[books 2014] A Game of Thrones
13. A Game of Thrones by George RR Martin
I was kind of hoping that I wouldn't like these as it would free up a lot of time and space on the to-read pile.
The first half was interesting enough, but then it goes in unexpected directions and gets really interesting, every chapter ending with a "he did *what*!" kind of twist that made me need to know what happens next. But of course the next chapter is a different POV from a different strand of the plot. Which does the same thing. Repeat.
I haven't had as much time to read as usual lately (spending less time on the bus and either not having time for a lunch break or eating with friends[1]) so it took me about a week an a half to read the first half, and then five days to read the second half when the pace picked up.
As some of you pointed out in earlier posts, there are strong women characters here. A related point is that two of the POV characters are disabled. There is none of the pseudo-medieval flowery language that sometimes characterises this kind of fantasy.
I have noticed other interesting things, none of which I can bring to mind at the moment, but there's several more books left.
Started volume 2 as soon as I finished this, and it takes up straight from where it left off, so I suspect it will be a quicker read.
[1] I have never, in all my years of work, had buddies to have lunch with before. The novelty hasn't worn off.
I was kind of hoping that I wouldn't like these as it would free up a lot of time and space on the to-read pile.
The first half was interesting enough, but then it goes in unexpected directions and gets really interesting, every chapter ending with a "he did *what*!" kind of twist that made me need to know what happens next. But of course the next chapter is a different POV from a different strand of the plot. Which does the same thing. Repeat.
I haven't had as much time to read as usual lately (spending less time on the bus and either not having time for a lunch break or eating with friends[1]) so it took me about a week an a half to read the first half, and then five days to read the second half when the pace picked up.
As some of you pointed out in earlier posts, there are strong women characters here. A related point is that two of the POV characters are disabled. There is none of the pseudo-medieval flowery language that sometimes characterises this kind of fantasy.
I have noticed other interesting things, none of which I can bring to mind at the moment, but there's several more books left.
Started volume 2 as soon as I finished this, and it takes up straight from where it left off, so I suspect it will be a quicker read.
[1] I have never, in all my years of work, had buddies to have lunch with before. The novelty hasn't worn off.