Fire and Blood: A History of the Targaryen Kings from Aegon the Conqueror to Aegon III reads more like a history text than fictional fantasy epic, andFire and Blood: A History of the Targaryen Kings from Aegon the Conqueror to Aegon III reads more like a history text than fictional fantasy epic, and while this style may not work for all everyone, it suits the tone of the book perfectly.
Like the Fire and Ice novels, Fire and Blood is a big book with loads of characters and deep intricate plots which push and pull the narrative in different directions. It's easy to get lost in this rich world, which is a good thing. It's also easy to get confused, which isn't so good. Whilst the Targaryen Lineage appendix was useful in understanding who is who, a deeper character list would've helped alleviate some of the ambiguity of the lesser-known / bit players.
The hardback edition includes some gorgeous black and white illustrations by Doug Wheatley which really bring the characters and dragons to life; they also help to break up the daunting length of text. The only thing missing was a detailed map of Westeros and it's surrounds as cities and places of note are referenced throughout. Being able to provide some form of visual context would've enhanced the overall reader experience.
My rating: 4/5 stars. I wanted to give Fire and Blood 5 stars as it really is a great read but the sheer volume of characters makes it tough at times to understanding who is who outside of the Targaryen lineage. Of note, this book only tells part of the longer Targaryen rein over Westeros with Aegon III coming into power, there's much more story left to tell......more
‘A Feast for Crows’ could aptly be described as the Westeros book of revelations. Past armies are reborn, alliances ever tested, tied, severed, abolis‘A Feast for Crows’ could aptly be described as the Westeros book of revelations. Past armies are reborn, alliances ever tested, tied, severed, abolished altogether – the incestuous nature of betrothal and subsequent marriage is becoming akin to ‘Bold and the Beautiful’. If you're seeking instant gratification from a fantasy series it is not forthcoming in this book. There is a saturation of inconsequential dialogue and convoluted history to the realm both of its many deceased characters and ever changing environs. Touted as half a book comprising the events around Kinds Landing, clocking in at over 770 pages, a ‘half a book’ this should not be. One cant help but wonder if some strict editing would've expedited the storyline.
The enormous cast of characters led to distraction. For what is an entertaining and deeply plotted theme centred around a few, it felt like too many subplots were hatched in order to expand the universe without adding much by way of entertainment.
The tone of the series is that each book blends in with its predecessor, as a result it’s hard to pinpoint a single distinguishing factor to separate events. ‘A Game of Thrones’ was heavily focused around the Starks (serving well as a point of reference and separation); of the series, this is the most ‘complete’ book with the subsequent editions acting more as a progression of seemingly open-ended events (though there is eventual closure).
For all its shortcomings, ‘A Feast for Crows’ does have many excellent passages, great character depth, intriguing plot, and high scale entertainment value. Unfortunately, George R R Martin took an exorbitant amount of time to unveil his shocking revelations and twists, and buried crucial scenes amongst long-winded exchanges that were often hard to enjoy. Still a pivotal piece in the overall series that establishes some tantalising new plot elements and well worth a read for fans of the series - 3 stars. ...more
Not since 'A Game of Thrones' has Westeros been bathed in so much blood and hate. Martin recreates the suspense of the landmark Fire and Ice installmeNot since 'A Game of Thrones' has Westeros been bathed in so much blood and hate. Martin recreates the suspense of the landmark Fire and Ice installment while furthering the cause of the Brothers of the Black and the horrors that haunt the land beyond the wall. Of all the books in the series, this takes the mantle as the king of shock and awe. Martin freely confines to readers to not grow accustomed to major characters- within the pages of 'A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold' many strong characters will perish while others continue their rise prominence. Despite a few lapses in action where passages read as filler content, this is the most fast paced book in the series so those momentary distractions can be overlooked. Much like 'Storm of Swords 1' Martin continues to draw on the fantastical to breathe new life into depleted characters - a treat to fans and serious fantasy readers alike. As far as series books go, this one does a great job at reinventing the cast and world (to a certain extent) to add a new plot dimension and perspective to the matters concerning the realm. 4.5 stars....more
The graphic novel adaptation of A GAME OF THRONES Vol.1 got it right for the most part. The story is true to the source material though condensed to sThe graphic novel adaptation of A GAME OF THRONES Vol.1 got it right for the most part. The story is true to the source material though condensed to suit the medium yet the tone and overall message is well conveyed. Vol.1 follows events up until Daenerys conformance/acceptance with Drogo as her husband. Understandably, the full adaptation is to be just as epic as the novels themselves, as a result Vol.1 feels a little like half a book (because it is).
My biggest gripe with the graphic novel adaptation of A GAME OF THRONES is the artists depiction of the others. To me they look to resemble more of a superhero/villain than the menacing, nightmare inducing wards of winder that I envisioned in the novel and subsequently portrayed in HBO’s adaptation in season 1 of the TV series.
The characters translated well though there the look was a tad same-same with the long hair and amount of facial hair on a number of male characters. Again, a minor gripe. That aside, the artwork is pretty decent, the covers for the independent issues look fantastic and the earlier panels depicting the end to the Targaryen rein really added something to the story.
Final thought: A nice representation of the source material which felt a little light in areas but understandable given the length of A GAME OF THRONES (novel). Recommended for fans of the series, newcomers may struggle with story. ...more
George R R Martin had fun with this instalment – the evidence is in the dialogue and actions of the characters who manage to find moments of jocularitGeorge R R Martin had fun with this instalment – the evidence is in the dialogue and actions of the characters who manage to find moments of jocularity amidst the chaos of war. Tyrion Lannister is his usual swashbuckling self with a sharper sense of violence honed through bloody battle and everyday dealing with his treacherous domesticated life. Robb Stark breaks an oath and gains comfort of the flesh – a choice sure to have ramifications on the war effort. While King Joffrey continues to echo the sentiments of a mad King – perhaps his fate will mirror that of Arrys (one can but hope)? Fan favourites continue to evolve (Arya, Jon, Robb Stark, Sansa, Cersei. Davos the Onion Knight etc.) while newer faces begin their slow rise to prominence (such as The Red Viper, Lady in Red, Stannis, Samwell etc.) through an intrinsically finely weaved web of violence, betrayal, magic, love, and duty.
Continuing the series evolution, the fantastical elements are becoming paramount to the core plot with a heavy emphasis on the unnatural and the mythic tales of wet nurses springing true from storybook to reality. There is a subtle beauty to the way Martin sneaks in these creatures of man and monster alike. So gentle is the hand that caresses their introduction that I had to reread certain passages as to ensure I didn’t misinterpret or skim over what was happening (this was not a chore and further enhanced Martins storytelling ability – this book is loaded with worthwhile double-takes). A particular interest of mine is the mysterious landscape over the Wall. Thankfully, the Brothers of the Black, Wildlings, and Others feature relatively frequently in this instalment.
Martin did have a tendency to exhaust the readers’ ability to follow the detailed and elaborate history of his well defined world and complex cast of characters by devoting generous passages to the multitude of back-stories. That said; I did enjoy reading the Kingslayers tale of how is moniker was attained and retained and the perception of his honour that both curses and praises him.
Dubbed as more a companion piece to ‘A Clash of Kings’ rather than a true sequel (as per the author intro) with chapters detailing events amidst the feverish battles of the previous book, I felt ‘A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow’ actually worked well as a sequel as many of its entries were a direct result of the preceding books outcomes. Much like the previous instalments, if not more so, ‘A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow’ has left me craving more of this world and its deep and violent history – 4 stars....more
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