Book Review: The Ice Dragon; George R.R. Martin.

Yet another short read that I thought I should get into, seeing as I had a little time on my hands to read such a short book. At this point I've deviated pretty far from my chosen reads, but I don't mind. It's been nice to read a little of what takes my fancy!

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Hardcover

TITLE: The Ice Dragon
AUTHOR: George R.R. Martin
SERIES: --
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 128
GENRE: Fantasy, Children's Book, Short Story

RATING: 4/5 Stars

Blurb:
From ancient times the ice dragon was a creature of legend and fear, for no man had ever tamed one. When it flew overhead, it left in its wake desolate cold and frozen land. But Adara was not afraid. For Adara was a winter child, born during the worst freeze that anyone, even the Old Ones, could remember.

Adara could not remember the first time she had seen the ice dragon. It seemed that it had always been in her life, glimpsed from afar as she played in the frigid snow long after the other children had fled the cold. In her fourth year she touched it, and in her fifth year she rode upon its broad, chilled back for the first time. Then, in her seventh year, on a calm summer day, fiery dragons from the North swooped down upon the peaceful farm that was Adara’s home. And only a winter child — and the ice dragon who loved her — could save her world from utter destruction.

What I Liked:

• This was a really nice, sweet little tale set in a slightly familiar Westeros (long before the 'A Song Of Ice & Fire' series is set) but I loved that I could still recognise Martin's distinct style in it. I didn't imagine him to be as talented at writing books set for a younger audience, but he certainly proved me wrong. It read like a Fairy Tale which is my favourite sort of story, along the lines of 'The Snow Child'.

What I Disliked:

• While I did enjoy this book, I didn't manage to enjoy it quite as much as I have other children's stories. I liked it of course, but I missed Martin's attention to detail and the lack of too much jumping around in time. There were a lot of things about this book that felt vague and I longed to know more about the setting, the time and the dragon.

Overall Conclusion:

A lovely, well-written story set in Westeros which is one of my favourite book settings. I enjoyed the change of age range and liked the story itself quite a lot, especially as it reminded me so much of a Fairy Tale. Sadly there was a little too much in the way of vague for me to fully immerse myself. I have read a few children's books and enjoyed others more than this because they balance things better. I feel that in attempt to decrease the adult themes usually found in his books, Martin ended up being a little too lacking in the details department.

Book Review: 'A Feast For Crows'; George R.R. Martin.

Wowee, I've been so busy over Christmas and had so little time to read! Due to this I've only just finished this colossal book, but I did really enjoy it! I don't even mind that it took me so long, socialising at Christmas has to come first I'm afraid! I'm also entering this into the 'Monthly Motif' Challenge.

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Paperback

TITLE: A Feast For Crows
AUTHOR: George R.R. Martin
SERIES: A Song Of Ice & Fire (#4)
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 778
GENRE: Adult, High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

Blurb:
The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell see vengeance for their dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.

From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

What I Liked:

• Martin's ability to hold a story together will never fail to impress me. From the very first book I have repeatedly praised the ingenious way in which he incorporates so many characters and story-lines into one plot, and it just works. Somehow I remember who everyone is, somehow he's drilled into me their respective pasts, feelings, relationships and motives for their actions.
• I loved hearing from a few newer voices! MCs like Jon Snow, Danaerys Targaryen and Tyrion Lannister remained unheard from apart from brief mentions and some of the quieter voices from the series stepped forward to take the limelight: Samwell Tarly, Brienne of Tarth, Houses Greyjoy and Martell etc. It was a lot of fun to hear from those previously unheard from and get a few fresh perspectives along the way.
• Martin's writing style remains consistently superb and exciting. It is a whole new level of maturity that can be difficult to achieve in Fantasy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm always blown away by Martin's fantastic world-building and this book was no less profound in the way that it described newer locations to me. Perhaps watching the show helps, but I can see a lot of the places in my mind's eye thanks to such wonderful imagery.

What I Disliked:

• I can't say that I really disliked anything about this book, though in terms of action and plot twists, it was not nearly as arresting as the last that I read: 'A Storm Of Swords: Blood & Gold'. I know that so much happened in that installment that it makes sense for more build-up but that is the reason that I deducted half a star. A few more twists and turns would not have gone amiss, though the few that there were did produce a few audible reactions from me!

Overall Conclusion:

I don't think that I can really praise this series enough. It's been one of the most consistent that I've read and enjoyed, and I've never given any of the books a bad score. It is rather long and for those who are easily bored or distracted, it may be difficult to get through. This particular installment was a good read in terms of fresh perspectives and a whole host of new characters to read from, but lacked in plot twists compared to the previous book that I read. Still, I really did enjoy it a lot and despite it being a slow read, it was certainly worthwhile.

Book Review: 'A Storm Of Swords: Blood & Gold; George R.R. Martin.

This book. Words have actually failed me. I'm so astounded by how good it was, and exhausted by how much happened, that I need to take a moment to rest before I write this review. I'm so glad I got into this book when I did and I'm so impressed with Martin right now!

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Paperback

TITLE: A Storm Of Swords: Blood & Gold
AUTHOR: George R.R. Martin
SERIES: A Song Of Ice & Fire (#3, Part II)
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 609
GENRE: High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adult

RATING: 5/5 Stars

Blurb:
The men of the Night's Watch are ready for the coming of a great cold and the walking corpses that travel with it. But now they face a horde of wildlings twenty-thousand strong - hungry savage people steeped in the dark magic of the haunted wilderness - poised to invade the Kingdom of the North where Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown. But Robb's defences are ranged against attack from the South, the land of House Stark's enemies the Lannisters. His sisters are trapped there, dead or likely yet to die, at the whim of the Lannister boy-king Joffrey or his depraved mother Cersei, regent of the Iron Throne. Cersei's ambition is unfettered while the dwarf Tyrion Lannister fights for his life, a victim of treachery. And on the other side of the ocean, the last of the Targaryens rears the dragons she hatched from her husband's funeral pyre. Daenerys Stormborn will return to the land of her birth to avenge the murder of her father, the last Dragon King on the Iron Throne.

What I Liked:

• In my review of the first half of 'A Storm Of Swords', I mentioned that I hadn't read the usual George R.R. Martin bloodthirsty climax that I was used to, though this was probably because it was the first half of a book. In light of that, the second half was exactly what I need. So many things happened that I read basically the entire thing with my mouth open in shock. I have watched the TV Show of course, but I was not expecting the events of the book to happen so quickly and close together. Some of the scenes were brutal and upsetting, while others deeply satisfying. All I can say is if you're looking for action, you'll certainly find it here.
• I found this book much easier to read than previous books in the series. It progressed at a really good pace, with many twists and turns to keep me occupied. As well as that, I actually felt like I knew who everyone was, and there purpose in the story. The characters were, as always, well thought out and complex to read. I didn't once feel lost, which is what actually earned this book the five star rating that I awarded it.
• Martin's world-building abilities continue to impress me. I always say that I will never truly enjoy a book unless I can see that the author understands the context that he or she is writing from and this series is a shining example of the level of detail that I enjoy. War is not just about battles and numbers, there aren't always heroes though sometimes they can rise from the unlikeliest of places, and politics is a dangerous, complicated game that must be played carefully.

What I Disliked:

• There is only one thing I disliked and that is the huge great cliffhanger it left me on right at the very end. I mean, what am I supposed to do now? I can't read the next one for a while and I completely wasn't expecting it! I can't stand being kept in such suspense!

Overall Conclusion:

George R.R. martin is truly an author who knows his craft.I have loved his other books, but this was definitely the one that totally won me over, and I can't believe how much I want to read the rest of them right now! Martin's writing is compelling, bloodthirsty and left me hungry for more. His world-building is like nothing else I've ever read, his characters memorable and the plot never seems to grow dull. I can't wait to read the next book!

Book Review: 'A Storm Of Swords: Steel & Snow'; George R.R. Martin.

After spending pretty much all of Monday reading, I managed to finally finish this third installment this morning! I'm so glad, it took me such a long time to get through this book! Still, I'm glad I did. It was another brilliant installment to the series!

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Paperback

TITLE: A Storm Of Swords: Steel & Snow
AUTHOR: George R.R. Martin
SERIES: A Song Of Ice & Fire (#3, Part I)
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 625
GENRE: High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adult

RATING: 4/5 Stars

Blurb:
Winter approaches Westeros like an angry beast.

The Seven Kingdoms are divided by revolt and blood feud. In the northern wastes, a horde of hungry, savage people steeped in the dark magic of the wilderness is poised to invade the Kingdom of the North where Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown. And Robb's defences are ranged against the South, the land of the cunning and cruel Lannisters, who have his young sisters in their power.


Throughout Westeros, the war for the Iron Throne rages more fiercely than ever, but if the wall is breached, no king will live to claim it.

What I Liked:

• Martin's writing continues to blow me away, as it has done in the previous two installments of this series. I have never read such a masterful handling of multiple plot-lines in one series. Ever. Every individual story is so different, and yet they tie together so beautifully that it continues to keep me guessing. Yes, I have seen the show, but the book really highlights how expertly Martin does this.
• I am always a huge fan of Martin's characters, and this book felt a lot less about plot development (though there were a few twists) and a lot more about character development.The characters that I have met a lot faced a lot of hardship and challenges that gave a huge insight into their personalities, and I also got to see a lot more of some characters I was interested to hear more about (Margaery Tyrell, Melisandre, Sam) and even met some fantastic new ones as well (Olenna Tyrell and Oberyn Martell, I'm thinking of you)! It was nice to not have plot twists and death flung at me left, right and centre, and to be able to focus on the characters a little.

What I Disliked:

• While I really enjoyed the character development, and there were a few twists and turns plot-wise to keep me on my toes, this was only half of the third book. That means I didn't get one of Martin's special killer climaxes, which I always really enjoy. I wouldn't say that the ending really disappointed me as such, it just didn't totally blow me away either. It did leave me wanting more however.

Overall Conclusion:

I seriously love this series, and I can't wait to keep going with it because it's going to be amazing, I can tell. This felt the most like a filler book than any of the other books I have read so far, but it was well done! It gave a huge insight into some of my favourite characters and there were a couple of twists that had me wide-eyed and mouth open, though as this was only half of the third book, I wouldn't hope for a massive ending. I would also say that in terms of characters, there are a lot. Watching the TV show has really helped me in terms of remembering who everyone is but Martin doesn't look like he will ever stop introducing new characters. So if you are easily confused then I wouldn't recommend this series.

Book Review: A Clash Of Kings; George R.R. Martin.

It has taken me far too long to get through this book. It was very long and I have had so little time to get through it. Finally I've managed it however, and I'm excited to review this one! I will enter this into the Monthly Motif challenge too as I have been meaning to get round to reading this one for a good long while!

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Paperback

TITLE: A Clash Of Kings
AUTHOR: George R.R. Martin
SERIES: A Song Of Ice & Fire (#2)
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 873
GENRE: High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adult

RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

Blurb:

Throughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising. From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war. As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky - a comet the colour of blood and flame - five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.


What I Liked:

• George R.R. Martin's writing is just so phenomenal. I loved it in the first book, but truly came to appreciate just how complex it was in reading this one. His understanding of political intrigue is just fantastic and I have never read such thorough writing! His writing is just so rich and he really gets into every nook an cranny of the plot.
• I really liked the characters, as I always do with this series. There are some fantastic new ones (I was a big fan of Stannis related chapters) and the old ones were as good as I remember them (Tyrion and Arya most notably). I found it a lot easier to follow them this time too.

What I Disliked:

• At times I felt that the book moved far too slowly. There is so much to this story and as I said, Martin goes into a lot of detail. However with that detail naturally comes slow progression. The climactic battle more than made up for this however!

Overall Conclusion:

This series is amazing. There is so much detail within the plot, Martin writes fantastically and I like his characters a lot. Yes the books are long and a little slow, but they make up for it by being both rich and complex. I can't wait until I get round to the next one, though it probably won't be for a while yet!

Book Review: A Game Of Thrones; George R.R. Martin.

So I've finally tackled this book, and it was worth the wait and the huge amount of reading time. 'A Game Of Thrones' has received so much hype and been recommended to me so much that I couldn't wait to get into it! I'm a few episodes into Season 2 of the TV Series so had a pretty good idea of what this book would hold in terms of plot. Still, it continued to surprise me and my worries that watching the show would ruin my reading experience were unfounded. I'm going to use this book as an extra entry for the 'Jumble Your Genres' challenge as it counts, in my eyes, as a High Fantasy read.

SOURCE: Gift
TYPE: Paperback

TITLE: A Game Of Thrones
AUTHOR: George, R.R. Martin
SERIES: A Song Of Ice & Fire (#1)
PUBLISHER: Harper Voyager
PAGES: 780
GENRE: High Fantasy, Epic Fantasy, Adult

RATING: 4.5/5 Stars

Blurb:
Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As warden of the North, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must...and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

What I Liked:

• The best part of this fantastic start to the 'A Song Of Ice & Fire' saga was by far the plot. It was full of twists and turns that kept me hooked to every word that I read. I had been worried that having an insight into the plot by watching some of the TV series would ruin it for me, but I found that actually Martin's words kept me on my toes. His writing was fantastic and there were some great moments in this story. It was good to see as well how closely the TV Series actually follows the book. I really liked the structure and mixture of viewpoints that Martin wrote from too, it added to the story and broke it up nicely.
• The characters were very well-written. I found myself growing very attached to a lot of them. Tyrion was hilarious, Daenerys likeable and strong, and I found myself really liking Renly Baratheon too! The book definitely gave that vibe of 'trust no-one' and yet I found myself characters such as Varys all the same. The characters that I was meant to hate I despised and recoiled in horror as their actions grew increasingly terrible and devious. Each character had personality, and it made for much easier reading.
• The settings were well-described, but not so much so that it became boring. Martin had put a lot of thought into this world before writing it and I really appreciated the history, the alliances and oaths and the wars that had happened before the book. In other words, back-story was key to the understanding of this book and Martin provided lots, without overloading me with information.

What I Disliked:

• As often found in Epic books such as this one, there were a lot of characters. And while I found many stuck out like a sore thumb, many also faded into the background, and with that, came confusion. At many points I found myself asking 'Who was that again?' and I often referred to the character list in the back of the book to remind myself. I feel as well that if I hadn't watched the TV Series prior to reading this book, I would have been even more confused and lost at some points.

Overall Conclusion:

This was an amazing start to the series. The characters were well-written and full of life, or at least, the ones that I needed to remember were. The rest did seem to mingle together as one and I did sometimes get muddled up when they became more important later. I found that the story was easy enough to follow however, with a gripping plot-line and a beautifully built word rich with history. Martin has done a great job here and I can't wait to read more!