A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1)
1 journaler for this copy...
This is the bestest book in a long long time.
First in the Song of Ice and Fire series and probably not stand alone (only because all of the 5 people I've lent it to have become completely addicted).
In a field populated by Tolkien clones A Song of Ice and Fire is very different. Sweeping in scope and with a fabulous cast of characters the best things about this are: a) the poisonous political manoeuvring - think Le Carre; b) the historical details - its real, not flowery; c) the character development and d)the fact that in this world magic is rare - and it has a price.
I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in fantasy - it'll blow you away. If you want more on the historical side I'd recommend A Distant Mirror : The Calamitous 14th century - Barbara Tuchman which is learned without being a headache.
Amazon.com synopsis (bit long for a synopsis but anyway)
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six [MS - looks like 8 now], George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre."
Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest. There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! --Nona Vero Approx 700+ pages
First in the Song of Ice and Fire series and probably not stand alone (only because all of the 5 people I've lent it to have become completely addicted).
In a field populated by Tolkien clones A Song of Ice and Fire is very different. Sweeping in scope and with a fabulous cast of characters the best things about this are: a) the poisonous political manoeuvring - think Le Carre; b) the historical details - its real, not flowery; c) the character development and d)the fact that in this world magic is rare - and it has a price.
I'd recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in fantasy - it'll blow you away. If you want more on the historical side I'd recommend A Distant Mirror : The Calamitous 14th century - Barbara Tuchman which is learned without being a headache.
Amazon.com synopsis (bit long for a synopsis but anyway)
Readers of epic fantasy series are: (1) patient--they are left in suspense between each volume, (2) persistent--they reread or at least review the previous book(s) when a new installment comes out, (3) strong--these 700-page doorstoppers are heavy, and (4) mentally agile--they follow a host of characters through a myriad of subplots. In A Game of Thrones, the first book of a projected six [MS - looks like 8 now], George R.R. Martin rewards readers with a vividly real world, well-drawn characters, complex but coherent plotting, and beautifully constructed prose, which Locus called "well above the norms of the genre."
Martin's Seven Kingdoms resemble England during the Wars of the Roses, with the Stark and Lannister families standing in for the Yorks and Lancasters. The story of these two families and their struggle to control the Iron Throne dominates the foreground; in the background is a huge, ancient wall marking the northern border, beyond which barbarians, ice vampires, and direwolves menace the south as years-long winter advances. Abroad, a dragon princess lives among horse nomads and dreams of fiery reconquest. There is much bloodshed, cruelty, and death, but A Game of Thrones is nevertheless compelling; it garnered a Nebula nomination and won the 1996 Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. So, on to A Clash of Kings! --Nona Vero Approx 700+ pages
Journal Entry 2 by microsquid at The White Hart, Drury Lane in Camden, Greater London United Kingdom on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Released 16 yrs ago (8/21/2008 UTC) at The White Hart, Drury Lane in Camden, Greater London United Kingdom
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
On the corner on a ledge - one of my favourite books of all time... enjoy!
Thank you for catching this book! Please let us know that you've found the book and where you might re-release it when you're done. You don’t *have* to read it, though!
You may remain completely anonymous if you choose. The site is totally free, there are no strings and most importantly, no spam involved. If you choose to join up, I hope you will consider using me, microsquid, as the one who referred you.
After/If you've read the book; make another journal entry on the book called 'release notes' to let me know where you're letting it go to continue its journey. (You'll be part of it's journey from that point on, too).
I hope you have as much fun with BookCrossing as I do.
Happy reading!
On the corner on a ledge - one of my favourite books of all time... enjoy!
Thank you for catching this book! Please let us know that you've found the book and where you might re-release it when you're done. You don’t *have* to read it, though!
You may remain completely anonymous if you choose. The site is totally free, there are no strings and most importantly, no spam involved. If you choose to join up, I hope you will consider using me, microsquid, as the one who referred you.
After/If you've read the book; make another journal entry on the book called 'release notes' to let me know where you're letting it go to continue its journey. (You'll be part of it's journey from that point on, too).
I hope you have as much fun with BookCrossing as I do.
Happy reading!