queen, is like an evil witch - she conspired to kill her husband, King Robert Baratheon - and she comes complete with the incestuous relationship with her twin brother, Jaime Lannister the Kingslayer, to boot. Jaime also brought harm to Brandon Stark, Lord Eddard's 8yr old, who accidentally caught the two committing incest when they were visiting Winterfell.
Jon Snow may be a bastard but he certainly knows honour, and is as noble as his father, Lord Stark of Winterfell. It is sad that he has to live his life on the Wall rather than run Winterfell. His story as the Black Watch is going to be interesting to follow. He has seen a number of strange appearances from within the walls, and I'm excited to read about more strange happenings and creatures.
Tyrion Lannister, the Imp, the Queen's brother, is adorably funny despite being from the Lannister clan which lumps him in with the evil folks. If I'm ever laughing while reading the book it would be because of the things Tyrion says. I guess if you don't have anything that can bring you respect among warrior men who calls you dwarf, you should definitely make sure you fare well with cold calculated wits and a smart mouth.
I'm glad I finally gave in, acquired this book, and started on it. Most books are acquired and sit in the queue! It is well written, with great drama and flair, and tragedy befitting the old times of war - usurping thrones, politics, and strange beliefs. It is very thrilling, suspenseful, and unputdownable. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Khal Drogo of the Dothraki people is a brute but a gentle and lovable one. Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen was sold to him by her brother but the two ended up being a loving couple. I admire her courage, and her three dragon eggs. I hope the eggs will hatch and bring forth dragons because dragons are awesome! The ever powerful Khal Drogo's death, and the loss of her baby was tragic. I wonder how she'll get her Iron Throne back now that Khal Drogo is no longer around to go to war for her.
Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell suffered a tragic end as well. I hurt for Arya who unfortunately almost saw his head chopped off under false accusation of treason (towards King Robert of House Baratheon). Sansa, Arya's older sister, is despicable and she deserves to suffer for her stupidity. Serves her right that she had to watch her father's head lopped off and have it playing repeatedly in her mind. Sansa is a horrid sister, and a disloyal daughter. Her selfish schemes to be near Prince Joffrey, who turned out to be the result of Cersei & Jaime Lannister's incestuous relationship that has been kept secret for many years, backfires on her when she finds out that he is not great king material but rather a cruel, and idiotic child king already misusing his powers.
Cersei Lannister of House Lannister, the Queen, is like an evil witch - she conspired to kill her husband, King Robert Baratheon - and she comes complete with the incestuous relationship with her twin brother, Jaime Lannister the Kingslayer, to boot. Jaime also brought harm to Brandon Stark, Lord Eddard's 8yr old, who accidentally caught the two committing incest when they were visiting Winterfell.
Jon Snow may be a bastard but he certainly knows honour, and is as noble as his father, Lord Stark of Winterfell. It is sad that he has to live his life on the Wall rather than run Winterfell. His story as the Black Watch is going to be interesting to follow. He has seen a number of strange appearances from within the walls, and I'm excited to read about more strange happenings and creatures.
Tyrion Lannister, the Imp, the Queen's brother, is adorably funny despite being from the Lannister clan which lumps him in with the evil folks. If I'm ever laughing while reading the book it would be because of the things Tyrion says. I guess if you don't have anything that can bring you respect among warrior men who calls you dwarf, you should definitely make sure you fare well with cold calculated wits and a smart mouth.
I'm glad I finally gave in, acquired this book, and started on it. Most books are acquired and sit in the queue! It is well written, with great drama and flair, and tragedy befitting the old times of war - usurping thrones, politics, and strange beliefs. It is very thrilling, suspenseful, and unputdownable. I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Great book, great series, etc. etc. But it is frustrating to have to wait years for the next installment. I thought this was to be the last in the series, but noooooo, there is at least one more.
I started watching the TV show - which is very well done. Kind of bold to start making the series before you even know how it all turns out. I suppose the series is a bit like a soap opera (with way more characters) and could really continue on indefinitely . . . Fun to watch the first few episodes while reading the 5th book - helped to remind me of how all these characters started out.
Peter Dinklage is Fantastic!!
I started watching the TV show - which is very well done. Kind of bold to start making the series before you even know how it all turns out. I suppose the series is a bit like a soap opera (with way more characters) and could really continue on indefinitely . . . Fun to watch the first few episodes while reading the 5th book - helped to remind me of how all these characters started out.
Peter Dinklage is Fantastic!!