A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin

Part 2

4

The continuation of the Song of Fire and Ice reaches a kind of close. This is the end of the first half of the story, and as such shows a lot more finality than previous parts and, in general, feels like a more typical fantasy book for this conclusiveness.

I've decided that I might do this review a little differently. I've reviewed the first two books here and here (plus an intermittent half-way in this book here) and in general I feel much the same about most of what is happening. So I thought it might be more apt and easier if I list my likes and dislikes of this series, and end with a comment on anything new in this book. It saves me trying to make the same point a third time, but trying to put a different spin on it.

Likes

• Plot- Say what you will about Martin, he weaves a fantastic story. He doesn't really have any sympathy for his characters and verges on cold about he is more than willing to put them in dire straits and make the outcome unlikely every single time. I've mentioned a few times how one does not simply 'expect' with George R. R. Martin (that's an accidental meme/LOTR reference) and it makes for much more gripping story and also a much more difficult one as a reader. You are telepathically begging him to spare your favourite characters. The nicest you can expect it some kind of hideous wound or thrown into an inescapable circumstance, and you'll take that in your despair.
• Characters- Another typical story trope, but again excellently done. He crafts really well rounded characters, though in general I feel the Starks are all a bit too heroic sometimes, and Brienne too idealistic. But people like Jaime, Tyrion and Daenerys are effectively evil- or at least associated intimately with an evil faction- yet we learn about them as individuals and grow to like them. Those three are probably some of my favourites. Take Jaime: he's an oath-breaker and unbearably arrogant and rude, but he's more loyal than most and has a powerful sense of gratitude, familial love and duty.
• Magic- His attitude to magic is refreshing in a fantasy book, and that's a lot coming from me. I usually like magic and lots of it, but here I enjoy how fleeting and mysterious it is rather than something which makes the users superior to their peers.

Part 1

Dislikes

• Misogyny- Though I think Martin isn't a misogynist, the world he sets his books in is medieval. As such, women were expected to look pretty, get married then make babies until they died. They are completely and unrelentingly objectified by the men in the books. In general, the female POVs in the books are shown to be neither powerless nor accepting of this so it isn't all encompassing, but the nature of some of what happens is sickening.
• Cursing- I'm not the kind of person who uses profanities or approves of them if used in excess, but, for whatever reason, the characters insist on using words I refuse to utter even in my own company. As such, Martin tests my patience sometimes with the male characters in the story who use two four letter words beginning with 'C' as often as they breathe and use others with other select changes in the weather.
• Wanton Brutality- That's a phrase I used in another review which sums it up nicely. Be it violence, torture, rape or worse, GRRM does not pull punches. In fact, he packs them with iron and heats them such that they brand, even scar you. Seriously, sometimes I've felt physically sick reading some descriptions in these books.
• Death- As I mentioned above, no one escapes the bloody pen of GRRM and he will happily kill, maim or otherwise make characters lives a misery in the course of his books. This is something I also appreciate since it makes the stories gripping, and better than some other novels I've read; but at the same time I wish it was a bit less desolate and hopeless sometimes.

In this book, there are two new things: Finality and Viewpoints. We're given some new people to see through the eyes of- purely because the little conflict in book one has escalated to a national schism and there are all sorts of inner problems of each of the factions. It's like that St. Ives riddle where the numbers just keep growing as algebraic powers until the number is larger that we imagine. I digress, because it is not that bad, the point I was making is that we get a viewpoint in basically every story there is to tell.

The finality, which I mentioned at the beginning, is also bizarre. GRRM tends to leave people mid-story and move on and its disconcerting to leave these books for too long. So much is going on all the time, and keeping it straight require you to be reading the novels in succession. The ending of this book felt more conclusive, because A Feast For Crows is a catalyst novel connecting this book to A Dance With Dragons. The idea was to give characters time to grow up so that the story could move on to where he wants it to be. I'll say this though: I have no idea where that is.

The novel is the usual stock for Martin, in my opinion, so take that as you will.

A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

Possible spoilers for book one but not this book, but they will be highlighted such that one can avoid them!

4
This book two in Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series and is an extremely long read (though I hear A Dance With Dragons is longer still). It is continuation of every and all events from book one and is just as hard-hitting and, in some ways, wonderfully deplorable. In my opinion, it is the better of the two since I was much more interested in events than in book one.

The plot in this series, for anyone who hasn't read the books, is a sprawling mess of utter chaos. The best analogy is to imagine a plate of spaghetti, and each string of spaghetti is a plot line and reading it is like trying to find the other end of the spaghetti WITHOUT yanking it out. It is utter madness sometimes. You seem to have your main plot and about 4 other sub-plots, per viewpoint. And then there are around 6 view points. So you have a grand total of around 30 plots which you have to try, in vain to keep straight. Early on in the book, it's even worse. I commend Martin for not just tying off the old plots and moving on, but the start of the book holds onto about half of the plots for about a third of the book, but still insists on bringing in more. What I'm saying is that these are highly confusing books a lot of the time, and sometimes you'd be reading something and only realise about 3 pages in which plot it pertains to.

This same issue is with the characters, though it is less pronounced. The back of the book lists every major and minor character of the major factions on the book, and I seriously believe that every one of them is important in some way. Finishing the book, I astounded myself with how many characters I managed to keep straight in my head. Admittedly, I just had to keep reading blind sometimes and hope this character wasn't too important.

It's a credit to Martin, I have to say, that despite being occasionally muddled I managed to know what was going on. How I think he does it is by defining everything with certain events of names. Practically all the characters have a defining a feature- some are "the Knight of X", they may be named "The [noun]" or they were involved in some conquest- and they will be the only ones associated with this. It's fantastically done when I think about it.

Anyway, down to specifics.

Once again, one of the things is disliked was the wanton brutality of the books, and the banalisation of rape and prostitution. I read some response Martin gave on these fronts (I'm not the only one who is disturbed by it) and he defends it by saying that it is historical and medieval England was like this. He doesn't like it any more than we do, but he has to right a realistic, truthful story. If that means it must be gritty and disturbing, so be it. I can accept that since he's right to be honest in his story, but I'm retaining the right to dislike it. It is too often brought up, in my opinion, and hate that the men are often so flippant about it. It doesn't usually detract from the story, but I think that if anyone has particular sensibilities or particular revulsion to these things, stop while you're ahead; since I expect it to get worse as the book continues and fighting grows. I wonder if I would have ever opted to read these books had I known they were so....so like this.

**** SPOILERS FOR BOOK ONE IN NEXT PARAGRAPHS UNTIL I SAY OTHERWISE!!! ****

I actually got more invested in various stories this time around. Last time, stories such as Jon Snow's, Sansa's or Arya's were just not at all interesting. However, at the end of book one, Arya has fled the castle, Sansa dislikes Joffrey (and, forgive me, has finally gotten some sense) while Jon has learnt that the Night's Watch are to go beyond the wall. In book one, I could read Jon's chapters easily enough for the same reasons I could read Catelyn's and Bran's: because despite not being terribly interesting, they were written and I liked the voice's. Also, they both had points were they were actually interesting. With Jon, I felt his story had so much potential to be interesting, but it just wasn't. I understand they had to train, set up loyalties and what not but there was wasted opportunity, in my opinion. There was always the feeling of a growing threat and it infuriated me that it was never realised story-wise.

Tyrion and Daenerys are both just as good though, if not better. Tyrion is whimsical and despite being a Lannister, I'm actually going to accuse him of having a great deal of sense and even a few morals. In some ways, he often strikes me as the most human of the characters and even though he has his weaknesses and short-comings (no pun intended), he is probably the only Lannister I would want to be King. I think he has the good sense to look past his own life and desires and do what is right for the kingdom as a whole.

Daenerys disappointed me a little since very little happened in her story besides a lot of wandering around, hopeless, and sitting about dreaming about her future. I think she had fewer chapters than last time as well so we didn't see her as much. But the dragons....man, do I love them! I squirm with happiness whenever they do anything and, at one point, it says how she was reclining in cushions with her dragons around her. Bliss, utter bliss.

There are two new views as well: Ser Davos, a Knight of Stannis, and Theon Greyjoy. Davos had a nice voice, and I did like him, but I was more interested in him because Melisandre and the magic (?) she suggested she had.  Theon is more interesting, but only because I hate him from the bottom of my heart. I feel sorry for him since he feels abandoned by his own family, but does he need to be such a debased and detestable individual? He has no value for women or anyone less than himself. In so many ways, he is just like a Lannister in his overwhelming idea of self worth and importance. And the things he does- the way he is- just disgusts me. The bit with Bran and Rickon...I just had to stop reading for a short while. I felt my heart stop; I stopped breathing in shock. I was just blown away at how much I could hate a character.

**** SPOILERS OVER ****


Overall, I was impressed with this book. If you read book one and were a bit dubious, I think this book will set your mind at ease that this is likely to be an enjoyable series and that you should definitely keep reading. I only warn you to expect to be reading this for a while; my copy was around 900 pages.

Magical March Challenge

A reading challenge, hosted by Adam from RoofBeamReader.net, is one that seems perfect for me. The aim is to read books that fall under any kind of fantasy label, be they Urban, Young Adult or Epic Fantasy; Science Fiction, so Dystopians or Steampunk are also good; as well as Magical Realism... which I'm not sure as to the meaning. These must be read throughout March. The rules, direct from the source, are:

1. You must register with the Mister Linky below prior to March 5^th in order to be eligible to participate.
2. You must read only “new” books – meaning, no re-reads are allowed.  Books for other challenges can be cross-used for this one, but you must read the book and review it in the month of March (previously completed books for other challenges do not qualify).
3. You must link up each book review to a separate Mister Linky, which will be available on March 5^th (once registrations close).
4. Challengers must post on their blog an “Announcement” post, indicating they are participating in this challenge and which level they hope to attain. One completer from each “Class” will be randomly selected to win the corresponding prize for that level. 
   1. You do not need to meet your level in order to win a prize.  If you aim for “Grand Merlin Class” but only achieve “Magician’s Class,” you will still be entered into the Magician’s Prize Pool!
   2. You do not need to list your books in advance, but I plan on doing so (to keep me motivated and to help me stay organized). 
5. Any Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Magical Realism books will qualify.  This means you can read Young Adult, Dystopian, Steampunk, or Alternative Histories.

There are levels of participation, based upon how much you think you'll read for the hop. They are:

Magician’s Class:               1-2 Books Read & Reviewed        1 Book $10 or Less

Sorcerer’s Class:                3-5 Books Read & Reviewed        1 Book $12 or Less

Wizard’s Class:                  6-7 Books Read & Reviewed         1 Book $15 or Less

Grand Merlin Class:            8+ Books Read & Reviewed          1+  Book(s) $20 or Less

I'd like love to go for the Grand Merlin class because I have more than 8 books that fall into those categories. Besides my classics, I think most of my to-read novels fall into that category. This is fantastic for me so I'm really going to try. But, I'm only going to aim for the Sorcerer's Class since it is the one I know I can achieve notwithstanding a sudden death. 

However, I'm going to try for Grand Merlin as much as possible!

I won't plan my books, since I won't enjoy them as much, but I'm hoping to read a few of my series (i.e. Lord of the Rings, Song of Ice and Fire and Chronicles of the Necromancer) and possibly get the Eleventh Plague (by Jeff Hirsch), Runemarks (by Joanne Harris) and The Girl of Fire and Thorns (by Rae Carson) in there between the others. 

Top Ten Books I Hope Santa Brings

1. Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin I've read book one and I just couldn't bear the cliffhanger. I've asked for the rest of the books, but I'd be happy with just the next book to satisfy my curiosity. I mean, some reviews are saying they aren't good books.
2. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak is one I've heard basically raving about anywhere and everywhere. I'll be proud to know contribute in such conversation since I'll have read it.
3. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss Another one I've had recommended a couple of times that I'm finally getting around to getting. 
4. Legend by Marie Lu Since I heard about it a while ago, went to buy it and... it wasn't out yet. So this is the realisation of a book I've been waiting to have for a much too long time.
5. The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson To add to my pile of fantasy, I have another book which has mostly received good reviews and criticism (at least where I've looked) and I find the concept interesting and unique enough that I couldn't, in good conscience, pass this by.
6. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess Since my...inauguration in liking dystopia, this one has come up a few times. I haven't read it or seen the film, but again the positive feed back has me thinking I'll both like and be mildly disgusted by this book.
7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë I'm trying my best to read classics, and this is another one that I feel I'll have to read. I've heard that with Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights, these make quite the set. I'll be glad to have read them all.
8. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake Enough people have said this is weird in a good way that I feel I want to know how this book happens. The title puts me off a bit (I have a huge aversion to blood), but I've been mildly assured I shouldn't worry.
9. Dead Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan I read the first book in this series earlier in the year and, bleak and depressing as it was, it was riveting and realistic. I won't be reading this too soon after Christmas (it is supposed to be joyous, after all) but I want to read it soon-ish, before I forget book 1.
10. Assassin's Apprentice by Robin Hobb The final one is another fantasy one that I want to read. Seriously, I could spending the next three months on fantasy exclusively and still have some left. I think I'm making things hard for myself since I'm starting all these series that have the potential to depress me and consume me at exam time, but they've all come well recommended so I shan't shy away just yet.

Thanks for hopping by. Maybe you could tell me one book; because if we all write lists of ten down there, it just gets cluttered. And, if I agree with the one you do choose, I can feel confident to hop on over to you.

Anyway, Happy Hopping!

Oh: Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year too (if you're just the casual hopper)!!!!

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

3.5

Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin is the start of an epic fantasy series in five parts. In general, I liked it since I’m fond of fantasy and specifically epic fantasy, but some of the book seemed slow to me. My main reason for reading it was the hype around it, and I hadn’t read epic fantasy for a time.

Though the start definitely drew me in with the mystery surrounding it, I overall felt that the description at the start put me off merely because the breaks from it were short, uninteresting or confusing. The things mentioned became clear, but I was lost a bit at first. The first time I really started to get glued into the book was when King Robert arrived since I found him so interesting.

As always with epic fantasy, the amount of characters is overwhelming at the start and you feel the strain of trying to remember them all my copy of the book actually had a helpful family list thing in the back, but I preferred to just figure it out as went along since flicking perpetually to the end of the book wasn’t how I wanted to spend my time. Mostly though, it got better quickly. The characters in this book were many in number, but they were each unique and interesting to read about with conflicting motives and eventful pasts. The voice was fine too: it sounded primarily like a narrator, but I think each character section had a particular feel to the way of writing which also made them distinctive.

One thing that did annoy was the way some things were said, and even said repeatedly. I understand that it is meant to be set, perhaps, in some ancient land, but needn’t keep saying “break the fact”, “man grown” or “as it please the Gods”. As a bit of pedant and grammar orientated person, this just grated on my nerves and distracted from what was going on. I doubt critics would have minded him saying “breakfast” instead.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much was in this book: I think it could easily have been made into a trilogy (the one book) and I couldn’t just how many events could be concluded only to be quickly replaced then concluded in the same book. It shocked me but, at one point, the so-called intrigue began to betray its namesake (I’m even sounding like them now…) and dragged just a teeny-weeny bit.

Even though it was the first book, the lack of sorcery or any sort of real mythic quality annoyed me. There were no dragons, sorcery, elves, Divine intervention or anything until towards the end of the book so I felt annoyed that I had had to wait so long for it, then I lose it all too quickly. It’s good marketing I guess, but I’d rather it was a satisfying read. The ending though… I loved the ending like you can’t imagine!

There are a lot of stories, told mainly from the view points of the Starks, who are Lords of Winterfell, Tyrion Lannister, a witty, mouthy dwarf, and Daenerys, the last of the old line of Kings who had dragons to do their will. Tyrion is the first viewpoint to get interesting, merely because he is an amusing character to be around, and his comments and insight make the read all the more engrossing. The Starks hold their own but have few chapters when it felt like an info dump and I probably glazed over a bit. That, and the name Bran made me think Bran Flakes every times. But my heart lies with Daenerys.

Admittedly, I found her story unreadable to start because of its brutality, but my heart went out to her (if a bit dubiously). She never fought back, which annoyed me, but she tried to explain why. Eventually though, as the story went on and she seemed to fall in love, it became much more intriguing and more like the fantasy I was hoping for. As it happens, I can thank her for that wonderful ending I mentioned. But those eggs, damn it. The expectation of them annoyed me.

I think that the book did lag a bit towards the end, but I ultimately enjoyed the book because rather than maintaining the boredom, it picked up again. So except for maybe 100 pages, this 805 page book is well worth a read and I hope that the sequels are too, though I won’t be getting them just yet.