George R. R. Martin (as well as other recommendations)

[Hahma]

Anyone ever read this book/series by George R. R. Martin?

[bunjee]

I think the more appropriate question would be:
Who here has read the book/series by George R. R. Martin.

I know a number of people here have, I have. I played the game once, too.

[InfinityMax]

I just finished a second read-through of the first three books, then went and bought the fourth in hardback.

Why do you ask? (and ask fast, I'm leaving for GenCon after work and won't be around until Monday)

[Hahma]

I just finished a second read-through of the first three books, then went and bought the fourth in hardback.

Why do you ask? (and ask fast, I'm leaving for GenCon after work and won't be around until Monday)

Just asking to see if others have found it to be as unique and interesting as I did. I only just started the second book, so I don't have the whole story to go by, but I found the first one to be (though while slow at first) quite enjoyable and different from the typical fantasy books that I've read.

BTW have fun at Gen Con :D I only live two hours north of Indy, but can't swing it time-wise and financially with other stuff going on. Not to mention having spent a butt-load on HS stuff in the past month. Maybe next year I'll take a trip down there with my bro in-law and nephew.

Enjoy :wave:

[Hahma]

I think the more appropriate question would be:
Who here has read the book/series by George R. R. Martin.

I know a number of people here have, I have. I played the game once, too.

I agree that the question should have been worded differently, but I only had a moment to make the post (twin 3 yr-olds begging attention) and didn't think it out fully. :oops:

How was the game to play? With only finishing the first book, I don't see how a game could be dedicated to the series and have replayability. But I could be wrong. :shrug:

I've read R. A. Salvatore, Raymond Feist, Elaine Cunningham, David Drake and Weiss/Hickman. I found George R. R. Martin to be comletely different and wondered if others felt the same. I had tried reading Robert Jordan series a while ago, but at the time it moved so slow, that it didn't hold my interest very long. Perhaps another time.

Anyways, thanks for the response bunjee :)

[Rhydderch]

I have read the Song of Ice and Fire books. I think there was a previous thread about it too where fans could discuss them. Might be a good place to look for what other people thought of them. Just be careful of spoilers since you're only on the 2nd book.

[Smarty Dorthea]

How do I set an avatar on this board?

[RichardD]

My answer is *exactly* the same as InfinityMax's - except I've not gone to Gencon.

A really good series - I'd like to pick up the first three in hardback, and would if only the dust jackets didn't look so awful.

[Velenne]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.

[noodles]

I think it's the most well written story I've ever read out of any genre. The story kicks ass and I even love the board game they've made out of it. It's right up there in my top 5 gams.

[InfinityMax]

Yeah, the story is amazing. And Clash of Kings is not alone in being gut-wrenching - the entire series takes it in turn to have me grinning with glee at the triumphs of my favorite characters, and gnashing my teeth at their losses.

There's a part in Game of Thrones where I realized I was not reading your regular ol' fiction. I don't want to spoil it, so I'm just going to leave all the details out. If you've read the book, you know what I mean.

From that point on, all bets are off, and the books keep you guessing every step of the way from that point forward.

EDIT: Fixed it up to avoid spoilers. Really don't want to screw up that bit for the uninitiated.

[noodles]

I knew exactly what you were talking about when you said "jaw drop"....you said too much...maybe you should edit that out?

[InfinityMax]

Heh. OK, Noodles, mine is fixed - but you're still quoting me.

[Jormi_Boced]

I would like to read the books, but have not yet. I have played the boardgame, which I found to be a lot of fun.

[noodles]

fixed

[Hahma]

When I was at a book store the other day, I checked out the gaming section and found the thick Game of Thrones game/rule book. I glanced through it and found the depictions of the characters to be amazing. It was almost worth buying the book for that, but as I had just purchased two full sets of wave 5 ($85), I just couldn't get the Game of Thrones game book.

I have to find some time to read the second book, only getting bits of it read at a time right now. Arggghhhhhhhhhhhhh!

[Jotun]

I'm looking for some good fantasy reading recommendations in the style of George R.R. Martin. No offense to anyone who has a great book to recommend, but if you haven't read George RR Martin then I honestly am not that interested. I may miss out on a few great books by doing that, but for now I'm looking for what I consider to be fantasy novels unlike anything else out there.

If you haven't read George RR Martin, pick up A Game of Thrones. GRRM breaks all the rules of fantasy novels and fiction in general. He is not afraid to kill a character even main characters. Since everyone is expendable you're on the edge of your seat the entire time.

[Velenne]

I've greatly enjoyed everything by Melanie Rawn. Her books have the GRRM level of intrigue, but much higher magic. The Dragon Prince series is closed and would be good reading. Since she'll never get around to finishing The Ruins of Ambrai series, I'd advise you not to start that, though the story is better IMHO.

[Rhydderch]

I've read the books though not the last one. I figure I'll wait until he releases both parts before I pick it up. Also there was already a thread about the Song of Ice and Fire:

http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=1661&highlight=martin

Merge maybe?

I've greatly enjoyed everything by Melanie Rawn. Her books have the GRRM level of intrigue, but much higher magic. The Dragon Prince series is closed and would be good reading. Since she'll never get around to finishing The Ruins of Ambrai series, I'd advise you not to start that, though the story is better IMHO.

I've had the Melanie Rawn books recommended to me as well but never got around to picking them up. I may try to read them later on when I have more time. The Dragon Prince series sounds like a good place to look since the series is done. I'm tired of waiting for the next book all the time :P

[Velenne]

I've had the Melanie Rawn books recommended to me as well but never got around to picking them up. I may try to read them later on when I have more time. The Dragon Prince series sounds like a good place to look since the series is done. I'm tired of waiting for the next book all the time :P

It's not dissimilar to GRRM's idea with Song of Ice of Fire. Take a group of conflicting patriarchal interests, weave them together with a common enemy, and track the story over two generations with seperate trilogies. The magic mythology of Dragon Prince is very creative; even though I read the books over ten years ago and have read innumerable books since, I can still go back and appreciate it.

A Dance With Dragons should be coming out pretty soon. GRRM says in his blog that he's doing final rewrite but that was some time ago. Shouldn't be too much longer.

[DoesntCompute]

I have read many many books but I haven't read anything like asofai. Other books I have greatly enjoyed the Thomas Covenant (white gold wielder) series and the Lost Sword series.

[Jotun]

I totally recommended GRRM's "Song for Lya." It's a book of short stories that he won the Nebula for, I believe. It's science fiction, but for those who prefer fantasy over sci-fi, like me, wait wait wait. It's GRRM we're talking about. He doesn't do anything the normal way. The fact that these are sci-fi short stories is almost not important. Incredibly interesting stories that deal more with fascinating questions about life. When I finished reading the longest story in from which the book gets its title "Song for Lya." I just sat for about 20 minutes in the coffee shop thinking about it. The premise, no spoilers, is that a couple of married telepaths are sent to a planet to investigate a strange phenomenom. It's a bronze age culture, and when its citizens reach the age of 40 they put some weird slime on their heads and walk around for 10 years in complete bliss. When they are 50 they commit suicide. Typical cheery GRRM. One of the best stories I've read in my life.

[Velenne]

Do they sell this in stores, Jotun?

[Hex_Enduction_Hour]

Merge maybe?


Done! And thanks.

[Jotun]

Thanks for the merge.

Hey Velenna, the book appears to still be in print. I got it from the library, so I don't know what stores would have it. Here's the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/A-Song-Lya-Other-Stories/dp/1930235119

I'll check out a Melanie Rawn book or buy it, and post back afterwards. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Jormi_Boced]

The board game and CCG's are good too.

[Riggler]

I actually haven't finished his last book. I got about 1/3 of the way through and decided he went from the greatest author on earth to a flop. His first three books, the greatest books I've ever read. His last book a piece of disorganized, overly backgrounded with non- interesting information, Robert Jordan-ed quest for more money crap.

No wonder he was more than 2 years past his publisher's deadline in getting this out. His last book reads like he'd rather watch football, collect toy knights, go to cons and roll in his money than to mess with this series in a serious matter. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

[Riggler]

And another thing... don't get me wrong about Robert Jordan. I loved his first book. Thought his second book was pretty good. After the Dragon Reborn, he was done.

I'm just pissed that I see Martin following in his footsteps. Maybe it should be a rule great fantasy epics are only allowed to be 3,000 pages long, tops then you have to let your favorite world, characters, and money maker go. And move on.

[Velenne]

I actually kind of agree with Riggler. The first trilogy was positively earth-shattering. Feast for Crows felt like he was in love with own voice and lost his purpose. Filler.

Especially with Brienne- good lord was that ever a letdown. Still, my favorite character was always Daenarys so I hope Dance with Dragons changes my opinion on these 'intermission' books.

[Jotun]

I actually haven't finished his last book. I got about 1/3 of the way through and decided he went from the greatest author on earth to a flop. His first three books, the greatest books I've ever read. His last book a piece of disorganized, overly backgrounded with non- interesting information, Robert Jordan-ed quest for more money crap.

No wonder he was more than 2 years past his publisher's deadline in getting this out. His last book reads like he'd rather watch football, collect toy knights, go to cons and roll in his money than to mess with this series in a serious matter. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Ugh....Robert Jordan....I still have nightmares about that disappointing series. Started out great. When I saw that it's filed under Young Adult I think that's when I finally gave up on it ever getting better. I started reading it when I was a teen, but now I'm in my 30s and I want books that have real human relationships, gruesome fights, heads and hands getting chopped off left and right, and maybe a healthy or unhealthy frolick now and then. Is that so wrong?

I was let down by Feast for Crows but didn't hate it. A friend of mine said it was his favorite book because of all the political intrigue. Too much political intrigue for me in that one. Dance of Dragons should be better since it surrounds the more interesting characters of Tyrion and Daenrys and Jon Snow. But to anyone out there that has not read GRRM, don't let these criticisms cause you to pass on the series because it's pretty amazing.

[Riggler]

I actually haven't finished his last book. I got about 1/3 of the way through and decided he went from the greatest author on earth to a flop. His first three books, the greatest books I've ever read. His last book a piece of disorganized, overly backgrounded with non- interesting information, Robert Jordan-ed quest for more money crap.

No wonder he was more than 2 years past his publisher's deadline in getting this out. His last book reads like he'd rather watch football, collect toy knights, go to cons and roll in his money than to mess with this series in a serious matter. That's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Ugh....Robert Jordan....I still have nightmares about that disappointing series. Started out great. When I saw that it's filed under Young Adult I think that's when I finally gave up on it ever getting better. I started reading it when I was a teen, but now I'm in my 30s and I want books that have real human relationships, gruesome fights, heads and hands getting chopped off left and right, and maybe a healthy or unhealthy frolick now and then. Is that so wrong?

I was let down by Feast for Crows but didn't hate it. A friend of mine said it was his favorite book because of all the political intrigue. Too much political intrigue for me in that one. Dance of Dragons should be better since it surrounds the more interesting characters of Tyrion and Daenrys and Jon Snow. But to anyone out there that has not read GRRM, don't let these criticisms cause you to pass on the series because it's pretty amazing.

Yeah. I turned on about 15 people in my community to Robert Jordan back in the day. I probably helped him sell more than a 100 books. (some bought numerous copies). And almost all of them stuck with him through, what edition is he on? 15 or something. Out of fan loyalty or one upmanship? I don't know. I stopped halfway through the book after Dragon Reborn b/c it sucked.

I'm not going give up on Martin. I'll pick up Feast of Crows again, probably sooner rather than later. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end for him. But then again, I'll give him the benefitt of the doubt that when you've been as great as his first three books it can become a tough act to follow.

[Jormi_Boced]

I am reading A Game of Thrones now. I started this weekend and aam only about 300 pages away from finishing now. I wish I had more time to read this week:)

[Hahma]

I am reading A Game of Thrones now. I started this weekend and aam only about 300 pages away from finishing now. I wish I had more time to read this week:)

How do you like it?

[Jormi_Boced]

I am reading A Game of Thrones now. I started this weekend and aam only about 300 pages away from finishing now. I wish I had more time to read this week:)

How do you like it?

Well considering I started it this weekend and I am over 500 pages in, I would say I am liking it pretty well:)

It really has the epic house struggles/political intrigue of Dune, which is one of my all time favorite books. I can't wait to finish A Game of Thrones and move on to the next one. I just hope he finishes Dance with Dragons before I get through Feast.

I am also scared that this is going to make me want to get into the CCG:)

[RichardD]

Jordan's on number 11. As well as being seriously ill, so hopes of books 12/13 to finish the set are looking a bit bleak.

Shame. I hated several of the later Wheel of Time books until I came to re-read them. And if you can mentally edit out all the braid tugging, and the "Matt/Perrin/Rand would have handled this better" stuff, it's a jolly good read.

I'd made a start on a Feast for Crows, but was in the mood for something lighter so left it. I'll have to pick it up again after Xmas (the current reading matter is so light as to practically FLOAT above my bedside table - Games Workshop's Warhammer 40k fiction, for goodness sake. Complete rubbish, but it does help me get to sleep at night).

[jaques]

I read everything GRRM wrote up until ASOFAI. I started A Game of Thrones and was bored out of my mind. (No offense to the series' many fans -- I may have just been in a bad mood during that time.)

I highly recommend:

A Song for Lya
Sandkings (another short story collection - amazing title story was made into a terrible Outer Limits episode)
Tuf Voyaging
The Armageddon Rag
Fevre Dream
Dying of the Light

(edited to add: Most of these will very likely be very hard to find.)

[noodles]

I think A Song of Ice and Fire is the best story I've ever read. It's incredibly well written.

[Hahma]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.



You were'nt lying about the book throwing Velenne :o

[noodles]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.



You were'nt lying about the book throwing Velenne :o

Every book so far has had a moment where I was emotionally impacted and wanted to scream out, "NOOO!"

[Hahma]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.



You were'nt lying about the book throwing Velenne :o

Every book so far has had a moment where I was emotionally impacted and wanted to scream out, "NOOO!"

Yeah, I guess that is why this series is so good. GRRM does the unexpected and it seems more realistic of the times/setting the story takes place in. But come on, did he have to do "That?!!!"

[Jormi_Boced]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.



You were'nt lying about the book throwing Velenne :o

Every book so far has had a moment where I was emotionally impacted and wanted to scream out, "NOOO!"

A MOMENT??? Several for me:) I am almost through Clash of Kings now.

[Jormi_Boced]

I have finished Clash of Kings now, it was more depressing, but still very good.

[noodles]

The thing about Feast for Crows is that it's only half a book. By itself it isn't as good as the first 3 (which are flawless) but can you imagine in Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons had been released together as a 2,000 page book. I have no doubts that it would be the best of the series.

I don't fault Feast for Crows for not being as good. Like I said it's only half of what book 4 was supposed to be.


As for Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time. I was such a hardcore Wheel of Time fan for so long. I started reading them when Book 8 had just come out and loved the first 8 with books 1-6 being superb. However since I joined the masses and started playing the waiting game...I have been very dissapointed with book 9, the god-awful book 10, and the average book 11. This series is spiraling into mediocrity which makes me sick considering how much I used to love it.

RJ says that book 12 is the last one even if it has to be 2000 pages but we'll see. He originally said book 6 would be the last one I recall. I just hope he doesn't die before he finishes it because he really is sick.

[Jormi_Boced]

The thing about Feast for Crows is that it's only half a book. By itself it isn't as good as the first 3 (which are flawless) but can you imagine in Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons had been released together as a 2,000 page book. I have no doubts that it would be the best of the series.

I don't fault Feast for Crows for not being as good. Like I said it's only half of what book 4 was supposed to be.


As for Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time. I was such a hardcore Wheel of Time fan for so long. I started reading them when Book 8 had just come out and loved the first 8 with books 1-6 being superb. However since I joined the masses and started playing the waiting game...I have been very dissapointed with book 9, the god-awful book 10, and the average book 11. This series is spiraling into mediocrity which makes me sick considering how much I used to love it.

RJ says that book 12 is the last one even if it has to be 2000 pages but we'll see. He originally said book 6 would be the last one I recall. I just hope he doesn't die before he finishes it because he really is sick.

Should I just wait for Dance with Dragons to come out before I read Feast for Crows? Then just kind of read a few chapters in this one, then a few chapters in the other one???

[RichardD]

I can't see how he can finish the series in just one more book; I reckon he's set so much in motion two will be needed to avoid looking like an untidy rush-job. And I'm not at all sure that he has time to write two books (let alone the energy). Fingers crossed that he gets well enough to start writing, but as far as I know he's not written a word for WoT for well over a year now, probably more like 2.

Martin keeps forcing me to re-evaluate who it is I'm supposed to be rooting for. Most fantasy novels have "white hats" and "black hats" (something David Gemmel unashamedly acknowledged, and was loved for it). Martin's characters are all multi-layered, along with his plots. There are a few that (so far) have managed to remain the sort of characters that I thought they were when they were first introduced; most have changed much more substantially (many changing by suddenly being deprived of a pulse).

[RichardD]

(Gah - double post)

[Jormi_Boced]

I can't see how he can finish the series in just one more book; I reckon he's set so much in motion two will be needed to avoid looking like an untidy rush-job. And I'm not at all sure that he has time to write two books (let alone the energy). Fingers crossed that he gets well enough to start writing, but as far as I know he's not written a word for WoT for well over a year now, probably more like 2.

Martin keeps forcing me to re-evaluate who it is I'm supposed to be rooting for. Most fantasy novels have "white hats" and "black hats" (something David Gemmel unashamedly acknowledged, and was loved for it). Martin's characters are all multi-layered, along with his plots. There are a few that (so far) have managed to remain the sort of characters that I thought they were when they were first introduced; most have changed much more substantially (many changing by suddenly being deprived of a pulse).

Last I read on his Web site he has plans for two more after Dance with Dragons. He admits that it might be more though.

I think he also talks about it a bit in one of his pod casts.
http://www.idiotvox.com/Books/PodCast_Review_The_George_R._R._Martin_Podcast__15543.html

[noodles]

The thing about Feast for Crows is that it's only half a book. By itself it isn't as good as the first 3 (which are flawless) but can you imagine in Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons had been released together as a 2,000 page book. I have no doubts that it would be the best of the series.

I don't fault Feast for Crows for not being as good. Like I said it's only half of what book 4 was supposed to be.


As for Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time. I was such a hardcore Wheel of Time fan for so long. I started reading them when Book 8 had just come out and loved the first 8 with books 1-6 being superb. However since I joined the masses and started playing the waiting game...I have been very dissapointed with book 9, the god-awful book 10, and the average book 11. This series is spiraling into mediocrity which makes me sick considering how much I used to love it.

RJ says that book 12 is the last one even if it has to be 2000 pages but we'll see. He originally said book 6 would be the last one I recall. I just hope he doesn't die before he finishes it because he really is sick.

Should I just wait for Dance with Dragons to come out before I read Feast for Crows? Then just kind of read a few chapters in this one, then a few chapters in the other one???

No. I mean you could because I'm sure there will be people who will figure out the chapter order it would've been in but you don't have to. Instead of using all the characters and chopping the book in half, he did half the characters and told their story in completion.....so book 4 and book 5 are meant to be read in parallel.

[noodles]

I can't see how he can finish the series in just one more book; I reckon he's set so much in motion two will be needed to avoid looking like an untidy rush-job. And I'm not at all sure that he has time to write two books (let alone the energy). Fingers crossed that he gets well enough to start writing, but as far as I know he's not written a word for WoT for well over a year now, probably more like 2.

Martin keeps forcing me to re-evaluate who it is I'm supposed to be rooting for. Most fantasy novels have "white hats" and "black hats" (something David Gemmel unashamedly acknowledged, and was loved for it). Martin's characters are all multi-layered, along with his plots. There are a few that (so far) have managed to remain the sort of characters that I thought they were when they were first introduced; most have changed much more substantially (many changing by suddenly being deprived of a pulse).

According to RJ's blog he has been writing the past 2 years a lot but that his illness slows him down to only a couple hours a day instead of the 8 he used to write. www.wotmania.com is a great site for all things wheel of time related.

[noodles]

Martin said that there would be 6 books originally and that these would be the titles:

4 - Feast For crows
5 - Dance with Dragons
6 - Winds of Winter

But now with book 4 being split and the 2nd half becoming the original book 5 title, obviously there's going to be atleast 7 books. And given that each book in the series is growing larger, I'm guessing it won't stop at 7 and will probably finish at 10. But honestly as long as the quality of each book is consistant I don't care how long he takes to finish the story but what I absolutely don't want is for him to start stretching the series out and turn it into a cash cow the way RJ did with Wheel of Time. The day I see increased font sizes and wider margins, I'm going to stop being a fan.

[RichardD]

Soory - my last post was meant to convey the message that I don't see JORDAN finishing off Wheel of Time in just one book.

I don't care whether Martin's ASoIaF finishes in two more (including Dances) or three, or four. I'm not bored with it yet (though he might run out of nobles before he runs out of steam).

[Jormi_Boced]

The thing about Feast for Crows is that it's only half a book. By itself it isn't as good as the first 3 (which are flawless) but can you imagine in Feast for Crows and Dance with Dragons had been released together as a 2,000 page book. I have no doubts that it would be the best of the series.

I don't fault Feast for Crows for not being as good. Like I said it's only half of what book 4 was supposed to be.


As for Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time. I was such a hardcore Wheel of Time fan for so long. I started reading them when Book 8 had just come out and loved the first 8 with books 1-6 being superb. However since I joined the masses and started playing the waiting game...I have been very dissapointed with book 9, the god-awful book 10, and the average book 11. This series is spiraling into mediocrity which makes me sick considering how much I used to love it.

RJ says that book 12 is the last one even if it has to be 2000 pages but we'll see. He originally said book 6 would be the last one I recall. I just hope he doesn't die before he finishes it because he really is sick.

Should I just wait for Dance with Dragons to come out before I read Feast for Crows? Then just kind of read a few chapters in this one, then a few chapters in the other one???

No. I mean you could because I'm sure there will be people who will figure out the chapter order it would've been in but you don't have to. Instead of using all the characters and chopping the book in half, he did half the characters and told their story in completion.....so book 4 and book 5 are meant to be read in parallel.

Yeah, I Know how he did it. I was just wondering if you thought that would be a good idea, since you expressed disatisfaction with the way he did it.

[Hahma]

I'm finally halfway through A Storm Of Swords (I don't get to sit down to read as often as I'd like, so it's taking a while).

I must say that I am really, really loving the way Martin allows for many different viewpoints as to how characters or events are seen/reported in the different kingdoms. The good aren't always as good as they appear and the bad aren't always as bad as they appear. Not unlike the real world where everyone (nation) thinks they are the good guys, yet each can be perceived as evil from others who don't know the entire truth of things or have different ideas of how things should be done.

[Joah]

I am about a third of the way through "A Game of Thrones", and it is simply amazing how good this book is.

[Hahma]

I am about a third of the way through "A Game of Thrones", and it is simply amazing how good this book is.

Oh just you wait Joah, it gets incredible over the next two books. I'm almost done with A Storm of Swords (third book) and it's soo fracking good. Just you wait Joah, you ain't seen nothing yet!

[Jormi_Boced]

AGoT has been by favorite so far. FfC is probably second with SoS in third and CoK in last place. They were all really good though. I can't wait for DoD

[Hahma]

AGoT has been by favorite so far. FfC is probably second with SoS in third and CoK in last place. They were all really good though. I can't wait for DoD

Well I've been reading SoS for so long (though have picked up the pace this week) that I can't remember exactly which book somethings happened between first and second. At the moment they are kind of fused together in my mind as just the multitude of happenings prior to SoS. There are certain things in SoS regarding the characters and events that I really like that make me enjoy this book the best of the three so far. I'll read FfC next and then attempt to re-read at least the first two again.

[Hahma]

What I find amazing in this series is how initially I am thinking how violent, dark and treacherous this era/setting represents, then I realize that the world that we live in now is not so different. The games, treachery, darkness and fiendeshly violence in the real world might actually make pale those in found in Martin's books. While I was horrified at some of the things that I read, now I'm more horrified that such things go on today in real life. :cry:

[Joah]

Oh just you wait Joah, it gets incredible over the next two books. I'm almost done with A Storm of Swords (third book) and it's soo fracking good. Just you wait Joah, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Thats what I've heard. I might take a break after "Thrones". There are a couple of other books I've put on the back burner, for a looooong time.
I might not though, I guess I should get to the end first.
:roll:

[Jormi_Boced]

Oh just you wait Joah, it gets incredible over the next two books. I'm almost done with A Storm of Swords (third book) and it's soo fracking good. Just you wait Joah, you ain't seen nothing yet!

Thats what I've heard. I might take a break after "Thrones". There are a couple of other books I've put on the back burner, for a looooong time.
I might not though, I guess I should get to the end first.
:roll:

I am not sure you will want to take a break when you get to the end:)

[Joah]

I am not sure you will want to take a break when you get to the end:)
I see what you mean Jormi.

[Jormi_Boced]

I am not sure you will want to take a break when you get to the end:)
I see what you mean Jormi.

Did you just finish :twisted:

[Joah]

Did you just finish :twisted:
No, not yet.
Bran just went riding for the first time.
Tyrion is in his "Cell".

Joah wants to call in sick tomorrow. :wink:

I just went third person. :oops:

[Jormi_Boced]

Did you just finish :twisted:
No, not yet.
Bran just went riding for the first time.
Tyrion is in his "Cell".

Joah wants to call in sick tomorrow. :wink:

I just went third person. :oops:

Yeah, I had some tough days at work where all I could do was think about what the characters must be doing.

[Hahma]

Did you just finish :twisted:
No, not yet.
Bran just went riding for the first time.
Tyrion is in his "Cell".

Joah wants to call in sick tomorrow. :wink:

I just went third person. :oops:

Yeah, I had some tough days at work where all I could do was think about what the characters must be doing.

I have less than 100 pages left in Storm Of Swords. Wow! I love how a lot of things are tied together and a lot of truths come out.

[Jonathan]

Out of fan loyalty or one upmanship? I don't know. I stopped halfway through the book after Dragon Reborn b/c it sucked.


Hah - that one is my favorite of the series :D

In more GRRM-related news, did you guys here about the HBO series for ASOIAF in the works? Still very pre-production, but the drool is already starting to flow.

I need to cover my mouth so I make new friends with HBO :wink:

[InfinityMax]

I am more excited about the HBO show than any show I can remember. I can't remember ever being so excited about television.

[Hahma]

I am more excited about the HBO show than any show I can remember. I can't remember ever being so excited about television.

I was just telling my wife that this series would make an awesome movie (trilogy like LOTR), but it would be kind of difficult with all the characters and such. An HBO series would be perfect. Now it's just a question of: "Do I add HBO to my satellite package the year that this series comes out?" or "Do I wait until the sell it as a DVD boxed set?" I'd rather have the boxed set I'm thinking.

I can't wait!

[RichardD]

Because it's a character-lead piece, I can really see them pulling off ASoIaF as an HBO series. Fingers crossed.

Although we're likely to whine and moan about some of the casting decisions, not least because we've all built up such strong mental pictures of the characters as we've read the books.

I think I saw somewhere that Martin was hoping that it would be one book per series, instead of trying to do it all in one run. Mmmm. Nice. Probably not achievable, but we can but hope.

This week I have been mostly rooting for Sam.

With some of the things that were hinted at in the prologue to Crows, I can see Dances being rather fun for anyone close to the Maesters.

[Jormi_Boced]

I am more excited about the HBO show than any show I can remember. I can't remember ever being so excited about television.

I was just telling my wife that this series would make an awesome movie (trilogy like LOTR), but it would be kind of difficult with all the characters and such. An HBO series would be perfect. Now it's just a question of: "Do I add HBO to my satellite package the year that this series comes out?" or "Do I wait until the sell it as a DVD boxed set?" I'd rather have the boxed set I'm thinking.

I can't wait!

Why not both:) I know I will be watching on HBO as it comes and buying the box at the end:)

[bushi96]

What a great set of books! On you rrecommendation I went out and bought the first one. Couldnt put it down. Finally, a fantasy book with some character development! And heroes (?) die :shock: . Woohoo! How much better can it get?

Two weeks later and I am 1/2 way thru book 2... :D

[Jormi_Boced]

GRRM reading a snippet from Dance with Dragons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PrtCIfEKLnA

[Hahma]

GRRM reading a snippet from Dance with Dragons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PrtCIfEKLnA

Thanks Jormi_Boced. I only have a few pages left in Storm of Swords, so on to the next one soon as I purchase it.

BTW, I really don't like the covers of the books compared to the one that's on the A Game of Thrones that I have. The one I have has, I believe it's Jon, on the cover in a beautiful winter setting. It's the full cover one and not the one with only a partial scenic cover. Did any of the other books get nice covers like that before they changed them to these boring ones?

Edited to remove possible spoiler.

[Jormi_Boced]

GRRM reading a snippet from Dance with Dragons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PrtCIfEKLnA

Thanks Jormi_Boced. At least I now know that Stannis and Jon make it through A Feast For Crows :D I only have a few pages left in Storm of Swords, so on to the next one soon as I purchase it.

BTW, I really don't like the covers of the books compared to the one that's on the A Game of Thrones that I have. The one I have has, I believe it's Jon, on the cover in a beautiful winter setting. It's the full cover one and not the one with only a partial scenic cover. Did any of the other books get nice covers like that before they changed them to these boring ones?

You probably should edit your post. Part of what makes ASoIF good is that you never know who is going to die. No matter how major of a character. Just make your spoiler white. Someone accidentally let me know that a character was still alive in FfC, so as I was reading the rest of them, every time he was in a sticky situation, I wasn't worried about him.

[Hahma]

GRRM reading a snippet from Dance with Dragons.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PrtCIfEKLnA

Thanks Jormi_Boced. At least I now know that Stannis and Jon make it through A Feast For Crows :D I only have a few pages left in Storm of Swords, so on to the next one soon as I purchase it.

BTW, I really don't like the covers of the books compared to the one that's on the A Game of Thrones that I have. The one I have has, I believe it's Jon, on the cover in a beautiful winter setting. It's the full cover one and not the one with only a partial scenic cover. Did any of the other books get nice covers like that before they changed them to these boring ones?

You probably should edit your post. Part of what makes ASoIF good is that you never know who is going to die. No matter how major of a character. Just make your spoiler white. Someone accidentally let me know that a character was still alive in FfC, so as I was reading the rest of them, every time he was in a sticky situation, I wasn't worried about him.


You're right Jormi, I should have thought of that. I revoved it all together.

[Jonathan]

I think I saw somewhere that Martin was hoping that it would be one book per series, instead of trying to do it all in one run. Mmmm. Nice. Probably not achievable, but we can but hope.


I would think HBo would want to do this - why cram it all into one season when you can milk it for all it's worth, AND make sure you get another critically-acclaimed show instead of a pile of lameness.

[Guerillinator]

Another fan of Martin cutting in to say that his books are unique in that there is so much information and character development going on while the story still moves forward at a fast pace. Can't wait to watch it and I'm having the same inner torment as others about whether to hook up HBO or wait for the boxed set. Unlike others, I also really enjoyed the Dragon Reborn series eventhough prior to the last book the last couple of books in the series dragged on and well, kind of sucked overall. :evil: I was glad I stayed with it though because the last one has been great.

If anyone likes intriguing, fast-moving fantasy novels, I've also really enjoyed Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth Series and, picking up on Heroscape's cowboy element, I also liked Stephen King's Dark Tower series (not very traditional fantasy though). And since we're all on-line how about the on-line virtual reality world in Tad Williams' Otherworld or his more traditional Green Angel Tower series.

[Hahma]

I'm halfway through A Feast For Crows and while I miss some of the characters that are left out for now, I understand why it was done. I'm enjoying finding out some more of the backstories and understanding how a lot of the history explained previously is tied together. It's kind of like the show Lost in how a lot of these characters are interconnected and the consequences of their earlier actions lead to what we are enjoying in this series.

It's kind of neat how they take heads and dip them in tar to preserve them in order to prove that so in so is truly dead. They didn't exactly have cameras back then, so I suppose if a picture is worth a thousand words, then a head must be worth a million words. :lol:

[Joah]

I'm halfway through "A Clash of Kings".
I am loving these books.

Please tell me Arya gets needles back, and then starts "moving through her list".

No wait, don't tell me.








She does though, right?

[Jormi_Boced]

I'm halfway through "A Clash of Kings".
I am loving these books.

Please tell me Arya gets needles back, and then starts "moving through her list".

No wait, don't tell me.








She does though, right?

you might want to white that part out. I guess I am just a spoiler nazi:) Some people might not want to know about anybody losing anything:)

[Hahma]

I'm halfway through "A Clash of Kings".
I am loving these books.

Please tell me Arya gets needles back, and then starts "moving through her list".

No wait, don't tell me.








She does though, right?




I can neither confirm nor deny anything, Ser.


But I will tell you that Arya is my favorite character, along with Tyrion.

[Joah]

I'm halfway through "A Clash of Kings".
I am loving these books.

Please tell me Arya gets needles back, and then starts "moving through her list".

No wait, don't tell me.








She does though, right?

you might want to white that part out. I guess I am just a spoiler nazi:) Some people might not want to know about anybody losing anything:)

Understood. Though, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one here who hasn't gotten through the whole series.(so far)
If your reading through six pages of posts about the books, without making a decision whether to read them or not, a mention of a certain girl's sword shouldn't need to be wighted. :P

[Hahma]

I'm halfway through "A Clash of Kings".
I am loving these books.

Please tell me Arya gets needles back, and then starts "moving through her list".

No wait, don't tell me.








She does though, right?

you might want to white that part out. I guess I am just a spoiler nazi:) Some people might not want to know about anybody losing anything:)

Understood. Though, I'm pretty sure I'm the only one here who hasn't gotten through the whole series.(so far)
If your reading through six pages of posts about the books, without making a decision whether to read them or not, a mention of a certain girl's sword shouldn't need to be wighted. :P


That certain girl is awesome. Great character :up:

[Jormi_Boced]

Yeah, I just unsuspectingly had a couple things spoiled for me while reading them, so I guess it kind of turned me into a spoiler nazi I guess:)

[Hahma]

Yeah, I just unsuspectingly had a couple things spoiled for me while reading them, so I guess it kind of turned me into a spoiler nazi I guess:)

Understandable, since the gloves are off in this series and anything goes. It's so unpredictable that any refererence to the story can become a spoiler.

[Joah]

As I said, "understood".

I love HBO's original programing and all, and I'm hoping for the best, but how the hell are they gonna pull this off?

I'm only halfway through the second book!

My fingers are crossed.... :pray:

[Jormi_Boced]

Yeah, I am somewhat skeptical about the program, but I think it will be really good. The only thing I am really worried about, is finding good child actors. If they can do that, I will be very impressed.

[Hahma]

As I said, "understood".

I love HBO's original programing and all, and I'm hoping for the best, but how the hell are they gonna pull this off?

I'm only halfway through the second book!

My fingers are crossed.... :pray:

It would be so incredible if HBO could pull it off. It would be very difficult however to appeal to the masses, while also trying to stay true to the books. I don't have HBO and the only HBO series I have ever watched was Band Of Brothers (rented series from video store), but since it's a series as opposed to a trilogy of three hour movies (LOTR), there would be a whole lot more time to follow the books in a quality fashion.

I don't know how graphic they get and what kind of language they are using now on HBO, but the series would have to be R rated to include much of the stuff in the books.

Add my crossed fingers and prayers that this gets done.

[Hahma]

Yeah, I am somewhat skeptical about the program, but I think it will be really good. The only thing I am really worried about, is finding good child actors. If they can do that, I will be very impressed.

And a good dwarf/little person actor as well. Tyrion is going to have to be cast with the right guy.

[Joah]

Hahma go rent the first season of "Rome" tomorrow .


You can thank me later. :wink:

[Hahma]

Hahma go rent the first season of "Rome" tomorrow .


You can thank me later. :wink:

Oh don't think I haven't eyeballed it every time I see it at Target or Circuit City. :D

I'll check with the local video store to see if it's there for the renting. If so I'll have to some how find the time to watch it. The wife will want no part of it, so I'll have to go downstairs and watch it in my office after the kids go to bed. We'll see.

[Joah]

If that don't work....Netflix does.

Take care of business H. :twisted:

[Hahma]

Here's a cool artist gallery for some of the characters in the series.



http://www.pbase.com/uinen/soiaf&page=1

[noodles]

Hahma go rent the first season of "Rome" tomorrow .


You can thank me later. :wink:

Oh don't think I haven't eyeballed it every time I see it at Target or Circuit City. :D

I'll check with the local video store to see if it's there for the renting. If so I'll have to some how find the time to watch it. The wife will want no part of it, so I'll have to go downstairs and watch it in my office after the kids go to bed. We'll see.

Rome turned out to be a great show!

[noodles]

As I said, "understood".

I love HBO's original programing and all, and I'm hoping for the best, but how the hell are they gonna pull this off?

I'm only halfway through the second book!

My fingers are crossed.... :pray:

Each book in the series will have its own season dedicated to it. If the quality of the show is equal to Rome it will be awesome. I am an HBO ***** and love just about everything they make....if there is ONE network on tv that can pull it off, it's HBO. No commercials, no language restrictions, etc... this has lots of potential.

[InfinityMax]

Here's a cool artist gallery for some of the characters in the series.



http://www.pbase.com/uinen/soiaf&page=1

That's awesome! I disagree a little with some of the interpretations - Tyrion should be uglier, and Jaime should be prettier - but I love seeing them anyway. Cool stuff.

[Hahma]

Well, I've only got a few pages left in A Feast For Crows and I'm bummed because I actually have to wait for the next installment. It was nice to have started the series after three books have been published (AFFC being released after I began series) and just move on to the next book after finishing one. This waiting is going to be agony.

I really enjoyed the book and liked how Martin left off with each character, very nice indeed.

[RichardD]

I feel your pain.

In the meantime, two other books that I've enjoyed recently are The Lies of Locke Lamora, and Devices and Desires. The second title is by K J Parker, and her first two trilogies were both very good. Only halfway through Devices so far, but I'd say it's better than anything she's previously written.

[Jormi_Boced]

yeah, I am tired of waiting too.

I most recently read Digital Fortress during my wait. It is pretty good!

[Velenne]

Argh! This thread is a tease. Everytime I see it updated I think, "At last it is finished!" and I click and my heart breaks and I die just a little inside.

Ok maybe that's a little overdramatic, but I know you feel it too.

I've just finished Neil Gaiman's Sandman series so since GRRM still isn't finished, I'll start reading the various Sandman "apocrypha".

[Joah]

I took a little break, but will be starting "Swords" tomorrow. I can't wait.
I have really been enjoying this series. I can't wait for the HBO show, though I'm not really sure how it'll work.

http://www.oddcon.com/index.php

Check it out. GRR will be in town. Looks like they're looking for gaming too.

Jormi, if I get the word, would you help me with a Madison event? We could check out GRR Martin in our down time.

[Jormi_Boced]

I took a little break, but will be starting "Swords" tomorrow. I can't wait.
I have really been enjoying this series. I can't wait for the HBO show, though I'm not really sure how it'll work.

http://www.oddcon.com/index.php

Check it out. GRR will be in town. Looks like they're looking for gaming too.

Jormi, if I get the word, would you help me with a Madison event? We could check out GRR Martin in our down time.

I can't think of anything that would be on my schedule that far in advance, so I would be definitely down for it.

[Hahma]

I took a little break, but will be starting "Swords" tomorrow. I can't wait.
I have really been enjoying this series. I can't wait for the HBO show, though I'm not really sure how it'll work.

http://www.oddcon.com/index.php

Check it out. GRR will be in town. Looks like they're looking for gaming too.

Jormi, if I get the word, would you help me with a Madison event? We could check out GRR Martin in our down time.

Glad you like the series so far Joah, it only gets better. I can't wait until he gets another one out, after reading the four books right after one another, I'm kind of jonesin' man. In the meantime, I'm going with Nether's recomendation of the Dresden Files series. I'm halfway through the first book and picked up the next four in the series today :D

Duuuuuuuuuuuude, what's up with all the cows on that oddcon site. I mean, they got some kind of fetish or something? :P

It would be cool if you got to meet GRRM at the cowcon, have him sign his new (fifth) freakin' book in Song Of Fire And Ice for me, or tell him to kick it into gear and stop the whirlwind tour and get his arse back to writing. :D

[Joah]

Glad you like the series so far Joah, it only gets better. I can't wait until he gets another one out, after reading the four books right after one another, I'm kind of jonesin' man. In the meantime, I'm going with Nether's recomendation of the Dresden Files series. I'm halfway through the first book and picked up the next four in the series today :D

Duuuuuuuuuuuude, what's up with all the cows on that oddcon site. I mean, they got some kind of fetish or something? :P

It would be cool if you got to meet GRRM at the cowcon, have him sign his new (fifth) freakin' book in Song Of Fire And Ice for me, or tell him to kick it into gear and stop the whirlwind tour and get his arse back to writing. :D
Hows about you come and get your copy signed?
What are you, five hours away?

And yes, sometimes they get a little "cow crazy" around here. :oops:

[Hahma]

Glad you like the series so far Joah, it only gets better. I can't wait until he gets another one out, after reading the four books right after one another, I'm kind of jonesin' man. In the meantime, I'm going with Nether's recomendation of the Dresden Files series. I'm halfway through the first book and picked up the next four in the series today :D

Duuuuuuuuuuuude, what's up with all the cows on that oddcon site. I mean, they got some kind of fetish or something? :P

It would be cool if you got to meet GRRM at the cowcon, have him sign his new (fifth) freakin' book in Song Of Fire And Ice for me, or tell him to kick it into gear and stop the whirlwind tour and get his arse back to writing. :D
Hows about you come and get your copy signed?
What are you, five hours away?

And yes, sometimes they get a little "cow crazy" around here. :oops:

My wife is into cows (not in that way you perv) so our kitchen has got cow crap all over. Nicknacks, pot holders (not that kind either) oven mitts, salt shakers etc. At least I maintain the DCZ (Decowized Zone) at the border of kitchen/dining room. So far so good. :)

Five hours isn't too bad a drive, but I am seriously booked with work for quite a while and barely have time to cut my grass or scratch my _ _ _ . Starting this coming week, I'll likely be working 6-7 days a week for quite a while, either out in the field or in the office. Heck we even had to postpone our vacation to the Dells until maybe next year :cry:

Oh well, enjoy the oddcon and give GRRM my regards. :wink:

[Jonathan]

Aarrggghhh!!!

There's too much stuff I'm waiting on - sometimes the the internet can be a bad thing :D

Oh well, I can always enjoy the first 4 books while GRRM puts around, visiting cons, watching professional sports, doing everything I would probably do if I were a world-renowned author who's making good money and has his publicn at his beck and call.

See, he KNOWS how it ends so he has nothing to worry about.

:roll:

Anyway, sorry about that... really good series... can't wait... blah blah blah... :wink:

[Joah]

Glad you like the series so far Joah, it only gets better. I can't wait until he gets another one out, after reading the four books right after one another, I'm kind of jonesin' man. In the meantime, I'm going with Nether's recomendation of the Dresden Files series. I'm halfway through the first book and picked up the next four in the series today :D

Duuuuuuuuuuuude, what's up with all the cows on that oddcon site. I mean, they got some kind of fetish or something? :P

It would be cool if you got to meet GRRM at the cowcon, have him sign his new (fifth) freakin' book in Song Of Fire And Ice for me, or tell him to kick it into gear and stop the whirlwind tour and get his arse back to writing. :D
Hows about you come and get your copy signed?
What are you, five hours away?

And yes, sometimes they get a little "cow crazy" around here. :oops:

My wife is into cows (not in that way you perv) so our kitchen has got cow crap all over. Nicknacks, pot holders (not that kind either) oven mitts, salt shakers etc. At least I maintain the DCZ (Decowized Zone) at the border of kitchen/dining room. So far so good. :)

Five hours isn't too bad a drive, but I am seriously booked with work for quite a while and barely have time to cut my grass or scratch my _ _ _ . Starting this coming week, I'll likely be working 6-7 days a week for quite a while, either out in the field or in the office. Heck we even had to postpone our vacation to the Dells until maybe next year :cry:

Oh well, enjoy the oddcon and give GRRM my regards. :wink:

Hahma- Its April '08.
Only 11 more months away. :wink:

[Hahma]

Glad you like the series so far Joah, it only gets better. I can't wait until he gets another one out, after reading the four books right after one another, I'm kind of jonesin' man. In the meantime, I'm going with Nether's recomendation of the Dresden Files series. I'm halfway through the first book and picked up the next four in the series today :D

Duuuuuuuuuuuude, what's up with all the cows on that oddcon site. I mean, they got some kind of fetish or something? :P

It would be cool if you got to meet GRRM at the cowcon, have him sign his new (fifth) freakin' book in Song Of Fire And Ice for me, or tell him to kick it into gear and stop the whirlwind tour and get his arse back to writing. :D
Hows about you come and get your copy signed?
What are you, five hours away?

And yes, sometimes they get a little "cow crazy" around here. :oops:

My wife is into cows (not in that way you perv) so our kitchen has got cow crap all over. Nicknacks, pot holders (not that kind either) oven mitts, salt shakers etc. At least I maintain the DCZ (Decowized Zone) at the border of kitchen/dining room. So far so good. :)

Five hours isn't too bad a drive, but I am seriously booked with work for quite a while and barely have time to cut my grass or scratch my _ _ _ . Starting this coming week, I'll likely be working 6-7 days a week for quite a while, either out in the field or in the office. Heck we even had to postpone our vacation to the Dells until maybe next year :cry:

Oh well, enjoy the oddcon and give GRRM my regards. :wink:

Hahma- Its April '08.
Only 11 more months away. :wink:

OH! I guess I didn't read that part :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

I'll have to look into it further and see if I can check it out. Hey...where there are cows, there is bound to be fun, right? :wink:

[DoesntCompute]

so our kitchen has got cow crap all over.

Weirdest quote of the day.

[Hahma]

so our kitchen has got cow crap all over.

Weirdest quote of the day.

Well..living in the midwest, you're bound to have some cow crap laying about, ours just happens to be in the kitchen. :wink:

[Joah]

1/4 into "Storm of Swords".

This is the best series I have ever read.

[Jormi_Boced]

1/4 into "Storm of Swords".

This is the best series I have ever read.

It is right up there for me too. I really like the Dune series a lot though too.

[Hahma]

I was just checking out the iTunes store and they have a free audiobook interview with GRRM. It's like 38 minutes long and I haven't had time to check it out, but will later. Just thought I'd give people that are interested a heads up about it.

[Jonathan]

Cool. I've been keeping up to date with his little "Not a Blog" on his website, but that interview should be pretty nice to hear.

He did another one recently on "Second Life", and the transcripts can be found on his website as well.

[Riggler]

R(obert) J(ordan) says that book 12 is the last one even if it has to be 2000 pages but we'll see. He originally said book 6 would be the last one I recall. I just hope he doesn't die before he finishes it because he really is sick.

Actually, Jordan said it was originally going to be 3 books. That's way back where there was only one book in the series. That's when I started reading them. Like I said, I stopped reading at the book after Dragon Reborn.

But back on topic of GRRM, I hadn't heard anything about an HBO show until I returned to this thread today. Are you guys serious? <Heads to Google>

[Jonathan]

Yeah, the producers of said show were on the "Second Life" interview with him - wheels are definitely rolling, and it sounds really cool.

[RichardD]

I met Jordan on the UK release of the third book. "6, maybe 7" was his promise then.

Reading the "Saga of Seven Suns" sci-fi at the moment. What with peter F Hamilton's Night's Dawn trilogy and Pandora's Star duology, Morgan's Takeshi Kovacs series, and now this, there's some very good sci-fi about.

[Velenne]

At this rate, GRRM is never going to get to the second trilogy. I consumed the first three books, felt a little let down by Feast, and now no longer hold my breath for Dance with Dragons. I did this once with Jordan, I'm not doing it again.

[Riggler]

At this rate, GRRM is never going to get to the second trilogy. I consumed the first three books, felt a little let down by Feast, and now no longer hold my breath for Dance with Dragons. I did this once with Jordan, I'm not doing it again.

Ditto.

[royaldoy]

I'm looking for some good fantasy reading recommendations in the style of George R.R. Martin. No offense to anyone who has a great book to recommend, but if you haven't read George RR Martin then I honestly am not that interested. I may miss out on a few great books by doing that, but for now I'm looking for what I consider to be fantasy novels unlike anything else out there.

If you haven't read George RR Martin, pick up A Game of Thrones. GRRM breaks all the rules of fantasy novels and fiction in general. He is not afraid to kill a character even main characters. Since everyone is expendable you're on the edge of your seat the entire time.

I've only read the first book so i don't have all the info yet, so take this with a grain of salt. My summary is as follows. Brutally slow. Many (not all) boring characters. And of all the books I have ever read (alot), it has never taken me so long to finish a book. Maybe the next few will move better, because I was amazingly underwhelmed. I thought "The Wheel of Time" series moved slow, but that was more captivating than Ice and Fire part 1.

To each is own. I guess all the political intrigue is what makes it so boring for me. I hate politics in my world let alone a fantasy world. I know I probably should'nt read Book 2, but once I start something, I have to finish it...even if it takes me 20 years!! :D

[wicked cool]

book 2 picks up the story so stick with it.

[Hahma]

I'm looking for some good fantasy reading recommendations in the style of George R.R. Martin. No offense to anyone who has a great book to recommend, but if you haven't read George RR Martin then I honestly am not that interested. I may miss out on a few great books by doing that, but for now I'm looking for what I consider to be fantasy novels unlike anything else out there.

If you haven't read George RR Martin, pick up A Game of Thrones. GRRM breaks all the rules of fantasy novels and fiction in general. He is not afraid to kill a character even main characters. Since everyone is expendable you're on the edge of your seat the entire time.

I've only read the first book so i don't have all the info yet, so take this with a grain of salt. My summary is as follows. Brutally slow. Many (not all) boring characters. And of all the books I have ever read (alot), it has never taken me so long to finish a book. Maybe the next few will move better, because I was amazingly underwhelmed. I thought "The Wheel of Time" series moved slow, but that was more captivating than Ice and Fire part 1.

To each is own. I guess all the political intrigue is what makes it so boring for me. I hate politics in my world let alone a fantasy world. I know I probably should'nt read Book 2, but once I start something, I have to finish it...even if it takes me 20 years!! :D

I started the first book and had to put it down because it was too slow for me. After about a year or two, I tried it again and stuck with it and never looked back. Now I'm caught up with the series and waiting for tne new one.

It's not a hack and slash only type series , though there is plenty of that stuff. The intrigue and the unexpected twists are the genius of the series, not to mention the awesome characters and their development.

I found the first book to be the slowest and hardest to get through, after that, I couldn't get enough.

[Sweetcurse]

Strange, I never once found it slow or boring, but quite the opposite, fun and exhilarating.

[oogiezone]

I only read the first book, as well, and I was thoroughly pissed off when I finished it. I like my books to end "happily ever after," that's why I read fantasy novels in the first place. This series is too real, the characters are too cruel. It takes me to a world that I don't like, where everything is twisted and wrong, and at the end of the book, everything and everyone is worse off without even the slightest chance (it seems) of ever getting better. It's too depressing for me.

[Hahma]

I only read the first book, as well, and I was thoroughly pissed off when I finished it. I like my books to end "happily ever after," that's why I read fantasy novels in the first place. This series is too real, the characters are too cruel. It takes me to a world that I don't like, where everything is twisted and wrong, and at the end of the book, everything and everyone is worse off without even the slightest chance (it seems) of ever getting better. It's too depressing for me.

The realistic nature of the series is the disturbing and genius of it. It reflects what life might have actually been like back in the middle-ages as opposed to the romantic view of that time that is often presented. Life was hard and cruel back then (and it is now as well in different ways) and GRRM brings it out quite effectively. While I really do enjoy this series, I wouldn't want everything that I read to be as emotionally involved.

[Jonathan]

There are a lot of good characters, but sadly, the evil dudes are mostly in power. "Power corrupts", etc...

I was horrified at the end of the first book as well - Ned was my favorite character - but I guess the richness of the story kept me going. Martin's is a Godless universe, which is what makes it so brutal, I guess, but I just can't seem to stop reading the books.

[Sweetcurse]

I actually have Jonathan to thank for lending me the second and third and for the many conversations about the story. As far as the doom and gloom, well, I say thank goodness for Tyrion, he helps the story remain entertaining and off-beat.

[Havokscry]

For those interested, there is a Hedge Knight II comic that just came out a few months ago.

[Jonathan]

What?!? Really?!? The Sworn Sword?!? Nutties, I gots to get that!

Thanks for the update!!!

And more excessive punctuation?!@!%$)%^%^)%^%)!

[Joah]

Well you can add me to the list of 'Scapers waiting for "A Dance with Dragons" to come out. Finished "Crows" this afternoon. What an incredible series so far. Easily my favorite fantasy series ever.

I'm really hoping HBO can pull this off.

[Argent]

I LOVE these books. Easily my favorite series ever. I love that everyone acts like .....well... real people. They make mistakes, they die. No one is really safe. I can usually tell where things are heading in books and movies, but it's alot harder to figure out in these. I have been shocked by several things that have happened in the series. I can't wait for the next book, and will be getting HBO again when the series starts. I can't wait to see who gets cast in the different roles. I've always had some ideas if I could get anyone, without worring about budget. For example, I've always pictured Ned as Liam Niessen (sp?)

Favorite characters would be:

1. The Hound (favorite character in all the books)
2. Jamie ( I love how much he's changed)
3. Arya (can't wait to see how she turns out after her training)
4. Tyrion (great character, good comic relief)

Who else thinks Jon is Ned's nephew and not his son??

And what are people's guesses as to Brienne's word she says at the end of her last chapter?

[TheMightyAargh]

Just stumbled on this thread. I was recommended this book by a good friend of mine and am really, surprisingly, enjoying it. I've never heard of it before, but it's quickly becoming a favourite.

Just as a separate recommendation, for all those waiting for the latest books, you may want to try the Fionavar Tapestry by Guy Gavriel Kay. Between my friend and I this is one of our all-time favourite series, and that's coming from two chaps who really enjoy GRRM.

[Hahma]

Well you can add me to the list of 'Scapers waiting for "A Dance with Dragons" to come out. Finished "Crows" this afternoon. What an incredible series so far. Easily my favorite fantasy series ever.

I'm really hoping HBO can pull this off.

I hear you my brother. Been filling my jones with the Dresden Files series, almost done with book 5 of 9, so Dance With Dragons better get a move on. Or I'll just have to find another series to fill the time. Maybe I'll try the Fionavar Tapestry.

HBO had better pull it off, no expense is too much, blank check type of thing with awesome actors. I'm not asking for much... okay, yes I am.

[Joah]

And what are people's guesses as to Brienne's word she says at the end of her last chapter?
That whole part had me shaking. I'm going to go with my first guess though.

*Sounds like gamey.

[Jonathan]

Found the first Wildcards collection at a used book store - it's really interesting, though not all Martin, and getting me through til he decides to finish Dance :?

[Jonathan]

Finished the first "Wildcards" volume, and whizzing through the second - this stuff is perhaps even better than ASOIAF - pick it up if you get the chance.

[Jonathan]

Just found this link to some Ice and Fire miniatures - supposedly 28mm scale - how does that compare with HS? Anyone know?

http://www.darkswordminiatures.com/gallery/GRRMline.htm

[Velenne]

Everytime I see this thread come up I think (with no small amount of giddiness), "Oh he's finally finished A Dance With Dragons."

And lo, I am always disappointed. Here's the LATEST quote from his site:
When A DANCE WITH DRAGONS is finished, I will post that news here. The moment I finish the book, I will log on and make the announcement. If this message is still here, that means the book is not done yet. Until such time as I can trumpet that news, however, this page will remain the same.

The next update will be the one that announces that the DANCE is done.
-George R.R. Martin, February 15, 2007

[Sweetcurse]

I'm halfway through Feast right now and I can't honestly understand the complaints, the book is wonderful. Sure, the main story doesn't move along too much, but it's so immersive and interesting. Also, is it me or is the Dornish board game that Myrcella plays seem eerily similar to Heroscape? Build the terain, pick your units, they all have different powers...hmmmm.

[Chimpy]

I just got done with A Game of Thrones.

This guy is awesome. That book was the most realistic fantasy novel I have ever read. It was quite a refreshing read actually.

[royaldoy]

I just got done with A Game of Thrones.

This guy is awesome. That book was the most realistic fantasy novel I have ever read. It was quite a refreshing read actually.

I know i'm in the minority here, but I have to say this. Yes, it may be the most realistic, but I read fantasy for "unrealistic". If I want realistic, i'll read a Non-Fiction adventure book.

With that said, I am still planing on finishing the series(it's good,not great). I just have other "unrealistic" fantasy books to read first!! :)

[Hahma]

I just got done with A Game of Thrones.

This guy is awesome. That book was the most realistic fantasy novel I have ever read. It was quite a refreshing read actually.

Well Chimpy, now you've got to read the next three. You ain't seen nothing yet. :D

[Argent]

Yeah Chimpy. I'm glad you liked the first one, but you have to keep reading. I think that if most of us told you who our favorite characters are, after you've only read the first book, you'ld look at us funny.

[sauvros2]

Ah the second book. A Clash of Kings. Also known as the "book throwing" novel. Why? Because I can all but guarentee that if you're into the story at all you're going to end up throwing the book across the room, out a window, or into traffic before you're done. Good luck!

BTW, I love the series and can't wait for A Dance With Dragons.
yeah quite a few unwanted twist and turns, but I couldn't throw it out the window or I would have a cult of librarians out for my head.

[Chuckrock]

The Throne series is very good. Don't forget the Dresden Files by Butcher. and Guardians of the flame by Joel Rose

[Chimpy]

OK, my library just told me that my reservation on the Clash of Kings just came in.

See you in a week.

[Hahma]

OK, my library just told me that my reservation on the Clash of Kings just came in.

See you in a week.

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Oh yeah, you'll love it. Make sure you check back in and leave your impressions.

[Sweetcurse]

OK, my library just told me that my reservation on the Clash of Kings just came in.

See you in a week.

Bravely go my son. What awaits you isn't short of epic and legendary. We will await here for your grieving.

[Joah]

OK, my library just told me that my reservation on the Clash of Kings just came in.

See you in a week.

Bravely go my son. What awaits you isn't short of epic and legendary. We will await here for your grieving.

No doubt. We'll be here for you when you get punched really, really hard in the gut.

Hang tough.

[Jonathan]

No doubt. We'll be here for you when you get punched really, really hard in the gut.

Hang tough.

Doesn't this happen every book?

:wink:

[Argent]

Doesn't this happen every book?


Short answer?

Yes.

Long answer?

Certainly.

[Onion Knight]

Holy crap, I'm so glad that I found this thread! Perhaps the only thing I like better than Heroscape is ASOIAF.
Chimpy, read like the wind! I want to relive my first read of CoK (and especially SoS) with you. I can't wait to hear your thoughts.

I found that on multiple rereads, as with any good books, I had missed so much. Keeping up on various ASOIAF forums really enhanced my rereads. Anyone have a similar experience? Anyone miss any major plot points the first time through?

:popcorn:

[Jonathan]

I found that on multiple rereads, as with any good books, I had missed so much. Keeping up on various ASOIAF forums really enhanced my rereads. Anyone have a similar experience? Anyone miss any major plot points the first time through?

:popcorn:

I loved all of the conspiracy theories that I read on the ASOIAF boards. I had some thoughts on Jon Snow and the like, but there's people who have some THOUGHTS on the matter. Quite impressive, and very cool.

[Velenne]

I steered clear of the forums. I have no doubt that there's unplumbed depths of intrigue I completely missed in the first read, but I also have no doubt he's never going to finish the series at this rate. Robert Jordan all over again. :? :(

[DoesntCompute]

I found that on multiple rereads, as with any good books, I had missed so much. Keeping up on various ASOIAF forums really enhanced my rereads. Anyone have a similar experience? Anyone miss any major plot points the first time through?

:popcorn:

I loved all of the conspiracy theories that I read on the ASOIAF boards. I had some thoughts on Jon Snow and the like, but there's people who have some THOUGHTS on the matter. Quite impressive, and very cool.

I completely missed the idea that Jon's parantage was in question on the first reading. After a friend read the book he asked me, "So who do you think Jon's parents are?" I immediately went back and reread Thrones looking for clues and found them all over the place.

I don't think this will be Jordan pt deux. For one thing, not a single braid has been tugged so far. Also Martin has expressed that he has the story mapped out in his head in its entirety. It was originally planned for 3 books but as he started writing he realized he couldn't tell it in 3 so it doubled to 6. Book 4 got too big so it split into 2 books. This seems different to me than Jordan's, "I want to make more money so I'll fill 20 pages with these characters walking down a dry dusty road."

I don't care how many books it takes Martin to tell the story as long as:
1) The quality stays the same.
2) He doesn't die before he finishes it.

[Onion Knight]

Yeah, I totally missed the importance of Jon's parentage thing on the first read. Then on the reread, I thought, "How did I miss that?" Then when I started reading the boards, I couldn't believe all of the layers of plot people were discussing that I'd missed or forgotten since my most recent read through. I think I'm going to start reading the series again when it gets colder outside. After all, winter is coming.

I'm worried that the guy will die like Jordan too. I read Eye of the World and thought that it was completely cliche' fantasy. Maybe the series got better as it went along, but I bailed. Martin's characters are written incredibly well. I just hope we get to find out how things end before he dies. I don't want to read the grand finale of a story that I'd been following for 10 years written by someone who is piecing together the original author's notes.

[Argent]

For the first three books, I didn't miss what I think are major plot points (yet) but I did miss some connections. (Like the story of the Laughing Knight and another story told at another point. I caught the Jon's parentage thing right away. 100% positive I know who the mother is and 99% positive I know who the dad is.

It wasn't until Crows that I found I missed some important things. One having to do with a person in Oldtown. The other having to do with the monks on the riverbank.

There are some therories I've heard that I can agree with, some that I can see where they got the idea, and some that are just out of left field. I love it.

[Joah]

My reading list is two miles long. I may just go right back and re-read the whole series again too though. Fantastic series.

[RichardD]

I've re-read WoT several times (thanks to rthe long gaps between volumes, and lack of any precis at the start). Loved it more on the fourth read-through than the first. Shame he went and craocked before finishing it (especially as the pacing of the books said to me that there were two more volumes required to finish it properly). All the flack about 50 pages for a bath, and 20 pages on a dusty road, is unfair IMO. The braid-tugging remarks are fair game, though.

ASOIAF is expanding at a more alarming fashion IMO. WoT was always going to be huge - conceived as 6 or 7 books, and expanding I can cope with; conceived as 3 books and with 5 or 6 so far (I can't remember the exact count, but one of the books was so huge that it was split into two still lrge volumes here in the UK) with no end in sight is scarcely any better, and arguably worse. Especially as there's a danger that he'll run out of characters! STill, it's good stuff; I just don't like having to wait 2-3 years between volumes.

[Riggler]

I steered clear of the forums. I have no doubt that there's unplumbed depths of intrigue I completely missed in the first read, but I also have no doubt he's never going to finish the series at this rate. Robert Jordan all over again. :? :(

I agree. If the quality of his next book in the series equels the last, I'm sure I won't care. ... Oh, wait, it is Robert Jordan all over again. This is about the number of books in RJ's series before it began to stink.

[DoesntCompute]

All the flack about 50 pages for a bath, and 20 pages on a dusty road, is unfair IMO. The braid-tugging remarks are fair game, though.


The braid tugging annoyed me but it was a dusty road that made me quit reading the series (which I almost never do). I was on book 7 or 8 and realized that I had been reading for awhile and couldn't remember anything other than the characters walking down a road happening. I went back and counted 20 pages of them walking down the road. I then re-read the section and determined that there was zero impact on the plot via dialog in those 20 pages. Nothing, absolutely nothing of worth had happened. I put the book down and vowed never to waste my time with a Jordan book again.

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

[Onion Knight]

The only person who could talk about a dusty road for 20 pages, and get away with it, was Tolkien.

Does anyone have an opinion on other fantasy books that are comparable to ASOIAF? To me, it seems far superior than most fantasy that has been coming out over the last few decades. But, I haven't read enough of it to be sure.

[Velenne]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

[Argent]

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.


I felt that way alot about Brienne's chapters, but then I realized that the main point of her chapters isn't so much to tell her story as it is to tell the Hound's story. From that perspective it seemed more worth while, but still some of my least favorite chapters in the book. I feel like a good bit of Feast was setting up for future storylines as well. Instead of saying "this happens because there was this attack on the princess." He shows us the attack, so that later he can go into the repercussions of it.

[Onion Knight]

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

:shock:

You don't mean that.

I understand that sentiment, but have you re-read it yet?

[Hahma]

The only person who could talk about a dusty road for 20 pages, and get away with it, was Tolkien.

Does anyone have an opinion on other fantasy books that are comparable to ASOIAF? To me, it seems far superior than most fantasy that has been coming out over the last few decades. But, I haven't read enough of it to be sure.

I really enjoyed Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar series'. That's up there for me as a personal favorite along side ASOIAF. Start with Macigian Apprentice and keep going.

[DoesntCompute]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

Yup and I disagree with your opinion of it. There are portions of the series that are slower than others but even the slow periods have a reason for being (imo, in some cases, we may not know that reason yet).

[Onion Knight]

I really enjoyed Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar series'. That's up there for me as a personal favorite along side ASOIAF. Start with Macigian Apprentice and keep going.

I just looked it up on Wiki. Just what I was looking for. I'm going to pick it up on the way home from work.
Thanks. :D

[Hahma]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

Yup and I disagree with your opinion of it. There are portions of the series that are slower than others but even the slow periods have a reason for being (imo, in some cases, we may not know that reason yet).

I agree DC. While there were some slow parts at times, I never felt that it was filler or wasteful.

[DoesntCompute]

I really enjoyed Raymond E. Feist's Riftwar and Serpentwar series'. That's up there for me as a personal favorite along side ASOIAF. Start with Macigian Apprentice and keep going.

I just looked it up on Wiki. Just what I was looking for. I'm going to pick it up on the way home from work.
Thanks. :D

Donaldson's White Gold Wielder series is a good read.

[Onion Knight]

Donaldson's White Gold Wielder series is a good read.

Thanks, DC. I picked up the first book from that series too. (Too bad that I read so slowly.) :D

[Riggler]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

Finally, someone who is not such a "fanboy" that they are willing to realize his last book was an utter disappointment.

GRRM is too fat and happy collecting his knights and going to conventions.

[InfinityMax]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

I was a little disappointed in Feast for Crows. It wasn't nearly as good as the previous books, particularly because it left out many of my favorite characters completely. I didn't feel like there was as much evolution of the plot as in previous books, and the stuff that did happen could have been much shorter and got to the same place.

[DoesntCompute]

Martin's series has gotten bigger but I have never read a section of any of the books and felt that I was wasting my time.

Have you read "Feast for Crows" yet? Many of the showcased characters were entirely pointless and had zero discernible impact on the overall plot.

I was a little disappointed in Feast for Crows. It wasn't nearly as good as the previous books, particularly because it left out many of my favorite characters completely. I didn't feel like there was as much evolution of the plot as in previous books, and the stuff that did happen could have been much shorter and got to the same place.

I felt like I was reading half a book. I viewed it as reading the first half of one of his regular books. An unusual situation but the book was better when I viewed it like that.

[Sweetcurse]

I disagree, FFC was awesome. I see it more as a book about the setting of ASOIF than a character piece, though there's plenty of that too. If you get over not having the main guys and just enjoy the ride across the world of Westeros, then you can have a great time.

[Joah]

While I'm at work, I've been listening to ACoK read by Roy Dotrice.

Every fan of these books should give this a try. Good stuff.

[Jonathan]

Looks like the ASOIAF minis are out, but alas, they are too small for Heroscape. Not like there is a lot of scheming and intrigue that goes on in Heroscape - they'd probably be out of place :D

[Joah]

Looks like the ASOIAF minis are out, but alas, they are too small for Heroscape. Not like there is a lot of scheming and intrigue that goes on in Heroscape - they'd probably be out of place :D
Have you seen them? Can you confirm size difference? Just curious, as I will be getting them all regardless.

[Jonathan]

They look great, but they're 35mm? scale - like dwarves or something compared to the rest of the scape figures.

Dwarves!


Link's on his website, by the way - I think in the "Not a Blog" section.

[Hahma]

Here's a link to FRP games website with the figures.




http://www.frpgames.com/cart.php?m=product_list&c=1079&ref=goo

[Onion Knight]

Chimpy, did you get a chance to finish yet?

[Onion Knight]

For anyone interested, Martin has put up a new Jon sample chapter. http://www.georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html

[Velenne]

But he hasn't finished the :frustrated: book yet.


This summer I am scheduled to travel to Spain to speak at Semana Negra in Gijon, make some appearances in Madrid and Barcelona, and then head over to Portugal to visit with my publishers and readers there. I want to have A DANCE WITH DRAGONS done and delivered before I leave. If that happens, the book will likely be published in the fall of 2008 in the U.S, and somewhat earlier in the U.K. I am pleased with the way the writing is going at the moment, and I think these projections are realistic ones... but as you all know, I've been wrong before. So I am not swearing any blood oaths here.

[Riggler]

But he hasn't finished the :frustrated: book yet.


This summer I am scheduled to travel to Spain to speak at Semana Negra in Gijon, make some appearances in Madrid and Barcelona, and then head over to Portugal to visit with my publishers and readers there. I want to have A DANCE WITH DRAGONS done and delivered before I leave. If that happens, the book will likely be published in the fall of 2008 in the U.S, and somewhat earlier in the U.K. I am pleased with the way the writing is going at the moment, and I think these projections are realistic ones... but as you all know, I've been wrong before. So I am not swearing any blood oaths here.

"I've been wrong before" seems to suggest that he has been wrong once before. GRRM promised Dance with Dragons would be published six months after the last book, because he was basically spliting two books into one.

GRRM is fat and happy. And he's living off royalties. His last book stank to anyone who read it other than the most ardent fanboy or fangirl.

I bowed out of Jordan with book 4. It seems GRRM had about as many books in him. Unlike Jordan, GRRM apparently knows it and is reluctant to finish them.

[Sweetcurse]

But he hasn't finished the :frustrated: book yet.


This summer I am scheduled to travel to Spain to speak at Semana Negra in Gijon, make some appearances in Madrid and Barcelona, and then head over to Portugal to visit with my publishers and readers there. I want to have A DANCE WITH DRAGONS done and delivered before I leave. If that happens, the book will likely be published in the fall of 2008 in the U.S, and somewhat earlier in the U.K. I am pleased with the way the writing is going at the moment, and I think these projections are realistic ones... but as you all know, I've been wrong before. So I am not swearing any blood oaths here.

"I've been wrong before" seems to suggest that he has been wrong once before. GRRM promised Dance with Dragons would be published six months after the last book, because he was basically spliting two books into one.

GRRM is fat and happy. And he's living off royalties. His last book stank to anyone who read it other than the most ardent fanboy or fangirl.

I bowed out of Jordan with book 4. It seems GRRM had about as many books in him. Unlike Jordan, GRRM apparently knows it and is reluctant to finish them.

I disagree, there was plenty good in AFFC. I'm not a fanboy at all, I'm a conscientious reader who knows what he likes and FFC fulfilled a nice void, which was dealing throughly with the minor characters and have a good look at the setting by traveling so much.

[Jormi_Boced]

Yeah, I don't think I would call myself a fanboy, but I liked AFfC.

[Onion Knight]

I don't think we can truly judge AFFC until the whole series is finished. Personally, I enjoyed it.

[Hahma]

I also enjoyed AFFC and certainly don't consider myself a fanboy. I guess I just don't have a superior enough intellect to be so judgemental of GRRM's last book or of those who enjoyed reading it.

[Riggler]

Ok, Ok, so I guess I was a little harsh.

I guess more than anything I was a HUGE fan of GRRM's series until the last book and it disappointed me about as much as it could. Furthermore I'm disappointed by GRRM's broken promises made when AFFC was released of being finished with the next book in six months. He's basically been working on his upcoming book for what 3 or 4 years now?

[Jormi_Boced]

New Chapter today about Jon Snow!!! It was very good! Also, he said he is hoping for Fall 08, but he said that as we all know he isn't very good at predicting.

[Hahma]

Ok, Ok, so I guess I was a little harsh.

I guess more than anything I was a HUGE fan of GRRM's series until the last book and it disappointed me about as much as it could. Furthermore I'm disappointed by GRRM's broken promises made when AFFC was released of being finished with the next book in six months. He's basically been working on his upcoming book for what 3 or 4 years now?


I also wish that GRRM would get his act together and get the next book done. Sadly, when it finally does come out, if it ever does, I'll have to figure out what the heck is going on again. I don't have time to read the previous books over again just to get caught up again.

Fortunately, I've found other series' to read to get my by.

[wicked cool]

i agree somewhat with riggler. The last book was not up too par with the rest of the series and i didnt like the idea of splitting the chapters up. He probably has writers block and is having trouble getting over it. I have a feeling the book wont release on time but will continue to wait as i am a fanboy

[keglo]

I am a HUGE fan of this series. In fact it is my favorite series of all. I still have not read AFFC. I was super excited for the book to come out. But after finding out the book was split, and that NONE of my favorite characters where in it, I have been procrastinating. I think that I will wait until A Dance with Dragons is close to being out, then I will read AFFC. Anyway, glad to see there are other fans out there. Other series I have yet to see the end of: Jorden's "Wheel of Time", Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" (or Chainfire), Salvatore's never ending Dark Elf books, and Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. Some of these have finally ended, I just haven't found the time to hunt them down and read them.

P.S. I can't wait until they bring out the HBO series "A Song of Ice and Fire". I don't have cable, but I will have to get it when it is released.

[Onion Knight]

I am a HUGE fan of this series. In fact it is my favorite series of all. I still have not read AFFC. I was super excited for the book to come out. But after finding out the book was split, and that NONE of my favorite characters where in it, I have been procrastinating. I think that I will wait until A Dance with Dragons is close to being out, then I will read AFFC. Anyway, glad to see there are other fans out there. Other series I have yet to see the end of: Jorden's "Wheel of Time", Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" (or Chainfire), Salvatore's never ending Dark Elf books, and Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. Some of these have finally ended, I just haven't found the time to hunt them down and read them.

P.S. I can't wait until they bring out the HBO series "A Song of Ice and Fire". I don't have cable, but I will have to get it when it is released.

I don't see how you've been able to hold off. In fact, I'm somewhat disturbed by the fact that you are such a big fan and haven't read it yet. (I remember the ASoIaF pic in your sig.) For someone to be able to read Storm of Swords and not be amped up to read AFfC...:headshake: What's wrong with you man? You will like the book. Go get it. Now. Please. There are also sample chapters from the new book floating around the web. Please read them. Now. Please.

[Hahma]

I am a HUGE fan of this series. In fact it is my favorite series of all. I still have not read AFFC. I was super excited for the book to come out. But after finding out the book was split, and that NONE of my favorite characters where in it, I have been procrastinating. I think that I will wait until A Dance with Dragons is close to being out, then I will read AFFC. Anyway, glad to see there are other fans out there. Other series I have yet to see the end of: Jorden's "Wheel of Time", Goodkind's "Sword of Truth" (or Chainfire), Salvatore's never ending Dark Elf books, and Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. Some of these have finally ended, I just haven't found the time to hunt them down and read them.

P.S. I can't wait until they bring out the HBO series "A Song of Ice and Fire". I don't have cable, but I will have to get it when it is released.

I don't see how you've been able to hold off. In fact, I'm somewhat disturbed by the fact that you are such a big fan and haven't read it yet. (I remember the ASoIaF pic in your sig.) For someone to be able to read Storm of Swords and not be amped up to read AFfC...:headshake: What's wrong with you man? You will like the book. Go get it. Now. Please. There are also sample chapters from the new book floating around the web. Please read them. Now. Please. :word:

[keglo]

But...but...but no Jon Snow! No Bran! Very little Arya! No Tyrion?! What's going on on the wall man? What's up with that weird moose ridin' fool that finally met up with Bran. And Arya, is she going to be a faceless man or what?? Tyrion? Is he going to be one of the heads of the dragon? Or meet up with Daenerys?? All if this missing!! It's too much man!

Well, I have been gettin' a little antsy lately, and tired of waiting. I might have to go looking for it. Hey Onion Knight. Does AFFC have the Onion Knight in it?

[Jonathan]

Martin's doing a vote for the next round of ASOIAF minis - some pretty interesting choices:

http://grrm.livejournal.com/

[Onion Knight]

There is significant mention of the Onion Knight. I will tell you no more. Go, and read like the wind!

[Onion Knight]

How on Earth, can Brienne have more votes than the Red Viper?!!!

The fight between the Red Viper and Gregor Clegane made me stand up while I was reading. :fencing:


Stupid, ugly, necessary Brienne. Her chapters are only fun to read if they include Jaime (or bourbon.)

[Finrod]

Well.

A couple weeks ago, a friend gave me the board game of A Game of Thrones. (and I haven't gotten to play it yet)

Since I knew the series was well-received by many Scapers, I decided to give it a chance. So in the last week, I read the first three books, and I'm now a few chapters into AFFC.

I was astonished to see that he promised the next book would be out in 2006, and it's not out YET. Wow.

But here's some of my critiques, good and bad:

• The political intrigue is next to none. Outstanding.
• The characters are extremely well-developed. Regardless of their position on the morality scale, you become greatly involved with each one, much like the TV series Lost. I found myself caring about the fate of utter scumbags. Amazing job of writing.
• The world creation is incredible. Tons of hints are dropped throughout that gradually flesh out the past of this place, much like Tolkien.
• Jon Snow is the most awesome of the awesome characters. Ever.
• I'm amazed at Martin's ability to keep track of so many characters within so many Houses and their motivations, loyalties, etc. He must have one heck of a flowchart somewhere.
• I'm also annoyed by the constant obsession with sex. I didn't need to read about a 14-year-old girl's wedding night, let alone some of the other stuff. Yes, sex is part of the real world and everyone's life, but I don't need all those details. This really brings the books way down in my eyes.
• Martin's treatment of religion in the first book was pathetic, honestly. I was ready to totally dismiss him as a world-creator until I started on the second book. Religion is a gigantic part of culture and societies and needs to be treated as such instead of just something that some people occasionally mention in passing. Many fantasy authors fail in this, and Martin failed in AGoT. But ACoK helped redeem it with much more development in that arena.
• If you're trying to avoid spoilers don't read this paragraph. My only other gripe is the sense of inertia with some characters and the total inability of any of the Stark family to ever re-connect. I mean, Arya Stark's storyline could be summed up as: Arya meets up with character X. They travel THIS way. Then Arya meets up with character Y. They travel THAT way. Then Arya meets up with character Z. They travel back THIS way again. For a change, they suddenly turn around and go the other way instead. To a point, it was intriguing and I kept reading because of the strength of the characters, but enough going in circles is enough! When Brienne sets out in AFFC with a quest to find Sansa, my immediate thought was: "oh, so I see. Brienne's going to spend this entire book wandering from place to place and NEVER, EVER get ANYWHERE CLOSE to Sansa." (If she actually does, I will be incredibly and pleasantly surprised.)

And that's my review for the moment. I'm relatively glad I got these from the library, but it's not something I would have on my shelf, especially since it seems exceedingly likely that this is one of those series that will never be finished.

[keglo]

• I'm also annoyed by the constant obsession with sex. I didn't need to read about a 14-year-old girl's wedding night, let alone some of the other stuff. Yes, sex is part of the real world and everyone's life, but I don't need all those details. This really brings the books way down in my eyes.

These are my favorite books despite what you have written above. You commented on the only thing I didn't like about the series. I too wish he would have left out the way to detailed sex scenes. I could have done without the 14-year-old wedding night, and the 14-year-old lesbian scene, etc.

[Jonathan]

Concurred! I have the same complaint about his "Wildcards" anthology - great stuff, but hard to recommend for that reason. There's a lot to be said for subtlety.

[Jormi_Boced]

http://worldfantasy2008.libsyn.com/

Here is an interview.

[Riggler]

• I'm also annoyed by the constant obsession with sex. I didn't need to read about a 14-year-old girl's wedding night, let alone some of the other stuff. Yes, sex is part of the real world and everyone's life, but I don't need all those details. This really brings the books way down in my eyes.

These are my favorite books despite what you have written above. You commented on the only thing I didn't like about the series. I too wish he would have left out the way to detailed sex scenes. I could have done without the 14-year-old wedding night, and the 14-year-old lesbian scene, etc.

Martin has described this series genre as Historical Fantasy. It is only very recently in our written history that it was considered taboo for a 14 year old to be sexually active or getting married. Its these scenes that actually give Martin's series a sense of literary appeal -- he attacks the social sensabiliteis of our time. So if this books is inspired by the War of the Roses in our own time, as Martin has admitted, it would be not unheard of, but VERY normal for these scenes to be part of everyday life for which the people of the time wouldn't think twice about.

[keglo]

Martin has described this series genre as Historical Fantasy. It is only very recently in our written history that it was considered taboo for a 14 year old to be sexually active or getting married. Its these scenes that actually give Martin's series a sense of literary appeal -- he attacks the social sensabiliteis of our time. So if this books is inspired by the War of the Roses in our own time, as Martin has admitted, it would be not unheard of, but VERY normal for these scenes to be part of everyday life for which the people of the time wouldn't think twice about.

I understand what you are saying, and I agree. My only problem is that he feels the need to go in such detail about it. It's not so much just the 14 girl, but that Martin seems to like to put in many detailed sex scenes, weather it be the incestual relationship between Cerci and Jamie, or Tyrion and his *****, or the 14 year old. I would just prefer it be toned down a bit. Again, I love Martin's stuff. This is my favorite series of all time. It would just be my personal preference to leave these scenes out.

[Jandars_Hope]

I've just got back into reading books, trying to squeeze it into my free time (which is fairly limited). I only just recently bought A Game of Two Thrones after hearing alot of recommendations. I haven't begun reading it yet because i'm reading something else (but nearly finished), but if I like it i'll get the other books avaiable in the series.

[keglo]

I've just got back into reading books, trying to squeeze it into my free time (which is fairly limited). I only just recently bought A Game of Two Thrones after hearing alot of recommendations. I haven't begun reading it yet because i'm reading something else (but nearly finished), but if I like it i'll get the other books avaiable in the series.

Good to here. If you are into fantasy at all I think you'll love it. Actually, even if your not into fantasy I thing you'll love it. It isn't your typical fantasy anyway.

[Jandars_Hope]

Yeah. The Fantasy genre seems to be my favourite.

[Onion Knight]

Update. Fairly exciting, but don't hold your breath.

http://grrm.livejournal.com/

[Jonathan]

Thanks, Dav! Good news - hopefully the cover gets his butt in gear for the "Fall" release. I also found this great image of Tyrion, perhaps the best I've seen:

http://www.georgerrmartin.com/fans/fan-images/imp-by-jorg.jpg

[keglo]

I finished A Feast for Crows. I shouldn't have waited so long to read it. It's an awesome read and I can't wait for A Dance with Dragons.

[Onion Knight]

Man, I told you.
I wish I could go back and re-live what it was like having a new GRRM read under my belt. I think I was in my 20's when that happened last. He's killing me.
And, again, shame on you for waiting so long. :wink:

[Jandars_Hope]

I started A Clash of Kings last Tues/Weds and I'm already half way through. Tyrion has to be my favourite and funniest character in the series that i've encountered so far.

[Onion Knight]

That's great! As much as I loved CoK, SoS is my favorite so far. Keep us updated as you progress. I love to hear how people react as the story unfolds. Tyrion is my favorite too.

[keglo]

Aye, I'm a big Tyrion fan as well. But believe it or not, Aryah is also one of my favorites.

[Jandars_Hope]

Just this moment finished A Clash of Kings and I have to say it sure was packed with alot of 'OMG' moments. I'm waiting eagerly to begin A Storm of Swords tomorrow.

[keglo]

Just this moment finished A Clash of Kings and I have to say it sure was packed with alot of 'OMG' moments. I'm waiting eagerly to begin A Storm of Swords tomorrow.

Yeah, Martin's good at that!

[Jonathan]

Saw an album review for a group called The Sword, with a song called "Maiden, Mother, and Crone". Might have to look into that one...

[Joah]

Saw an album review for a group called The Sword, with a song called "Maiden, Mother, and Crone". Might have to look into that one...
Do yourself the favor. I freaking love that band.

[Jaz1597]

Wow...I just stumbled onto this thread. I first picked up A Game Of Thrones in 2006, and I've never looked back. I'm finally re-reading the books, and I'm in the middle of A Storm Of Swords. It's amazing all the little details and connections you pick up the second time through! The only superior fantasy author in my opinion is Tolkien. GRRM has a richness and detail to his work that is severely lacking in other contemporary authors.

I had HUGE hopes for Robert Jordan, and I honestly loved the first three books of the Wheel Of Time series. But somewhere in the middle of the fifth book, I realized almost nothing had happened for a book and a half. It's the first and only book I've stopped reading in the middle. I was just too bored. Someone earlier in this thread mentioned a similar experience.

Well, to make a long post short, with any luck we'll have A Dance With Dragons sometime this fall...

EDIT: So I just noticed that The Sword also has a song called "To Take The Black".

[Onion Knight]

I hold that SoS is by far the most exciting of the series. Agree/Disagree?

[Jaz1597]

It definitely has a lot more "big plot moments" than the other books. I think maybe that's where people's disappointment in AFfC comes from. Since we only see some of the characters, it's hard to see the bigger picture. I have the feeling that ADwD will fill in a lot of the holes and give us more "excitement".

[Joah]

EDIT: So I just noticed that The Sword also has a song called "To Take The Black".
Coolest Stoner Rock Ever!8)

[Jonathan]

I hold that SoS is by far the most exciting of the series. Agree/Disagree?

Agreed, if by most exciting, you mean most painful ;)

"Martiiiiiinnnn!!!!! How coooooouuuullllddd yooooouuuu!!!!!!"

Repeat x20


Then read again 'cause it's so good. Sigh...

[Onion Knight]

I just checked out The Sword on iTunes and downloaded Gods of the Earth. I can't wait to play some Heroscape to it.
They also have a song on Guitar Hero II. Freya. Sweet.

[Onion Knight]

HBO pilot (http://grrm.livejournal.com/) is going to happen!

I also posted this in the TV section (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=22150).

(Sorry, if I shouldn't have...)

[Jaz1597]

That's incredibly cool! Although I'm still waiting on the news that ADWD is finished...

[Hahma]

HBO pilot (http://grrm.livejournal.com/) is going to happen!

I also posted this in the TV section (http://www.heroscapers.com/community/showthread.php?t=22150).

(Sorry, if I shouldn't have...)


Awesome news Onion Knight. I don't have HBO, but if the show pilot does well and they make a season of it, I can buy the DVD set when it's released. Let's keep our fingers crosssed that this really happens.

[Jaz1597]

I would seriously consider upgrading my cable package if the show gets picked up...

[RabSheila]

They've cast the director and Tyrion for the pilot. The director is Tom McCarthy (director of The Visitor and The Station Agent) and Tyrion is Peter Dinklage (who's been in a ton of stuff, but I always think of his role in Elf)

[Jaz1597]

Yeah...I saw this last week. They start filming in the fall. Very exciting!

By the way, fans of Martin would do well to check out The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. Good stuff.

[RabSheila]

I've received word, from what looks to be a legit inside source, that Sean Bean has been cast as Eddard Stark in the Game of Thrones pilot. The source mentioned that it happened yesterday (7-14-09) but does not know when it might be officially announced.

I hope this guy is right.

[Jaz1597]

Yeah...I just saw that! Until it's confirmed, I'm not going to get my hopes up. But I would be SO happy if it were true...

[Sweetcurse]

I would have preferred Liam Neeson.

[RabSheila]

I would have preferred Liam Neeson.

He's probably way too busy. He's going to be Zeus in The Clash of the Titans remake in addition to a bunch of other stuff.

[boom]

Man, I stumbled on this thread waaay too late. I finished reading the 4th book in May and loved the series. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy and definitely preferred it to the Sword of Truth series of books.

As for the HBO pilot... awsome news! I'm going to keep my eyes posted for info while I'm watching True Blood and Entourage.

[RabSheila]

As for the HBO pilot... awsome news! I'm going to keep my eyes posted for info while I'm watching True Blood and Entourage.

I think I read where they're going to start filming the pilot this October. So it may be awhile before they actually show any promotional stuff on HBO. True Blood rocks!

[RabSheila]

Yeah...I just saw that! Until it's confirmed, I'm not going to get my hopes up. But I would be SO happy if it were true...

It's confirmed by George RR himself on his website. Also they've cast Mark Addy for King Robert Baratheon from A Knight's Tale and Kit Harington for Jon Snow. As well as Jack Gleeson for Joffrey Baratheon, the crown prince, and Harry Lloyd for Viserys Targaryen, the beggar king. I'm not familiar with these last three guys.

Here's some more info (8-4-09):

Two time Tony-winning actress
Jennifer Ehle has been added to the pilot "Game of Thrones." Ehle will play Catelyn Stark, Ned Stark's (Sean Bean) wife who originally was betrothed to Ned's older brother. When the older brother was killed, she fulfilled her duty by marrying Ned and securing the alliance between their two houses.

GRRM is supposed to make an announcement this weekend at Worldcon concerning more casting information.

[RabSheila]

More casting news:

Jaime Lannister – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Theon Greyjoy – Alfie Allen
Arya Stark – Maisie Williams
Sansa Stark – Sophie Turner
Robb Stark – Richard Madden
Daenerys Targaryen – Tamzin Merchant
Ser Jorah Mormont – Iain Glen

[Jaz1597]

More casting news:

Jaime Lannister – Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Theon Greyjoy – Alfie Allen
Arya Stark – Maisie Williams
Sansa Stark – Sophie Turner
Robb Stark – Richard Madden
Daenerys Targaryen – Tamzin Merchant
Ser Jorah Mormont – Iain Glen
Just read this on George's site. This is shaping up to be quite a pilot...let's hope it gets picked up!

[RabSheila]

Just read this on George's site. This is shaping up to be quite a pilot...let's hope it gets picked up!

I read somewhere (and now I can't remember where) that George thought it would at least be picked up for a season.

[Jaz1597]

Just read this on George's site. This is shaping up to be quite a pilot...let's hope it gets picked up!

I read somewhere (and now I can't remember where) that George thought it would at least be picked up for a season.
That would be huge...even if it ends up being the only one. I have the feeling that HBO will probably be hesitant to officially commit until they see how the pilot does. But given their track record, I have high hopes.

[Yodaking]

The book series isn't even done yet and not a single one of the books thus far written ends with any type of conclusion. I suspect this will end badly. If they want the tv series to be a success it has to have an ending, which will require a full committment for the entire series. That is a big committment for HBO. Plus it requires him to actually publish the final book(s).

[Aldin]

Plus it requires him to actually publish the final book(s).

And look how well that worked for Robert Jordan :roll:

~Aldin, who supposes that Jordan did more-or-less let us know this was going to happen in his Bio

[RabSheila]

The book series isn't even done yet and not a single one of the books thus far written ends with any type of conclusion. I suspect this will end badly. If they want the tv series to be a success it has to have an ending, which will require a full committment for the entire series. That is a big committment for HBO. Plus it requires him to actually publish the final book(s).

Even if the books were finished doesn't mean HBO wouldn't cancel the series in the middle of its run. Carnivale was supposed to run for six seasons and HBO cancelled it after two. Not to mention what they did to Deadwood. Martin has three more books to put out before Fire and Ice is done. Of those three, the fourth is nearly done. That gives him four seasons to complete the other two (Unless they're Sopranos seasons in which case he's probably got six years to finish them.) I think he can do it.

[fetidsockpuppet]

Martin has three more books to put out before Fire and Ice is done. Of those three, the fourth is nearly done. That gives him four seasons to complete the other two (Unless they're Sopranos seasons in which case he's probably got six years to finish them.) I think he can do it.

Uh.... It took five years for Feast to come out after Storm of Swords. Its been four since Feast. And that's after he said if was "almost done"... four years ago. :(

Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE fan - I just get fed up of the wait. I've re-read this series multiple times. I read Game of Thrones over 10 times and never get tired of it - esp. since it has all the subtle hints needed to figure out who Jon's mother is...

*sigh* Now I have to go read it again.

SIDE NOTE: A Song of Ice and Fire expansion for Heroscape would be pretty damn cool... I could see Gregor as a double based figure :lol:

[Jaz1597]

The book series isn't even done yet and not a single one of the books thus far written ends with any type of conclusion. I suspect this will end badly. If they want the tv series to be a success it has to have an ending, which will require a full committment for the entire series. That is a big committment for HBO. Plus it requires him to actually publish the final book(s).
It doesn't necessarily have to have a conclusion in order to be a success. While I would love to see the entire series make it to HBO, I'd be happy even if it only gets picked up for a single season, provided they do it well.

[Yodaking]

I don't agree, I think for a TV series to be good it needs to have some closure for the characters and story arcs created in it. It would be different if each one of the books in the series was one completed story onto itself. Then you could make a show covering the first book and if it were to get cancled after that it would still be a good show. It's not like that with this series though. At the end of book 1 their is no conclusion at all what so ever, it is simply a lead in to the next book. So if they agree to turn the first book into a TV show and then it gets cancled later, the show will forever leave you hanging without knowing how so many story arcs end. That would be a failure IMO. Why would I want to buy the 1st season on DVD and watch it over and over if I know I will never get to see the middle or ending? That would be like buying a DVD with only the first 35-40 minutes of Star Wars a New Hope on it and never seeing the rest of the movie.

[Jaz1597]

I don't agree, I think for a TV series to be good it needs to have some closure for the characters and story arcs created in it. It would be different if each one of the books in the series was one completed story onto itself. Then you could make a show covering the first book and if it were to get cancled after that it would still be a good show. It's not like that with this series though. At the end of book 1 their is no conclusion at all what so ever, it is simply a lead in to the next book. So if they agree to turn the first book into a TV show and then it gets cancled later, the show will forever leave you hanging without knowing how so many story arcs end. That would be a failure IMO. Why would I want to buy the 1st season on DVD and watch it over and over if I know I will never get to see the middle or ending? That would be like buying a DVD with only the first 35-40 minutes of Star Wars a New Hope on it and never seeing the rest of the movie.
Well, I think we're just going to have to disagree. I'd rather see one or two really well done seasons than none at all. However, I do think the first book has the fewest loose ends of all the books published so far...

[Jormi_Boced]

I would rather see one season than none, but I think the full series would be best.