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

[wicked cool]

book 2 picks up the story so stick with it.

[Hahma]

Originally Posted by royaldoy

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!!

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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.