George R.R. Martin
I've been an avid reader since a very early age and have read just about every "genre" of book but in late 2003, I was introduced to George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire series.
Now, most of the fantasy that I had been reading in recent years came from Jordan's Wheel of Time series - captivating at first but damn, man.....get to the point!! I picked up the Martin books expecting a grittier version of WoT but to my delight, it was so much more than that!! IN MY OPINION, Martin's character development is in-depth, the different plot lines intriguing, the story engrossing and at some points, quite shocking. AND, I love that he (Martin) can portray women in ways other than insipient twits with no more depth that their outfits, hair styles, their pouts and tantrums. Martin's women get down and dirty. They battle, they play the "game of thrones" alongside their men, and they get bloody. And they're not just the typical kittens - some are honest, proud and full of grace....others are devious and twisted.
Now, I know that some of my guildies have read Martin's books as well (hell, we could start our own fan club). Anyone care to share thoughts, opinions, etc?
NOTE: For those who haven't completed the series yet, let us know. If discussion gets too detailed, the title will win a *SPOILERS* banner.
'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl,
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe...
This series is easily the most innovative I have ever read. Not only is George and incredible writer, but the plot is second to none. I think what I enjoy most about the series is that you never know what's going to happen. Most series hold their characters sacred, and you know that they'll never die.
In this series, however, anyone is fair game. I've been waiting eagerly for the fourth book for a long time now and its been pushed back yet again =/
Quote:I've been waiting eagerly for the fourth book for a long time now and its been pushed back yet again =/
NoooOOOoooooo!!!!!!! *sobs*
'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl,
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe...
Quote:However...hate/love the story...so many times I just started crying and tossed the damn book arcross the room and swore not to read another word.
Oh my God, I've had the same reaction more than once....gasping out loud, muttering "Oh no, he DIDN'T!!", etc. I haven't had an author stir up this kind of a reaction in many, many years. I'd also like to say that I think it takes a very brave author to take the kind of risks that Martin has.
And I've restarted re-reading the series myself....just started the second book.
'Cause you can't jump the track, we're like cars on a cable
And life's like an hourglass, glued to the table
No one can find the rewind button, girl,
So cradle your head in your hands
And breathe, just breathe...
Re: George R.R. Martin
Heh...I was buying a book in Amazon a couple of days ago, and I noticed one of their little advertisements about, order this book now...blah blah blah...and I swear I read the title and must have seen what I wanted to see, as I thought it was the new one.
So, I get all excited, telling the hubby I was going to order it, when he says "I have it in pre-order, and it has been delayed again, how can it be on sale there?" Sooooo...yah...it wasn't...it was the last one...
Re: George R.R. Martin
I knew I liked you ladies!! I heard that he is splitting the new book into two parts as he hasn't finished it. yet. I am also hearing that he may never finish and that the new one to be released will be the last one. I hope not as I want to know how the story ends! I have my oen opinions about that if anyone is interested in reading them. I wish it was ready to be released now as I need a new book to read.
Re: George R.R. Martin
I was depressed when I finished "A storm of swords" and re-read his release (www.georgerrmartin.com/done.html) about slptting the book, as he's splitting it geographicly not cronologicaly; but he also referances that the one following is 1/2 done already (as he split 1/2 of it out into the 5th book).
I hadn't heard about a end of the series, I hope its not gona happen, I'm a jony come lately (had to do it ) and just (last week) finished Storm of Swords for the first time (started A Game of Thrones mid July for the first time) but would be quite disapointed if he didn't finish the series... Quite Disapointed....
It is vain for the coward to flee; death follows close behind; it is only by defying it that the brave escape. - Voltaire
Re: George R.R. Martin
My husband really likes this author and asked me for years to read this series. I picked it up earlier this year and it was such a fun read. The characters can be so deliciously wicked.
I almost feel bad saying that I cannot wait for this next book--I know I have not been waiting as long as most of you or my hubby has.
Quote:"Nothing will work unless you do."— Maya Angelou
Re: George R.R. Martin
I'd be pissed if he didn't finish too. Right now though, I love speculating about what may happen with people that have read the books.
When I picked up the fat paperback, with the semi-lame coverart called "A Game of Thrones" over 7 or more years ago now, little did I know what I had gotten myself into. I've had to wait for sequals before, and usually, I must confess, I lose my interest over time. This is NOT the case with A Song of Fire and Ice, unfortunately. I have read each of the books two and three times, usually in preperation for a much anticipated release...a release that gets delayed...then delayed...then delayed some more. *sigh*
However, for my fantasy dollar, there is nothing better than this series. The characters are so fully fleshed out and three dimensional. They do (and say) the most horrible of all things, yet are also tempered with good and noble efforts. I can't think of a single character, even the ones that only last a book or so, that isn't finely drawn and brought to life. There is something magical with the way G.R.R.M. writes, that can make a person feel some sort of compassion for Sandor Clegane...
Yes, I've got the Feast on order...it's been in my queue for years now. In fact, I think I'm taking some time off after release, so I can sit in my big easy chair at home, enjoy the snoring of beasts and curl up with a GREAT book!
Oh my God, I've had the same reaction more than once....gasping out loud, muttering "Oh no, he DIDN'T!!", etc. I haven't had an author stir up this kind of a reaction in many, many years. I'd also like to say that I think it takes a very brave author to take the kind of risks that Martin has.
) and just (last week) finished Storm of Swords for the first time (started A Game of Thrones mid July for the first time) but would be quite disapointed if he didn't finish the series... Quite Disapointed....
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