aSoIaF by George R. R. Martin

[Boromir]

Has anyone read the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire by G. R. R. Martin?

Here's a summary:

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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six, George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre."

Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest.

There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! --Nona Vero --This text refers to the Mass Market Paperback edition.

[Majsju]

I'm on my 3rd re-read atm, it's simply mindblowing. I can't really make up my mind whether ASOFAI or WOT is the best fantasy series ever, and they're a bit hard to compare. The bad thing is that Martin definitly takes his good time to write, if I remember correctly ASOS were released in 2000, which means he's been writing on AFFC for 5 years now, and still hasn't finished it. OK, last update he gave on the book he said that so far it's 1300 pages, but still...

[Minya Collowen]

lol, no i agree

[Calenfalathiel]

!!!....I read the first book in the series, A Game of Thrones. All I can say is that I was in shock, it was so good...It really is a great series, it's among the best fantasy I've ever read. I would recommend it to any fantasy fan.

[.:Luthien:.]

wow...I had seen these books before and they looked interesting, but I didn't really pay any attention to them. I guess I will have to start reading them!

[Calenfalathiel]

Hmmm....I read the first book of the series a long time ago, and it was really good. I definitely need to read the second one, I have it but haven't gotten to it yet.

i'm especially excited for the new tv series of it, it hink it's gonna be great! I hope we can get some new information about it soon... *sigh*

[Minya Collowen]

I read PART of the first book, and liked what i read, i just got lazy But i'm really looking forward to the series

[Ta'veren]

Unfortunately, I haven't read them, but your opinions are making me wish that I had. I'll have to add that to my list of books-to-read-as-soon-as-possible.

[Calenfalathiel]

palantir said:

Unfortunately, I haven't read them, but your opinions are making me wish that I had. I'll have to add that to my list of books-to-read-as-soon-as-possible.

It really is worth it. I was at the bookstore one day and saw it "featured" on a stand with the rest of the books in the series. I thought the art looked pretty cool so I picked it up and started reading it. 30 pages later, man was I hooked! It's not one of those corny "trying to be cool" fantasy stories that have lame plotlines. It's very interesting and centers around 2 families that are both fighting for one throne. The characters are all different and very real, very human.

It's a great read and certainly is different from any other fantasy book I've ever read...