Martin, George R.R.: A Storm of Swords
A Storm of Swords (2000)
Written by: George R.R. Martin
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 1168 (Mass Market Paperback)
Series: Book Three (A Song of Ice and Fire)
Why I Read It: When I finished reading A Clash of Kings, I was a little deflated and disappointed. It didn't match my experience of reading A Game of Thrones at all, and if I hadn't already had the rest of the series, I might've stopped right there. But I did, and also, so many of you promised that A Storm of Swords made up for it that I wouldn't be disappointed. I believed you, but still needed some time away from Martin. Then, of course, the HBO series came along and relit the fire of my excitement, and I decided I wanted to go ahead and move forward in the series. The timing was right. I'd finally finished a different epic fantasy beast (The Wise Man's Fear) and though I could tackle Martin. And boy, did I ever...
The premise: ganked from BN.com: Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King’s Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. . . .
But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others-a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. . .
Spoilers, yay or nay?: YAY. So many, in fact, that you could name this review "A Storm of Spoilers." Heh. But seriously: DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW if you haven't yet read this book. It's like spoiling yourself for A Game of Thrones, but WORSE, so please, for the love of everything pure and good, DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW if you haven't read this book. Somehow, I managed to stay unspoiled for this, and I'm so glad I did. You'll be glad to, so just skip to "My Rating" and you can thank me later.
All the rest of you who've been waiting impatiently for me to read this book so we can discuss it? ONWARD!
The best way that I can think of to talk about this book is to divide it up by POV. This ensures I don't forget a particular storyline, which is useful for discussion. :)
Jaime
Talk about a surprising point of view. This was the first book where we get it, and I have to say, it started out amusing and ended in me actually honestly liking the character. This probably comes as no surprise to those of you who've already read the book, but I was floored. Getting inside Jaime's head to see how he viewed the world and his own history (which was utterly fascinating) was great. Equal parts amusing, as I said before, especially as he couldn't help but needle Brienne, but then also heroic, because despite his crimes, he does have a code of honor, and seeing that in action (everywhere from going back for Brienne to making sure she's set free and then setting Tyrion free later) is just utterly amazing. I think of all the characters, he changes the most during the course of the book, and that was fabulous to watch. I'm hoping, very much so, that he'll turn on Cersei as she's starts revealing the true nature of her character to him, which she already started. That, coupled with Tyrion's parting words about Lancel, should provide interesting friction.
Oh, and learning that it was Joffrey who ordered the hit on Bran? Wonderfully surprising. That boy was a monster. Monster-monster-monster!
Jon
I really worried about his POV. I couldn't see how he'd survive his stint with the Wildlings, and I honestly feared that he'd end up having to fight Castle Black, having to fight against his own. It tore me up when he told Ghost to leave, but one of the more beautiful moments of his story was that with Ygritte. I'm thrilled he found a measure of happiness, despite the double-edged sword that it was, given that he was breaking his vows. Jon Snow's been one of my favorites since the start, and seeing him happy was such a sweet thing, and I wanted him to run off with Ygritte and forget everything but being happy. With all the hell he's gone through, he deserves it.
Alas, that was not meant to be. His story played out surprisingly, how he managed to break away thanks to Summer, Bran's direworlf, but not knowing for sure it was Summer. Defending Castle Black and finding Ygritte's body afterwards, when her refrain lost its comic edge and became something far more sad. Then being charged with treason, essentially, and then getting the Stannis' favor and the opportunity to become legit, to take Winterfell, and become the Lord he's always dreamed of but knew he never could be. But the best, the absolute best, was his winning the Lord Commander's job. Having the raven fly out of the pot and say "Snow," then "Corn," and then "Kettle" was fabulous, and I loved that resolution of him. Not only was it a happiness, something so rare in Martin's world (which scares me, because Jon being happy means he's probably got hell ahead of him), but it was such a perfect fit for Jon's character. I've rather lost my love for the theory that Jon might be either a Targaryen or King Robert's true son, and given Jon's appointment as Lord Commander, that theory pretty much means nothing. At least, it does now. We get a potential backstory for Jon Snow's mother during Arya's section, and while I'm not totally sold on it, it's as good a story as any. Though, it does beg the question: if this woman was originally going to be Ned's wife (at least, she was the woman he loved), then it'd make sense if Jon was born before Ned was married to Catelyn, right? But that's not how it worked, because I'm pretty sure Jon's a tick younger than Robb. Maybe not though. Maybe that's just an assumption on my part.
The point, though, is that I'm caring less and less about Jon Snow's true heritage, though I do Martin definitively reveals it.
Catelyn
I'd forgotten that she'd freed Jaime under the oath that he'd free her daughters, but I found myself less engrossed by her particular dilemma. Surely, I felt bad for her, because I know that Bran and Rickon are still alive, and that her actions were unnecessary. What always strikes me about this series, especially so in this book, is the nature of cause and effect. Like how letting Theon go leads to him sacking Winterfell which leads to the false rumor of Bran and Rickon's death which leads to Catelyn letting Jaime go and Robb being so grieved he beds a girl and feels bound to marry her, breaking the agreement with the Freys, which leads to the Red Wedding, which is OMG.
And this is just one instance! The series is FULL of shit like this!
But back to the Red Wedding, that was unbelievable and intense. I'm still gobsmacked by the whole thing. I mean, granted, I figured there was a chance Robb MIGHT die, given Stannis' little leech spell, but I really didn't put a WHOLE lot of faith in it. And Catelyn too? I mean, granted, we learn in the epilogue that she manages to survive, which is incredible (and somewhat annoying, since she's not really my favorite character, but I'll roll with it). It was a shocking scene, and I'm still in awe over the whole thing (and a little sick too: I'm not trusting what I hear, but if they really took off the direwolf's head to put on Robb Stark's body? Poor Grey Wind….).
Tyrion
Tyrion's another favorite, and I really felt bad for him in this book. Still, I was shocked that Joffrey actually kicked the bucket!!!. I figured because I hated him so much, the little monster would survive the entire series or something, so I'm THRILLED he's gone. Though I have to say, I wish Tyrion hadn't gotten the blame, but even if he hadn't picked up the wine cup and tipped it, Cersei would've still blamed him (how I hate her more and more). It just hurt when Shae betrayed him, and I'm not entirely convinced she didn't want to: I suspect she was just following the money.
His marriage to Sansa was a surprise, and a welcome one. I'll talk more about Sansa in a minute, but while I know she would've hated it, I knew he would be an honorable match for her, and I was right. He didn't even force himself on her while married because he knew she was so frightened, and how I wish he could've brought himself to confide in her, to be straight and say, "Look, I know you're frightened of being named a traitor, but seriously, I hate my sister, I hate the King, and you have nothing to fear from me." I understand why he didn't, but still.
His escape was rather shocking, and I suspect the next time I see him, he'll end up joining Dany's camp somehow, and won't that be interesting? In the meantime though, I wish he hadn't liked to Jaime about killing Joffrey. I sort of understand why he did it, but it was still petty. However, he makes up for it by killing Tywin, another character I figured would last the whole series (though seriously, Joffrey and Cersei are the worst of the Lannisters, IMHO). I can't wait to see where Tyrion's path takes him.
Sansa
Poor Sansa. She just can't catch a break. I know Tyrion was no catch, and I know there's no way that she can know what I know, which is that Tyrion's seriously her best bet in terms of a man who will respect her and treat her well. I rather hoped these two would become confidants, but alas, it wasn't to be. Sansa saw quite a few dreams shattered in this book, but how shocking was the end?
But let's back up: her being engaged to her cousin, little Robert, had me praying for Tyrion to live forever (though I wouldn't wish for his death anyway), because that kid is so creepy I want to smack him. I also terribly dislike Lysa, and I was utterly, completely, and TOTALLY SHOCKED to learn that she was the one who poisoned John Arryn, by the guidance of Littlefinger, and then blamed the Lannisters, which started this whole mess. Littlefinger's after the crown, make no mistake, and I'm rather fascinated by his designs on Sansa. It's funny, because if I hadn't seen the first season of the HBO series, I don't think I'd be quite as interested or forgiving of Littlefinger, but since I have, I am. I just wonder what Sansa's role in all of this will be, and if she'll continue to be a victim or not.
Loved the scene, though, when she built Winterfell out of snow and Littlefinger helped. I wanted to throttle little Robert when he destroyed it. I hope that kid goes away now.
Arya
I keep hoping Arya will get a streak of luck, and a few times in this book, it seemed like she would only to find out something HORRIBLE has happened. I also keep hoping she'll get reunited with her direwolf, but maybe that's a fool's hope. At any rate, the pairing of her and the Hound was utterly fantastic, and I remember when reading A Game of Thrones that Arya might grow up to be this warrior woman, and it appears I'm not far off, though she's becoming colder than I thought she might be, and she has the potential for cruelty. I don't think it'll go that far, but still, it's a fascinating transformation. She changes too in this book, and can I say how relieved I am that she's got Needle back? Because I am.
Bran
I'm pretty unengaged by Bran's story, and I'd really, really hoped it's somehow intersect with Jon's (especially when he meets Sam), but I have to say, by time Bran's section wrapped up, I'm rather curious to see what kind of magic he's getting himself into and why he's considered some sort of chosen one. Where this is all going, I have no idea, but it'll be fun to see how it plays out.
Samwell
Sam's section didn't do much for me either, but I'm glad we had it, so that we know, even though Jon doesn't, what the Lord Commander realized before he died, which is that the Night's Watch lost its focus, and that what's important isn't keeping the Wildlings out, but rather the Others and wights in. All of the stories and world-building of the North and the Wall really fascinate me, even if Sam's POV wasn't the most engaging one. Don't get me wrong, I like Sam as a character. I just don't want to be in his head.
That said: loved seeing him manipulate his fellow brothers into nominating Jon Snow as Lord Commander!
Davos
I hated seeing his name on a chapter, because his sections didn't interest me at all in A Clash of Kings, and frankly, I never took Stannis' storyline all that seriously. Color me a changed woman now, since Davos has the dreaded title of The Hand of the King (which always seems to end in misfortune or death), and now that we know that magic or not, real god or not, Stannis has some kind of power on his side. I don't believe he's the one that's prophesied (I believe that's Dany), but seeing that scene with the leeches was utterly chilling, especially since all three of the usurpers died. Honestly, if you look at it, only Balon Greyjoy had a rather supernatural and untimely death, whereas I honestly think Robb's and Joffrey's would've happened, magical leeches or not.
Still, I take Stannis more seriously now, and I'm curious what happened to Davos after he convinced Stannis to help the men of the Night's Watch.
Daenerys
The thing that broke my heart the most in this section was her banishing Jorah. I know why she did it, and by time it happened, I wasn't wholly convinced he didn't deserve it, but I was kind of shipping them together, so it made me sad. Still though, it's great to watch Dany become the Queen she may some day very well be, and it's great to see her in action, which was sorely lacking in A Clash of Kings. I know in the previous book, I'd reached a point where I didn't care who ruled Westeros, but now it seems like Martin isn't going in that direction, and with Westeros in turmoil, I won't feel as bad about Dany coming in and taking the throne, because at this point, she's not going to be bowling over character I care about to get there. At least, I don't think.
Still, poor Jorah… but seeing Barristan return to the narrative was a welcome surprise.
Prologue/Epilogue
Neither of these sections did too much more for me, because I didn't care about the POV characters. Especially at the start, though I'll admit it was good to get some Other action as well as understand the negativity brewing in the Night Watch so that what happens later isn't a surprise. The only good thing about the epilogue was learning that Catelyn miraculously survived, and honestly, I'm not sure I want her reunited with her children or not. The idea of her being this crazy lady who cannot speak but can cast judgment with a nod is rather awesome, but we'll see where it all goes.
Overall, it's funny, because it was a lot of fun to picture the characters now as the actors who play them in the HBO series. I couldn't do this for everyone, but it was fun, and I think that helped turn the pages a wee bit faster, though given the way the plot worked, pages were turning quickly regardless.
Also interesting was my state of mind going into this book. First of all, I knew I needed to take my time with it and not rush (a lesson learned from reading The Wise Man's Fear), but also, I'd had a conversation with a friend of mine who's a geek for this series and he talked about how Martin has stress that unless a POV character has seen it HAPPEN, then we should take what we read at face value. Apparently, there's a theory that Ned is still alive due to this particular warning about how to read the text, something I discount simply because I can't believe he'd let ALL OF THIS HAPPEN if he were still living, so unless he's locked up in chains somewhere, or somehow managed to escape to the Night's Watch and is hiding, I'm not buying it.
Still, paying attention to what happens in a POV character's section became a very interesting exercise, because while news travels fast, it still travels, and you can't necessarily take what you hear at face value unless you see it happen yourself. Perfect example: coming up with a girl to act as a stand-in for Arya. Who's going to argue against that? Who'll know better? Very few people, so it's interesting to pay attention to events in this way.
My Rating: Excellent
Despite the length of this beast, I paced myself: 100 pages a day, and those 100 pages read at a great pace, especially after the slowness of A Clash of Kings, which rather scared me. But to all of you who promised me that Martin made up for it in A Storm of Swords, I thank you, because you are more than right. There were a billion OMG moments in this book, and honestly, I'm surprised I wasn't spoiled for anything, because what happens in SO MAJOR that you'd think something would've leaked. It hasn't, and for that I'm grateful, because none of the major surprises I predicted, and A Storm of Swords made for a rollicking read. Now the only real question for me is this: do I continue my tradition of one book per year in this series, which means that, if Martin stays on schedule (yeah, right), I'll read A Feast of Crows in 2012 and A Dance of Dragons in 2013, and book number six, titled The Winds of Winter in 2014, which will have me caught up with EVERYONE reading the series? OR!!! Do I just go ahead, bite the bullet and get caught up this year by reading A Feast of Crows and A Dance of Dragons? I'm rather worried that my magical ability to avoid spoilers in this series may not last, so the latter option is really, really tempting, and I can always count on the HBO series (especially if it continues), to refresh my memory for the events leading up to book six, right?
Whatever I do, it's an incredibly engaging series, which real consequences and real surprises and fascinating characters and growth. Glad I finally got around to this!
When you comment, PLEASE DO NOT SPOIL ANYTHING BEYOND A STORM OF SWORDS, or you will make me very sad and grumpy.
Cover Commentary: I've got the series covers that came out when the hardcover of A Feast of Crows was released, and I still prefer this simple design to the new design that's come out after the HBO series, which is REALLY bland and boring to my eyes. The blue sword works for me.
Next up: Huntress by Malinda Lo