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Obviously this is a book intended for readers already familiar with the world of the Seven Kingdoms, but if you are trying to decide whether to begin the Song of Ice and Fire series, I strongly encourage you to do so. "A Dance with Dragons," while at times frustrating in ways only George R. R. Martin can be, delivers in ways "A Feast for Crows" did not. Of course, the well-loved characters are back (Jon Snow, Tyrion and Daenerys) which we missed in book 4, but it also moves beyond the time-frame of "A Feast for Crows" so that we are finally getting *new* events, rather than hearing of old ones from multiple perspectives.
I think Martin is back to form in this book, and unlike a lot of the GRRuMblers (who I think ought to find a more enriching way to use their spare time), I do not believe that Martin is grasping at straws and has no means of ending the book. "A Dance with Dragons" demonstrates that he has a clear vision for the series and only he can show us what that vision is in the two books which will follow. As to calls that he is not writing fast enough, I would say that Martin is an artist and is not subject to the perceived injustices some of his "fans" claim they endure: we have not entered into a contract with this man, and he owes us nothing. I for one am delighted he shares his absurdly-expansive imagination with us, and can't wait to read some of his other works.
In short, Martin is an amazing writer who creates a convincing world which, while reminiscent of a Medieval Europe (and all the medieval ideas that might encapsulate--don't get me started on those who unfairly and wrongly paint Martin as a misogynist when he couldn't be further from, as he depicts strong, active women and, as others have commented, is clearly making a pointed social commentary on patriarchy and the violence intrinsic to a feudal-like system), becomes in some sense tangible and living, with histories, languages and geographies (hence the Tolkien comparison, one I don't personally find compelling).
These books are a joy to read, particularly if you like to "escape" into your novels.
After considering the books of the past decade that have really stuck with me, I had to pick "Trainspotting" for its originality, style and piercing wit. Welsh may have had a few stumbles since writing what is arguably his best book, but "Trainspotting" remains canonical for the movement it ushered in and the 90's microcosm it so deftly depicts. By turning the vogue of heroin chic into something both palpable and depraved, Welsh explores the inner psyche of his fully-developed characters and creates a work still stunning in its relevance. A real treat.
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Allison Faris has commented on (2) products.
A Dance with Dragons (Song of Ice and Fire #5) by George R. R. Martin
Allison Faris, January 1, 2012
Obviously this is a book intended for readers already familiar with the world of the Seven Kingdoms, but if you are trying to decide whether to begin the Song of Ice and Fire series, I strongly encourage you to do so. "A Dance with Dragons," while at times frustrating in ways only George R. R. Martin can be, delivers in ways "A Feast for Crows" did not. Of course, the well-loved characters are back (Jon Snow, Tyrion and Daenerys) which we missed in book 4, but it also moves beyond the time-frame of "A Feast for Crows" so that we are finally getting *new* events, rather than hearing of old ones from multiple perspectives.I think Martin is back to form in this book, and unlike a lot of the GRRuMblers (who I think ought to find a more enriching way to use their spare time), I do not believe that Martin is grasping at straws and has no means of ending the book. "A Dance with Dragons" demonstrates that he has a clear vision for the series and only he can show us what that vision is in the two books which will follow. As to calls that he is not writing fast enough, I would say that Martin is an artist and is not subject to the perceived injustices some of his "fans" claim they endure: we have not entered into a contract with this man, and he owes us nothing. I for one am delighted he shares his absurdly-expansive imagination with us, and can't wait to read some of his other works.
In short, Martin is an amazing writer who creates a convincing world which, while reminiscent of a Medieval Europe (and all the medieval ideas that might encapsulate--don't get me started on those who unfairly and wrongly paint Martin as a misogynist when he couldn't be further from, as he depicts strong, active women and, as others have commented, is clearly making a pointed social commentary on patriarchy and the violence intrinsic to a feudal-like system), becomes in some sense tangible and living, with histories, languages and geographies (hence the Tolkien comparison, one I don't personally find compelling).
These books are a joy to read, particularly if you like to "escape" into your novels.
Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh
Allison Faris, January 1, 2010
After considering the books of the past decade that have really stuck with me, I had to pick "Trainspotting" for its originality, style and piercing wit. Welsh may have had a few stumbles since writing what is arguably his best book, but "Trainspotting" remains canonical for the movement it ushered in and the 90's microcosm it so deftly depicts. By turning the vogue of heroin chic into something both palpable and depraved, Welsh explores the inner psyche of his fully-developed characters and creates a work still stunning in its relevance. A real treat.(2 of 10 readers found this comment helpful)