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Becky's Reviews > A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2)
by George R.R. Martin
by George R.R. Martin
Becky's review
bookshelves: 2011, fantasy, highly-recommended, nook, political, reviewed, challenge-1010
May 08, 11
bookshelves: 2011, fantasy, highly-recommended, nook, political, reviewed, challenge-1010
Read from April 25 to May 08, 2011
I know what you're thinking... "Only 4 stars??!" Yeah. I shall tell you why.
First, because getting to the halfway mark of this book took me 11 days. In my edition, which was 807 pages of book, that's about 400 pages. I read more than half that just today, so 11 days is a LONG time for me to get into a story.
Secondly, because so much of this book felt like set up and maneuverings and I was ready for stuff to happen! A Game of Thrones had me on the edge of my seat almost from the word "go", and Clash just didn't have that same tension for a large part of it. I know that, considering events, that's appropriate, but I couldn't help wanting to feel the way I felt while reading Game - which was a gnaw-my-fingers-raw anxiety.
I got my wish in the second half of the book though, for sure.
And I want to make it clear that I don't think the writing was bad or that the story was slow or anything like that. All the maneuverings and set ups and everything were exceptionally well done, but to me, it just didn't feel the same... (view spoiler) Missing characters were missed by me, and it made a difference.
The story though... Even when I read it in dribs and drabs, was fantastic. Once again, picking up this story is like immersion in Westeros, and I love that. The second half of the book was incredibly exciting and harrowing. When the maneuverings and plots started to come together, I almost couldn't look away. 11 days to read the first half set up, and 3 to finish. But it's a mark of how incredible this series is that it affects me like that. Too bad Martin doesn't care about the characters I love. HE'S RUTHLESS! *sniffle* (I secretly love that though. Authors take note: Don't sacrifice your story to save a character.)
I am almost scared to continue this series... scared to see what is coming. Chaos and winter, likely. *shiver*
First, because getting to the halfway mark of this book took me 11 days. In my edition, which was 807 pages of book, that's about 400 pages. I read more than half that just today, so 11 days is a LONG time for me to get into a story.
Secondly, because so much of this book felt like set up and maneuverings and I was ready for stuff to happen! A Game of Thrones had me on the edge of my seat almost from the word "go", and Clash just didn't have that same tension for a large part of it. I know that, considering events, that's appropriate, but I couldn't help wanting to feel the way I felt while reading Game - which was a gnaw-my-fingers-raw anxiety.
I got my wish in the second half of the book though, for sure.
And I want to make it clear that I don't think the writing was bad or that the story was slow or anything like that. All the maneuverings and set ups and everything were exceptionally well done, but to me, it just didn't feel the same... (view spoiler) Missing characters were missed by me, and it made a difference.
The story though... Even when I read it in dribs and drabs, was fantastic. Once again, picking up this story is like immersion in Westeros, and I love that. The second half of the book was incredibly exciting and harrowing. When the maneuverings and plots started to come together, I almost couldn't look away. 11 days to read the first half set up, and 3 to finish. But it's a mark of how incredible this series is that it affects me like that. Too bad Martin doesn't care about the characters I love. HE'S RUTHLESS! *sniffle* (I secretly love that though. Authors take note: Don't sacrifice your story to save a character.)
I am almost scared to continue this series... scared to see what is coming. Chaos and winter, likely. *shiver*
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Reading Progress
| 04/25/2011 | page 1 |
|
0.0% | |
| 05/01/2011 |
|
15.0% | "Drink? Check. Peach gummy rings? Check. Book? Check. Not cold outside? Close enough Check. (I'll just wear a sweater.) It's porch reading time... Later gators!" | |
| 05/03/2011 |
|
26.0% | "Getting there... slowly but surely! :P" |
Comments (showing 1-11 of 11) (11 new)
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Joel wrote: ""I am almost scared to continue this series... scared to see what is coming."...and with good cause."
I'll be finding out on the 15th... That's when I start #3. :D
I hear that #3 is the best of the four published books though, so I'm super excited... If it is better than #1... Whoa. O_O
No spoilers, but I read two scenes of #3 that I have loved just today. So good. But I did give this one 5 stars.
Darren wrote: "I felt the same about book two...but when i got onto book 3...wow! And talk about ruthless!"I know! So awesome. :D
I felt the same way. This book took me a long time to get thru the first half. (not to the discredit of the author or the story or anything. It just for some reason took a while)
feeling the same way about book two. i'm not quite midpoint and tempted to just give it up. the first one wasn't like that at all!
Beth wrote: "feeling the same way about book two. i'm not quite midpoint and tempted to just give it up. the first one wasn't like that at all!"Don't give up! It's worth it to stick it out!
Glad to know I wasn't the only one who was feeling this way. Guess I will pick up book 3 and see if it does get better.
...and with good cause.