A Song of Fire and Ice

[museme87]

Has anyone read the A Song of Fire and Ice series by George R.R. Martin? I keep seeing this series popping up everywhere, but I know next to nothing about it. The editorial reviews section of Amazon calls Martin the "American Tolkien", which, quite frankly, isn't a selling point at all for me, lol

Comments

[klose]

Hmmm, it's like a gritty, realistic take on high fantasy, very politically focused. I recall that GRRM was inspired a bit by the War of the Roses. But I just find it a really depressing series. Anything more detailed might be spoilery. I hear the HBO adaptation is better, but I haven't had a chance to catch it yet. I... am not sure that you'll like the books; all my friends who got into it pre-HBO series are massive Tolkien geeks like me. (but I don't like the books, so there you go xD)

[museme87]

Yeah, it sounds like it could go either way with your description, Y. I love fiction that centers around politics, especially those with a sort of medieval feel. The fact that the War of the Roses inspired him is definitely a bonus. Hmm, we'll have to see.

[helikon]

Yeah, I have to admit that I liked the world-building, and thought it was really cool, but... IDK, I don't want to spoiler you, but let's just say I very much agree with celestineangel's review. XD It's too gritty for my tastes, anyway.

What I have noticed is a lot of people saying the tv show is actually better than the books - because GRRM is in sore need of an editor, for a start, lolol. and the TV show inevitably has to cut things. I know some friends who were irritated with the books for various reasons, but got back in because the TV show was just so good. *shrug* I reckon I'll pick up the books again when the series is finished. I will be extremely surprised if that happens. I mean, I first picked up the books just before going off to college and we've only had one book come out since then.

[museme87]

You don't either, C? I'm not alone in this world with my anti-Tolkien feelings? And here I thought I might be the only one!

The fact that it's gritty and dark is definitely a plus, but I do worry about the multiple POVs. I tend to find it a little jarring, but maybe GRRM can pull it off.

[eprime]

The HBO series is really good. I highly recommend you watch it. I've only read the first book in the series, but it's worth a read if you're into that genre at all. I'm not in love with it, but it's interesting. A good friend of mine has read them all, and she's pretty much of the same opinion. Each chapter is written from a different character's pov.

[museme87]

The POV thing really is the only thing holding me back from the series. Sometimes more than one POV works for me, but a lot of the time it doesn't. I'm one of those people who like reading the book before watching the movie/tv, so that's mainly why I was looking into the books--the series seemed intriguing. :)

[celestineangel]

1) YOU ARE NOT PREPARED.

2) Do not get attached. To anyone.

3) Do not form expectations. For anything.

4) Try not to throw the books across the room too much.

5) Enjoy!

[museme87]

Haha, that's quite a review! I'll definitely take all of that into consideration if I decide to pick it up. :)

[missgoalie75]

I actually watched the show first and it was amazing - the book is just as, if not more awesome. I HIGHLY recommend it. I've only read the first book, but I know from other friends who are caught up that the series is incredible.

[museme87]

Good to know! Honestly, the only thing that is holding me back from putting it on my to-read list is the fact that each chapter is told from a different POV.

[missgoalie75]

Yeah, the switching POV is annoying for me, I usually don't like it, but you get used to it, you know? Most of the characters are doing interesting things most of the time, so.