Fantasy Book Club discussion
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A Game of Thrones
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02/10 A Game of Thrones: Roll Call (I Have Read)
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I've read A Game of Thrones back in the summer of 2008. Long time ago, it seems, but most of it is still quite clear in my memory. Since then I read the rest of the books in the series, and like everyone else I'm waiting, or rather hoping, for the next book to come out. Can't say much - Martin's a genious!
One of the best works of fantasy out there. It set such a high standard that I can't help constantly comparing other works to ASOIAF.
I read the Game of Thrones a few years ago (as well as the rest of the series) and really enjoyed it. I must say that I have gotten quite tired of the constant postponements of the final fire and ice books by Martin. It seems like every year he pushes back release of a book which he claimed he had written at the same time as a Feast for Crows. I also like that he has taken to pushing his other series onto Fire and Ice fans through the Fire and Ice update on his website. It really doesn't seem like he is too much of a hurry to finish this series. Keep all of this in mind if you enjoy this book, which I'm sure most will, as it has been a very frustrating 5 years or so.
Read this one memorable Christmas season, long ago, as a stack (a very BIG stack) of manuscript sent from London for quotes - impressive book. No time to re-read, but I'll follow the discussion and hop in if I have anything to add.
I've read it and am looking forward to the discussion!
Read it in March I believe.
I read it in August, and I'm a huge fan of Martin. His characters and plot twists throughout the series are absolutely breath-taking, though I can see the environment of the book steering some people away. You definitely have to like a darker storyline and plot to enjoy it, something that I've found is a consistant theme through many of Martin's titles as I'm currently finishing up his Dreamsongs collection.
I read this book. It is probably my favorite of the series thus far, mostly because he manages to pull of a completely epic fantasy without the use of magic or supernatural beings/creatures. I found this incredibly refreshing (obviously we get all these things in later books, but the gritty realness of the books didn't disappear, either, so I'm still pleased.)I think the truly amazing feat of this and the subsequent books is the complex political system. The sheer number of noble houses, factions, alliances, and plots running at any one time is astounding.
I'd like to add, that I've noticed a lot of people who find themselves disliking A Song of Ice and Fire talk a lot about how dark the storyline is, or how "real" the setting, or how it doesn't seem very fantasy-esque. This is exactly what a cutting edge fantasy writer should be doing, in my opinion. We've moved beyond the days when writers could give life to mythos and have a happy ending for everyone; Martin pushes the boundaries of what we expect from a fantasy, and makes it all the more present for it. This notion that a story can't be tragic seems a very recent creation, in my mind. After all, it is the great tragedies that we remember because in the end they mirror what we have come to expect from life. The good guys don't always win. Frodo fails in the end. I think Martin reminds us of this.
I read this book many years ago, when it was first released.
I read this book some years back and was greatly impressed by Martin's crafting of a complex political and dynastic blend of horror...My favorite question to be answered is the nature of the threat that awaits behind the great north wall...Alas, I despair that this series will ever be completed!
I've read this a few times since it was originally released. Excellent novel with some very memorable scenes.
I read this book a few years ago, and also the the sequel A Class of Kings. However, I have not continued to the third and fourth novel in the series. I will have to get on that!
Hello...sorry for the blasphemous slip in calling George RR Martin's game of thrones a horror...a great high end fantasy series...but apparently no concluding volume unti 2013???!!!
I've read it once, going to try and reread it
Just finished it last week. It was the first book I read on the Kindle I got for Christmas. ^_^
I read through the entire series in 2007 thinking to be done in time for the newest in the series...wrong. I am interested to see how the discussion goes. I think the general consensus will be great book, now hurry up and put out the next one already!
I've read all the available books in this series .. I like the gritty style and realism .. and was really annoyed with all the characters that were left out of the so-called final book that was just tooo long so it had to be cut into two parts.. I visit the author's website every so often to find out if there is any info on when that long awaited next book will be finished .. I am definitely not going to hold my breath waiting for it .. I give this series 5 stars. I have heard mention of there being more than one more book .. YIKES!!
Read it! (I'm on Feast of Crows now). One of the best fantasy books out there, I almost hate to call it fantasy, its on its own level. The characters are unbelievable. 2013?!
I have read the first book - which was one of the best I read in 2009. I'm waiting to pick up book 2 until I round off a few other series. I hate having too many ongoing at once.
I've read it a couple of times now, I loved the fact that GRRM didn't do what you expected. I may have to read it again, as I'll probably enjoy the discussion more.
I don't see the series concluding before 2020. There are supposed to be SEVEN books in the series. He's been writing book five (which he claimed was really just the already-written second half of Feast For Crows, and just needed some minor edits) for about four and a half years now, with no signs of being close to finishing. Given that he hasn't even STARTED books six and seven (The Winds of Winter & A Dream of Spring) yet, I think we're in for wait, especially if you consider the fact that it takes several months after the manuscript is completed for it to be published.
I read this several years ago. I will have to reread it to follow the discussions. I liked this book but couldn't get through the second book. We'll see what happens this time. I remember that I loved the characters, but found it confusing to keep up with them all. I might have to make notes as I go :)
Read this ages ago. One rough book, it was...
Read it just last month. Fantastic read...
I read this the summer before Freshman year in college, and it was my official introduction to adult Epic Fantasy. It was FANTASTIC, although the unpredictability (and mercilessness!!) of the character deaths was extremely shocking and traumatizing for me lol. I have also read the next two books, which just get progressively traumatizing...I'm holding off on reading FfC until the next book comes out, since I forget plot details if I have to wait too long between books.
Like many others, I also read this years ago. Martin is truly unique in the fantasy genre, and a fabulous writer. I stopped reading after novel #1 though, because the depictions of violence and rape were so graphic I was finding myself disturbed more than enjoying. I need a little more escapism in fantasy, I think. But I truly acknowledge his brilliance as the craft of storytelling.
I've read this, maybe two years ago. While I enjoyed it, I just don't have the patience to read each book consecutively, and so haven't read past book 2. I agree with Letitia, though, the violence is a bit off-putting and one of the reasons I haven't tried to go back and read anymore.
I read this book a few months ago, and quickly breezed through the rest of the currently written series. I was and still am enamored with the characters and story line, and await the next installment. Martin's rough around the edges style was interesting and true to life... the graphic violence and language wasn't a turn off for me, though I know it has been for many other readers. The only downside I see... is that now I've joined Martin's large fan base that is waiting for MORE!
Read it in 2000, give or take a year. Read it because I read the short short The Hedge Knight in one of Silverberg's Fantasy anthologies. Loved it then. Loved it the second and third time I read it to refresh the story in my mind due to the great lag time between installments.
I've read this series twice now, and I would have to say it is my favorite. The lastest read was about a year ago.
I just finished. I hated it at first but after they got done killing kids I started to like it. I've put a hold at the library for book 2.
When I first started reading the book I didn't think I would like it much... Once all the intrigue started, however, I was very enthralled. Martin was able to make each character complex and unique; he gave them a purpose. He then has no fear in killing off any character - I love that aspect!
I just finished reading it. I haven't formed an opinion yet. It was interesting and different. I liked the politics.
I'm sad to say that I read this when it was first released. Yes, WAY back then. It remains at the top of my "favorites," but I've lost interest in following it to a degree, simply because of the delay in publication of the next installment.Unlike Robert Jordan, who I think was just milking the Cash Cow without *really* furthering the story (ummmm, hello? If you've made it to book numer 27 or whatever, do you REALLY need to spend 3 pages being told how fierce the spear maidens are? I think we got the point when they fist showed up, thank you) GRRM at least has the benefit of putting some thought into where things are going, and not rehashing the same tired thing over and over again.
Let's just hope that GRRM's story doesn't end the same way Jordan's did....with him dying before it's completed!
Cynjon wrote: "Let's just hope that GRRM's story doesn't end the same way Jordan's did....with him dying before it's completed! ..."I'd hope that for any author....and what's more, I'd hope that whether the story got finished or not...
I've read it twice. I had a hard time getting started the first time, but I devoured it after that. I'm dying for ADWD.
I've read it. And must read next books of this terrific series.
I've read the series twice so far. I def enjoyed the books. The characters are great quickly pull you into the story but I am severely irritated at the amount of time its taking for GRRM to finish the next book. Its hard to keep all the little details with the many characters fresh in your head when your waiting five years between books. But besides that def is a must read for everyone!!!
I agree Dan which is why I'm not reading the whole series again until the next book is scheduled to come out. I did read the first one again because it was a monthly book read but otherwise I'll be waiting!
I read this book one year back. It made me a fan of fantasy novels. For a person like me who thought Harry potter was the ultimate fantasy, this one gave me a jolt. After reading this book, I was laughing at Harry Potter, Percy Jackson etc. Those are kids novels...This is how a real fantasy novel should be...It established a standard of which only a few fantasy novels I read could be at par with... The only problem is the waiting time that is needed for each novel...It is more than 5 years... Let's hope that he releases the book atleast in 2011....
Read it. Loved it. I started it in November and restarted after a couple of weeks when I was about halfway through the book. I was just beginning to get a grasp of the characters' relationships, both interpersonal, geographical, and familial (who's in what house? Who the hell are the Tullys? Where's the Trident again? The Lannisters are allies right? Sort of, maybe? No? Well back to the beginning!) That was a great idea. It cleared up a lot of confusion on my part. Now I'm almost done with A Storm of Swords. These are great books, George R.R. Martin a great writer.
Read it some years ago - Abso-lutely love this book!! A very powerful series GRRM has created, more 'mature' than most Fantasy I had read up to that point, eagerly awaiting the next one. #5, I do believe.
I first read the "A Game of Thrones" in 2008. I have read it once again since, and I think it is the best fantasy series I have ever raid.
I have read this book!
I've read all of the books by George RR Martin on the "Game of Thrones". I must say I started being disappointed with the 4th book. Then waiting five years for the last one to come out was frustrating. I' not even sure I'm going to buy.
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