Genre: Adult High Fantasy
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Rating: 5/5 Stars
(My copy is the version that was released in England so the cover is different and the number of pages may differ as well)
Disclaimer: THIS IS NOT A YOUNG ADULT BOOK! I must caution all readers that this novel contains graphic descriptions of sex and violence. Yes it is still an excellent novel but it is not in any way shape or form meant for younger readers.
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In the game of thrones, you win or you die.
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, a vengence-mad boy has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities beyond the sea. Heir of the mad Dragon King deposed by Robert, he claims the Iron Throne.
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Onto the review!
This is a fantastic and complicated novel full of complex characters and treacherous villains. For those of you who have watched the TV series you should really read the novel because you get so much more depth and understanding for each of the characters. This novel immerses you in a world that so rich and full of history and life you can't possibly believe it is made up.
Plot: The plot of this novel is EXTREMELY intricate and full of twists and turns. Its basically about three houses, the Starks (Good), the Lannisters (Bad), and the Baratheons (in the middle), fighting over the Throne...but there is a lot more to it then that. There are a thousand twists and turns that you would never expect and an ending to blow your mind and leave you begging to know what will happen next.
Pacing: The pacing is kind of slow, but for a good reason. There is a lot going on that George R. R. Martin wants to show you and he needs all 806 (that's right there are 806 pages) pages to help you understand. But don't worry all 806 pages are chock full of intrigue and adventure and suspense.
Characters: As expected from a high fantasy novel there are A LOT of characters. However, each and everyone of them is distinct in such a way that you are able to envision them as individual people. The main character, Eddard Stark or Ned, is the most honorable character I have ever met within the pages of a book. He knows the life-changing differences between right and wrong and he tries to pursue what is honorable and just. You can't help but respect and adore Eddard as he tries to fight his way through the treacherous and conniving city of Kings' Landing. The other (main) characters are his wife Catelyn, his sons Bran and Robb, his daughters Arya and Sansa, and his bastard Jon Snow. Then there is Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Stormborn. There are a dozen other crucial characters but if I tried to mention them all this review would take up the entire page.
Writing: The writing is excellent. Martin makes it easy to get lost in this foreign world with his expert use of description and story telling. Also, the book is sectioned off into the point of view of each of the characters mentioned above (except for Robb). This makes it easier to understand the way each character thinks and how their view of the Seven Kingdoms is unique to that character. This use of 3rd person limited narrative is a key part in your ability to understand the characters and the rich world they live in.
Overall: This book is fantastic. It is dark, complex, heart-wrenching, adrenaline pumping, and an all together exhilarating read. George R. R. Martin creates some characters you love to hate and others you will be utterly loyal to till the bitter end. His world is harsh and cold with just enough hope to keep you moving forward.
In this novel George R. R. Martin sets you up for an exhilarating and terrifying series that is bound to grab you and never let you go.
The next book in the series of A Song of Ice and Fire is A Clash of Kings
Great review. I loved this book and I really enjoyed the complexity of all the characters. Ned was one of my favorite characters, too, though it's now Jon Snow, his son. I finished the series not too long ago and I'm waiting on the next one to be released!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah I love John too. Wow you finished the series? Cool! Im just on the second book. I want to at least finish is before the second season comes out on HBO.
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