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chrish's review
Against our better judgement, Nerd Book Review has recorded a review of A Game of Thrones. I will update this review when that debacle comes out.
lavidaenquotes's review
4.0
Actual rating: 4,5*
I usually struggle with reviews for books that seemingly everyone and their mother has read and reviewed. What can I say that is new or insightful or will help the next person decide whether to read it or not? Not much, so let's just go with first and fresh impressions.
One of the things that kept me from starting this series earlier was its size. The 5 books that are out are bricks, and starting a series that is that big and isn't even finished (will it ever be finished?) is a commitment I didn't want to make so lightly. But peer pressure got me and I wanted to see what the hype was all about. Plus, I really want to watch the show at some point, but I'm a "books first" kinda gal.
Long story short, A Game of Thrones delivered. True, some of my fears became reality: to this moment I still can't recognize most of the "lower ranked" names that rained on me for over 800 pages - I couldn't say whether they were men of Stark, Lannister, Tully, or the other bazillion houses. I'm still unsure as to exactly which Houses are on friendly or unfriendly terms, besides, of course, the Starks and Lannisters wanting to go at each other's throats. But I now understand why we all hate Joffrey's guts and could add my name to the Arya, Jon, and Tyrion camps. And, of course, Danny's. I loved seeing her go from quiet, obedient, abused sister, to a strong and empowered woman. I can’t wait to see her and her babies wreck havoc. I was also baffled at the many turns and betrayals, and finished many a chapter declaring out loud TRUST NO F*CKING ONE!
For such a long book, it rarely felt like it dragged or that some passages were unnecessary, with events such as councils or battles as an exception. Again, too many names and houses to keep straight. Should I be rooting for you, or mourn you? Which house do you belong to, again?
I’m looking forward to see more of this world and its characters and their development. I’m also eagerly anticipating some deaths, and I hope they’re as painful as they deserve. That being said, I won’t be jumping into the sequel too soon. 800+ pages full of betrayal and violence and war and rape and abuse and heads rolling left and right have drained me, and I need to recharge because this journey has just begun.
I usually struggle with reviews for books that seemingly everyone and their mother has read and reviewed. What can I say that is new or insightful or will help the next person decide whether to read it or not? Not much, so let's just go with first and fresh impressions.
One of the things that kept me from starting this series earlier was its size. The 5 books that are out are bricks, and starting a series that is that big and isn't even finished (will it ever be finished?) is a commitment I didn't want to make so lightly. But peer pressure got me and I wanted to see what the hype was all about. Plus, I really want to watch the show at some point, but I'm a "books first" kinda gal.
Long story short, A Game of Thrones delivered. True, some of my fears became reality: to this moment I still can't recognize most of the "lower ranked" names that rained on me for over 800 pages - I couldn't say whether they were men of Stark, Lannister, Tully, or the other bazillion houses. I'm still unsure as to exactly which Houses are on friendly or unfriendly terms, besides, of course, the Starks and Lannisters wanting to go at each other's throats. But I now understand why we all hate Joffrey's guts and could add my name to the Arya, Jon, and Tyrion camps. And, of course, Danny's. I loved seeing her go from quiet, obedient, abused sister, to a strong and empowered woman. I can’t wait to see her and her babies wreck havoc. I was also baffled at the many turns and betrayals, and finished many a chapter declaring out loud TRUST NO F*CKING ONE!
For such a long book, it rarely felt like it dragged or that some passages were unnecessary, with events such as councils or battles as an exception. Again, too many names and houses to keep straight. Should I be rooting for you, or mourn you? Which house do you belong to, again?
I’m looking forward to see more of this world and its characters and their development. I’m also eagerly anticipating some deaths, and I hope they’re as painful as they deserve. That being said, I won’t be jumping into the sequel too soon. 800+ pages full of betrayal and violence and war and rape and abuse and heads rolling left and right have drained me, and I need to recharge because this journey has just begun.
hardcoverhearts's review
4.0
My interest is piqued. I tend to not often read scifi or epics because I don't always find them to be relevant to the ideas that interest me. One series I loved was the Dune series, with its strong women characters, it's political intrigue and corollaries to modern life (spice=oil, for example). This series offers more character depth than I expected, and the plot is fast moving with twists and turns, but less philosophical meat like Dune had. That being said, I started to read it due to the many people who I respect loving and raving about it. So far, I am glad I did.
On to book 2.
On to book 2.
sookieskipper's review
3.0
The setting and complexity of the nature of the world makes the book an even more compelling read than it already is. The history of the world acts like a character in itself as it gets referenced and is spoken to from time to time.
Enjoyed the re-read and the season one marathon along with it.
Enjoyed the re-read and the season one marathon along with it.
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