Category Archives: Literature

A Game of Thrones

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GameOfThrones450xTitle: 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

New Spring (Wheel of Time)

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NewSpringTitle: New Spring The Novel (Wheel of Time)
Author: Robert Jordan
Publisher: TOR Fantasy (June 13th, 2005)
Hardcover: 400 pages
ISBN: 0765345455

I purchased “New Spring” because it provided a background to one of my favorite characters of the series, Lan Mandragoran, the uncrowned King of the Malkier. It also provided alot of background information on Moiraine Damodred and Siuane Sanche who in this book are still working to achieve their status as Aes Sedai. The book begins with the end of the Aiel War, and the fortelling of the Dragon Reborn. It ends with Lan and Moraine developing their relationship as Aes Sedai and Warder.

Robert Jordan has won back my interest in the series. As a die hard fan of WOT, I was one of the many who were upset that the story was not completed sooner. I basically put down book 9 in the middle of a chapter and never looked back. However, the real Robert Jordan has reappeared. New Spring has provided me with many details that have always eluded me in his previous works, and it had flashes of brillance from his previous releases. I will definately purchase the next installment of the trilogy of prequels he has in store for us.

For those of you who have not read this series yet, I really suggest that you start with the Eye of the World. The first book of the Wheel of Time series. His first couple books are his best by far and really sets this series apart from other fantasy series.

The Chronicles of Narnia

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Over 20 years ago my mother handed me my first real chapter book to read. Guess what it was? The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. This very book ignited my interest in the literary world of fantasy novels. I’ve read the entire chronicles around 4 times and I still enjoy the storyline and journey I take into the land of Narnia. When I found out that Disney was producing its version of The Chronicles, I was pretty stoked. Im really looking forward to their interpretation of a truly amazing story.