Five Stars, Literature - Written by trench on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 1:06 - 7 Comments
A Game of Thrones
Title: A Game of Thrones
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire
Author: George R. R. Martin
Publisher: Spectra Reprint edition (August 4, 1997)
Hardcover: 864 pages
ISBN: 0553573403
Before I begin my review and personal thoughts on this book, I just wanted to mention that I still have alot of respect for my favorite authors. JRR Tolkien, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Robert Jordan, and even my first fantasy author C.S. Lewis. They created a huge new world within my mind, and even at the age of 27 I still enjoy good fantasy books. It really takes me out of this reality that we live in.
Now that my courtesies is out of the way, this is just a forewarning to everyone. This book is meant for mature audiences. It is filled with intrigue, mystery, humor, adventure, violence, sex, sex, violence, sex… okay you get the point! The Game of Thrones has totally climbed to the top of the totem pole in my mind as the best modern fantasy novel written so far. I’ve been blessed with a roomate that has purchased all three (that has been released) so I just started reading book 2 The Clash of Kings.
What captivated me was the realism in Martin’s work. The Game of Thrones has just an incredible cast of characters that pull you into the the world he created. This is a true character driven fantasy novel. However, be warned, no one is safe in these books. I’ve witnessed the death of many of my favorite characters and often asked myself “WHY!” It just draws you deeper into the plot. Its one of Martin’s greatest strengths.
The truth of the matter is there really is no true good or bad guys. Of course there are those who are more virtuous than others and those who are more wicked that you would like. Yet no matter what you think about them, both have a equal chance at death, tragedy, truimph, and glory. You’ll find yourself taking the sides of different factions depending on the situation, and desperately seeking answers to the most intriguing situations.
Even if you are not a fan of fantasy novels, I recommend that you pick this book up. This book has a totally different approach to what most people think of as fantasy. It is worth the look. I know I enjoyed it very much.
Current Character Favorites: Jon Snow and Arya Stark
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7 Comments
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OK I’m sold! I meant to start reading GRR Martin a long time ago! I must finish Narnia first though, for the first time, too! Almost done with the first one.
“for mature audience”. now we’re talking!
I must have about 200+ fantasy novels stowed away in the attic, moorecock, van lustbader, A.A. Burt, A. Piers, W. Gibson, R. Heinlein and all them you know… but not one G.R.R. Martin. This has to change! -
Addendum! The very first sentence from the bookshop review: “First volume of a brilliant new fantasy trilogy: the most powerful, original and absorbing new epic since Stephen Donaldson’s Chronicles of Thomas Covenant.”
Needless to say S.R. Donaldson’s Chronicles are among above mentioned 200+ books. -
Get the books man! Well worth the investment and time!
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It’s interesting how recommendations can make for a more literate world. I first got into the fantasy genre when trench introduced me to the Narnia series back in the elementary school days. I’ve since introduced him to WOT and a song of fire and ice. George RR Martin is at the top of the totem pole in my opinion. I haven`t read anything from David Eddings or Tad Williams, but it is hard to believe anything quite approaches Martin`s brilliance.
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Your enthusiasm for Fantasy books makes me want to pick up a copy, and actually finish those books my grandma gave me two years ago. I read political fiction books.
By the way, this is my first time at your blog. It really makes me miss Guam.
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[...] Just as with the first book A Game of Thrones, what captivated me was Martin’s writing style. I actually found myself cheering for the most unlikely people and feeling heavy-hearted even for the characters I thought that were just plain sinful. [...]
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[...] Kings. Each claiming that they have the lineage to the throne. Just as with the first book A Game of Thrones, what captivated me was Martin’s writing style. I actually found myself cheering for the most [...]
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