4.55

5

Oct 05, 2011

Do you remember that bit in the Scream movie where Stu Macher (played by Matthew Lillard), turns to all the other film geeks and sets out the now famed set of rules for surviving a horror film and making it into the sequel? (FYI those rules were: Never have sex. Do not drink and never say “i’ll be right back”)

Well someone should be writing a similar set of rules for the characters in the Song of Fire and Ice Series because, oh boy are these guys in trouble. Despite the numerous sellswords, hedge Do you remember that bit in the Scream movie where Stu Macher (played by Matthew Lillard), turns to all the other film geeks and sets out the now famed set of rules for surviving a horror film and making it into the sequel? (FYI those rules were: Never have sex. Do not drink and never say “i’ll be right back”)

Well someone should be writing a similar set of rules for the characters in the Song of Fire and Ice Series because, oh boy are these guys in trouble. Despite the numerous sellswords, hedge knights, rogues, assassins, Sers and Lords running about the place in full armour and with more oversized silverware and valerian steel than the kitchen department at John Lewis, no one is more fearsome in the culling stakes than George RR Martin himself. Watch out Westeros, Wildlings beyond the wall and everyone in the Land Beyond the Sea... Martin has the biggest axe and no one can stop if from falling.... or knows where it might fall next!

Once again, this review will be scant on detail as it is impossible to discuss one iota of this epic without giving the game away and creating civil unrest amongst a legion of George RR Martin fans in the making. So... here’s what has happened so far:

XXXXX is dead
And so is XXXXX
XXXXX has been poisoned
Ooh and so was XXXXX but they had it coming really and the only tears you’d want to shed in their direction are Tears of Lys.
XXXXX is mortally wounded and so is XXXXX although probably it would only be a matter of time before the killed each other anyway.
XXXXX and XXXXX are both dead too.
XXXXX is also gone to the grave. XXXXX went to the grave and then came back.
And XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX all died in various battles but they were mostly just lesser characters with walk on/carried off parts anyway.
XXXXX died on the toilet.

None of them will be making it into the sequel unless they’re getting a free pass to Wight world.

XXXXX and surprisingly XXXXX are still alive. So is XXXXX.
XXXXX and XXXXX are on the run. XXXXX has become an unlikely ally. XXXXX and XXXXX are at the wall. The XXXXX has turned up and so has XXXXX. No one seems to be looking for XXXXX and XXXXX is out of sight and out of mind and growing in strength.

So, how do you learn to duck, quick enough and low enough to avoid the George RR Martin cull?

1. Don’t offer to be a king, appoint yourself as king or have any claim to any throne or kingdom anywhere. There are a lot of kings around at the moment too but believe me, there is no safety in numbers.
2. Don’t be a hero.
3. Don’t be a coward either.
4. Don’t treat with sellswords
5. Don’t become a born again religious convert.
6. Don’t be jealous.
7. Don’t be coveteous.
8. Don’t be related to any Starks.
9. Don’t be related to any Lannisters.
10. Don’t be in possession of anything that either the Starks, Lannisters, Tullys, Freys, Boltons, Baratheons, Targaryens, Florents, Redwynes, Umbers, Flynts, Fossoways, Kettlebacks, Ostermonts, Karstarks, Mollens, Talharts, Glovers, Seaworths, Greyjoys, Slynts, Celtigars, Cerwyns or Marbrands want.

In short there is very little you can do in order to make it into the sequel. Maybe your safest option would be to take the black?
...more

0

Apr 06, 2013

O.O

Okay. You know what time it is (besides 9.00 p.m. on a Tuesday night) - ASoIaF gif reaction time!

So, after an extended break after reading A Clash of Kings, it was time to jump into A Storm of Swords.



And everything was good.



.. Even the Davos chapters.





Until..









And though slightly spoiled for part of the story, I was entirely unprepared for the feels.





At first I was all, "This book is DEAD TO ME."



Then my grief became anger.



Then resignation..





And finally determination.

O.O

Okay. You know what time it is (besides 9.00 p.m. on a Tuesday night) - ASoIaF gif reaction time!

So, after an extended break after reading A Clash of Kings, it was time to jump into A Storm of Swords.



And everything was good.



.. Even the Davos chapters.





Until..









And though slightly spoiled for part of the story, I was entirely unprepared for the feels.





At first I was all, "This book is DEAD TO ME."



Then my grief became anger.



Then resignation..





And finally determination.



Until.. that ending.

...more

5

Nov 05, 2017

“Night’s King was only a man by light of day...but the night was his to rule. And it’s getting dark.”

This one is definitely a game changer! I’ve never known so many major and minor characters to be killed off in a book - must be some kind of record!
I really can’t say a lot without spoilers. The war for the iron throne is ongoing but it seems being away from the battle can be just as deadly as fighting in it!

“It was not for murder that the gods punished him...but for slewing a guest under his “Night’s King was only a man by light of day...but the night was his to rule. And it’s getting dark.”

This one is definitely a game changer! I’ve never known so many major and minor characters to be killed off in a book - must be some kind of record!
I really can’t say a lot without spoilers. The war for the iron throne is ongoing but it seems being away from the battle can be just as deadly as fighting in it!

“It was not for murder that the gods punished him...but for slewing a guest under his roof; that the gods cannot forgive.”

I am loving this series! All the action that is happening at the same time to the different characters in different areas is so addictive! I love seeing how the characters interlink - and I fear for what will happen to them all next!

Arya is about to head off across the water after escaping numerous brigands, Sansa has found new troubles in a new place, Bran keeps on travelling, Davos still fights on for Stannis despite his Red Priestess, Brienne has fulfilled part of her vow and is off to fulfill the rest. Jaime is changed from his time with Robb and Catelyn, Tyrion’s family issues just get worse! Jon and Sam are having their own problems on the wall, far removed from all those in the South. Daenerys is conquering the East city by city. And where is Theon Greyjoy?

Bring on A Feast for Crows!

“We are puppets dancing on the strings of those who came before us, and one day our own children will take up our strings and dance on in our stead.” ...more

5

Oct 15, 2015

“We look up at the same stars and see such different things.”

God that took me months and months! At first I couldn't find the motivation, then there were other books I desperately wanted to read. So this giant of a book had to wait.
When I finally picked it up again, I finished it in a week. While I had a slow start (I really did not want to read about the Red Wedding), I didn't want to put it down again. The plot thickened and every single chapter was intruiging, even those of the less “We look up at the same stars and see such different things.”

God that took me months and months! At first I couldn't find the motivation, then there were other books I desperately wanted to read. So this giant of a book had to wait.
When I finally picked it up again, I finished it in a week. While I had a slow start (I really did not want to read about the Red Wedding), I didn't want to put it down again. The plot thickened and every single chapter was intruiging, even those of the less interesting characters.

Here's the list of POV's from what I liked most to what I enjoyed the least:

Daenerys
Tyrion
Sansa
Jon
Arya
Jaime
Bran
Samwell
Davos
Catelyn

Find more of my books on Instagram ...more

5

Nov 26, 2012

Oh my bloody hell and fuck...

Dear George,

I have read A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords one after another and in any spare moment over the last couple of months. As a result, I think that this reality is starting to take over. My emotional involvement in the lives of your characters is reaching an unhealthy depth, and your brutality with them is breaking my motherfucking heart. I just finished ASOS a moment ago, and said motherfucking heart is beating some serious drum Oh my bloody hell and fuck...

Dear George,

I have read A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords one after another and in any spare moment over the last couple of months. As a result, I think that this reality is starting to take over. My emotional involvement in the lives of your characters is reaching an unhealthy depth, and your brutality with them is breaking my motherfucking heart. I just finished ASOS a moment ago, and said motherfucking heart is beating some serious drum and bass. I often do and recently have read books to love, admire, and learn from. But dang dawg, I don't remember the last time reading was so damn EXCITING. I have NO IDEA what you're going to do or where you're going to take me next - all bets are off, because your world is a real one, where heroes get savaged and baddies prevail and shit happens that leaves you staring at the heavens and thinking WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?

You're MAD. A mad marvellous genius and I love you. But I kind of hate you. Because you are KILLING me and I am becoming an obsessed crazy person.

Shattered but scintillated,
Alex ...more

5

Nov 15, 2011

This is the ending that book three should have had. The first half, A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow, just wasn't strong enough to stand on its own. But that's okay as the second half more than makes up for it. From the off, there are bodies. Not just secondary characters either, but people we thought were going to be key players in The Game.

A number of characters get built out a lot more as well. Jamie continues his transition to three-dimensions with the start of a conscience. Stannis starts This is the ending that book three should have had. The first half, A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow, just wasn't strong enough to stand on its own. But that's okay as the second half more than makes up for it. From the off, there are bodies. Not just secondary characters either, but people we thought were going to be key players in The Game.

A number of characters get built out a lot more as well. Jamie continues his transition to three-dimensions with the start of a conscience. Stannis starts to come out of his shell a little and Petyr's role in the history so far starts to make a lot more sense – he did warn us not to trust him!

As a combined single book it would have been a five star rating, as part two more than rescues any failings in part one. I strongly suggest reading them back to back, and thinking of them as one logical book, if you're going to buy them individually. ...more

5

Apr 06, 2015

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire #3, Part 2 of 2), George R.R. Martin
A Storm of Swords is the third of seven planned novels in A Song of Ice and Fire, a fantasy series by American author George R. R. Martin. It was first published on August 8, 2000, in the United Kingdom,[1] with a United States edition following in November 2000. Its publication was preceded by a novella called Path of the Dragon, which collects some of the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire #3, Part 2 of 2), George R.R. Martin
A Storm of Swords is the third of seven planned novels in A Song of Ice and Fire, a fantasy series by American author George R. R. Martin. It was first published on August 8, 2000, in the United Kingdom,[1] with a United States edition following in November 2000. Its publication was preceded by a novella called Path of the Dragon, which collects some of the Daenerys Targaryen chapters from the novel into a single book.
تاریخ نخستین خوانش: از دوازدههم تا بیست و هشتم ماه می سال 2015 میلادی
عنوان: طوفان شمشیرها کتاب دوم از جلد 3 (نغمه آتش و یخ، #3)؛ نویسنده: جورج آر. آر. مارتین؛ مترجم: رویا خادم الرضا؛ مشخصات نشر: تهران، ویدا، 1393، در 789 ص، و دو ص نقشه، شابک: 9786002910752؛
طوفان شمشیرها سومین کتاب از مجموعه رمان فانتزی حماسی: ترانه یخ و آتش، اثر نویسنده آمریکایی: جرج آر. آر. مارتین است. در حال حاضر این کتاب طولانی‌ترین کتاب مجموعه است. با توجه به طولانی بودن کتاب در برخی کشورها از جمله استرالیا این کتاب به دو بخش تقسیم شده و به چاپ رسیده است. چکیده: داستان طوفان شمشیرها کمی پیش از داستان کتاب پیشین است. هفت پادشاهی هنوز درگیر جنگ پنج شاه هستند. شاه‌ های باقی‌مانده راب استارک، بالون گری‌جوی، جوفری باراتئون و استانیس باراتئون برای حفظ قدرتشان در جنگ برای حفظ موقعیت خودشان هستند. جنگ داخلی مردم عادی را از بین می‌برد. این داستان از دید ده شخصیت اصلی گفته می‌شود و یک پیش‌ مقدمه و یک شخصیت پس مقدمه هم دارد که در کل دوازده گوینده داستان حضور دارند. راویان: پیش مقدمه چت برادر و نگهدارنده سگها؛ سر جیمی لنیستر پسر بزرگ تایوین لنیستر برادر تیریون لنیستر؛ جان اسنو پسر حرام زاده ادارد استارک؛ بانو کتلین استارک؛ تیریون لنیستر؛ سانسا استارک؛ آریا استارک؛ برن استارک؛ سمول تارلی؛ سر داووس سی‌ورس؛ ملکه دنریس تارگرین؛ پس مقدمه: مرت فری؛ ا. شربیانی ...more

5

Jul 12, 2015

I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO BEGIN TO REVIEW THIS BOOK. I NEED TO CRY FIRST. SQUALL ACTUALLY, LIKE A MURDERED ZUCCHINI BECAUSE OMG. NO AND YES AND NOOOOOOO. *breaks down* All you really need to know is that every book is better than the last and this is probably my favourite book yet. It was so incredible. So many plot twists. We got answers for questions in bk 1 like a) who killed John Erand and b) who tried to kill Bran with the knife. There were horrific deaths. Like REALLY REALLY BAD. I'm I DON'T EVEN KNOW HOW TO BEGIN TO REVIEW THIS BOOK. I NEED TO CRY FIRST. SQUALL ACTUALLY, LIKE A MURDERED ZUCCHINI BECAUSE OMG. NO AND YES AND NOOOOOOO. *breaks down* All you really need to know is that every book is better than the last and this is probably my favourite book yet. It was so incredible. So many plot twists. We got answers for questions in bk 1 like a) who killed John Erand and b) who tried to kill Bran with the knife. There were horrific deaths. Like REALLY REALLY BAD. I'm absolutely bawling. And some were shocking and woooooah, but I didn't cry because I hated those characters. So at least it's semi even??? Although I am so not over 98% of them. SO NOT OVER.

*pause for a moment to thank and hug and scream in horror at Engie who got me started on these books*

Ahem. I'm good now.

So usually I go through the narrators and give a quick recap on my feelings for them. SO I'LL DO THAT. Although I reviewed A Storm of Swords in TWO PARTS so you can see my review of PART ONE here.

JAIME: Maaaaybe just one of my most favouritest people ever. ;') Brienne and his relationship is THE BEST aND I SHIP IT. I don't ship Jaime/Cersei so hard anymore. Cersei is so focused on her kids she just walks over EVERYONE including Jaime. Omg, I'm so sad. I did ship them though...so you can see how far I've fallen. -_-
TYRION: Of course I love Tyrion. I ADORE HIM. HE WENT TOTAL PSYCHO BY THE END THOUGH. OMG. But I still love him and don't really feel bad for (view spoiler)[Tywin or Shae. Omg, I can't BELIEVE Shae betrayed him. That totally gutted Tyrion. I'm so so sad. And Tywin? I like TV!Show!Tywin better. He's just horrible in the books sadly. (hide spoiler)]
SANSA: I feel SO SORRY FOR HER, but I still love her. I love how she's getting a lot more smarter and savvy, but she's only thirteen years old, AHHHHHH. Poor little poppet. Petyr is a total pervert though and every second that he's around Sansa makes me freak out.
ARYA: I...I feel awful about saying this but as MUCH as I love Arya's attitude and epicness, her chapters often get boring. I do like her character development and my heart keeps breaking every time she's sooo cloooose to being saved and then SO FAR. I have mixed feelings when she ends up with the Hound. I kind of wished he'd started teaching her sword play and stuff? But he didn't. What a let down.
JON: AWK JON MA DARLING. I cried, of course, when (view spoiler)[Ygritte (hide spoiler)] died, but but but I really REALLY badly wanted Jon to be made a Stark. SO BADLY. I also want Jon for King of the Universe.
DANEYRS: I felt she wasted a lot of time. She sacked cities and I ADORED how she did the whole "I'm a silly little girl and don't know anything" and then -- bOOM -- smites a city. And I LOVED the plot twist with Jorrah. I never liked Jorrah. Shady dude who's like in his 40s kissing a 16 year old? Not okay. Also Selme. I LIKE SELME.
SAMWELL: I looove Sam's chapters! I love his little crush on Gilly. And I adore how he's so matured and gotten stronger. Craven? HA. He does so so much manipulating in the last chapter in his soft, squishy trembling way IT'S JUST AMAZING.
Catelyn: OH CATELYN. Poor thing, she was so so tired and sad.
Bran: DEFINITELY the most boring narrator of ever. I'm so disappointed in Bran's chapters. Half the time he was just having Jojen and Mira telling old tales and stuff and WHOOO CAAAAARES when in King's Landing all this STUFF is going down. Gah.
Davos: Stilll. NOPE. I don't care about Davos. But his chapters were important and I'm glad he finally stood up to Stannis, the iron donkey.

OKAY BUT LEMME JUST QUICKLY LIST THE DEATHS:
(view spoiler)[
+ Catelyn: murdered at the Red Wedding and had her body dumped in the river BUT MABYE SHE'S A ZOMBIE ACCORDING TO THE EPILOGUE?? I MEAN. OMG.
+ King Robb: dead and murdered by the Freys at the Red Wedding along with like 90% of his men.
+ Joffery: poisoned at his own wedding feast by Lady Olenna and Sansa's hairnet. CHOKED ON PIE.
+ Lysa: pushed out of the Sky Window by Petyr. Totally saw that coming.
+ Red Viper/Obrynn: killed fighting The Mountain in a battle to save Tyrion from being beheaded for NOT killing Joffery.
+ Ygritte: killed while taking the wall, dies in Jon's arms. Lemme cry too.
+ Catelyn's father: died of old age I guess? Who even cares.
+ Balon Greyjoy: I think this was a biiiiit anti-climatic. He totally slips and FALLS OFF A SIDEWALK. Like. What.
+ Twyin: Murdered on the toilet by Tyrion. Can't say I'm crying.
+ Shae: murdered by choking by Tyrion when he found her in Tywin's bed. I get that she was forced, but still not really crying.

Also The Hound was "left to die" when Arya just left him with huge wounds after he killed Polliver and The Tickler. And The Mountain is PROBS dying. And the Wilding King, Mans Raider, is also probably going to be executed.

SO MANY SHOCKING DEATHS. I EXPECTED ROBB TO DIE, BUT NOT CATELYN. AND I CRIED AT OBERYNN (hide spoiler)]

It was just non-stop brilliance the WHOLE TIME AND I LOVED IT. It's my favourite book. Did I mention that?! and I'm sooo obsessed. Like I literally am always thinking about it and I can't wait to sit down and devour 2 seasons of the show! I love the character development. I love how NO ONE is safe. I love how it tears out my Vulcan heart and I feeeel aaaall the awful things. Wait. Did I say I loved that? I TOTALLY HATE IT BUT STILL. I'm still a fan of the Lannisters, even though they're like melon heads. And I LOVE Tyrion a lot, and Jon so so much. I guess they'll die soon. OMG. I'm so not handling all the deeeaths. And the size of teh world?! I JUST LOVE HOW IT KEEPS GETTING BIGGER AND BIGGER. And while I felt A Clash of Kings was totally just rabbiting along, I think A Storm of Swords NEVER let the tension slide. Perfection.

Okay. I need to go, eh, drown myself in chocolate or something and then start bk 4 straight away. ...more

5

Jul 21, 2010

My favourite book of the series so far! I will not ruin it for anybody, but this book turned me into an emotional reck in the best and worse possible ways. It gave me moments were I found myself jumping round like a child who actually did get a pony for christmas, moments when I bawled like a baby and finally, moments when I was yelling my head off, threatening to never read another page and swearing like a banshee. This series needs to form part of everyone's life - it is so unpredictable and My favourite book of the series so far! I will not ruin it for anybody, but this book turned me into an emotional reck in the best and worse possible ways. It gave me moments were I found myself jumping round like a child who actually did get a pony for christmas, moments when I bawled like a baby and finally, moments when I was yelling my head off, threatening to never read another page and swearing like a banshee. This series needs to form part of everyone's life - it is so unpredictable and engrossing that it has to be up there with the greats. ...more

5

Feb 20, 2014

I have slowly been making my way through the Song of Ice and Fire series and this has been my favourite of what I have read so far. In case you are wondering I have watched all of the TV show so I do know what is going to happen in the books before I read them but this doesn’t really bother me. I won’t go into detail about the plot of this book as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone but I would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet picked up the series. All of my favourites characters I have slowly been making my way through the Song of Ice and Fire series and this has been my favourite of what I have read so far. In case you are wondering I have watched all of the TV show so I do know what is going to happen in the books before I read them but this doesn’t really bother me. I won’t go into detail about the plot of this book as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone but I would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet picked up the series. All of my favourites characters were doing awesome things in this book and I simply loved it! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ...more

5

Apr 18, 2012

AT LAST I SEE THE LIGHT!

Allow me to finally applaud you, George R.R. Martin without apprehension or dissatisfaction, without a hint of weariness or disappointment. Allow me to finally pass beyond the "I want to love it, but I don't" into "I was swept away by fire and ice and I ascend now as a different woman".

My favourite things about this book:
1) Jon Snow's every move (the light of my heart)
2) Jaime's journey to discover morals, honor and true love

Now, I can't tell you what it was about this AT LAST I SEE THE LIGHT!

Allow me to finally applaud you, George R.R. Martin without apprehension or dissatisfaction, without a hint of weariness or disappointment. Allow me to finally pass beyond the "I want to love it, but I don't" into "I was swept away by fire and ice and I ascend now as a different woman".

My favourite things about this book:
1) Jon Snow's every move (the light of my heart)
2) Jaime's journey to discover morals, honor and true love

Now, I can't tell you what it was about this installment that finally did it. I have absolutely no clue why I have found the past three books so tedious to get through while this one passed by as easy as breathing.

That most of the current plot lines culminated, crashed and made way for new ones was definitely a major influence. A Game of Thrones would have been brilliant if I hadn't watched the show first, but it suffered a bit from too many character introductions and too little happening. A Clash of Kings was chaos and confusion and a shitload of pain. A Storm of Swords pt. 1 was no better, but with nothing happening for the first 300 pages and some of the chaos bleeding through from ACoK it wasn't exactly thrilling, it was mostly just a mess of characters and plots and whatnot.

This, however, this is the book I've been waiting for. This is the reason I persisted and struggled through the others.

This is where I finally come face to face with the greatness that you've all been babbling about, but that I had yet to see.

This is in many ways the conclusion to the events that followed the execution of Ned Stark, which makes it a more pleasant read, because instead of throwing us more plotlines again and again and again, it actually explains some of it. It doesn't whirl the characters about, and throws them into rocks with sand in their eyes, it manages to ground them a bit instead.

(When I say "pleasant" I, of course, don't mean to imply it will not cause you emotional pain and take a few stabs at your soul.)

Still, those who have to die, die (and there aren't exactly few), those who don't, grieve and survive. And through it they all seem to find their feet a little better in this new world, even with the scales shifting and the balance thrown. They've gone from being lost creatures to having some resemblance of purpose - and just like the characters, the story has also grown and matured.

I still don't give much of a damn about Dany - and a few of the other characters, shh -, she's a great character and all, but until I am told what purpose she serves for the story, I'm gonna continue not giving a damn. I can't help it, she's over there, everyone else is over here and I won't care until her dragons are huge and can carry her across the sea.

Let's see if this experience will repeat itself with the next books or if I have to wait three books again. Oh well, if I have to, I will. ...more

5

Apr 06, 2017

I think part 2 is a lot better than part 1. I absolutely love this book. Alhamdulillah.

There is an enormous twist in this book.

This book is one of my favourite. Alhamdulillah.

5

Apr 13, 2016

Seven hells...what did I just read?

A Storm of Swords or as I call it the wedding book is by far the best book in the series ASOIAF!
Long yes, but for those of you who have watched or heard about the series this book describes the events we have watched both in season 3 and 4 ! Though, I have to say I have read about things they never showed us in the series(YET?) and I'm not talking about about small details, I'm talking about major stuff...Well I can't say anymore without spoiling something..But Seven hells...what did I just read?????????

A Storm of Swords or as I call it the wedding book is by far the best book in the series ASOIAF!
Long yes, but for those of you who have watched or heard about the series this book describes the events we have watched both in season 3 and 4 ! Though, I have to say I have read about things they never showed us in the series(YET?) and I'm not talking about about small details, I'm talking about major stuff...Well I can't say anymore without spoiling something..But the epilogue left me speechless!

I couldn't find the full edition of the 3rd book so I bought part 1 and part 2. Due to their length it felt like reading 2 books so it was pretty obvious to me that the first part (abt 600 pages) was not so action-packed as I expected, so I gave it 4 stars. But boy, the second part was like 10 stars!
Like I said there are a lot of weddings described in this book and I personally hate weddings but these were really something! Master Martin makes sure you will cry, laugh, even bite your nails while reading this book. I think I have said that before, but I really love the fact that each chapter is told through a different character each time so we get a deeper insight into our beloved heroes while viewing the events from their perspective! Jaime appears to be a major character now, there's a lot being narrated from his point of view, but if I am not mistaken this is Arya's book! Her journey becomes even more treacherous and difficult and strangely enough it seems that most of the events revolve around her. I best liked Tyrion, Bran and Jaime-Brienne chapters!

I really don't know what else to say!!! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!

Fantasy lovers enjoy!!! ...more

4

Jun 24, 2017

DAMN GOOD!! Nothing is predictable, no main character is safe. Starks bled heavily. Lannisters bled. Winter is coming for everyone. Valar morghulis.

5

May 26, 2010

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Possibly the most devastating, awesome, exciting and surprising instalment yet, and I'm starting to get a sneaking suspicion that the real story is only just starting...

If you'd told me during the first book that by this point I would be pinning all of my hopes on The Hound and Jaime freaking Lannister, of all people, I'd have thought you were certifiable. But that would appear to be where we are at the moment, with Jaime in particular evolving into being one of the more interesting characters.

Possibly the most devastating, awesome, exciting and surprising instalment yet, and I'm starting to get a sneaking suspicion that the real story is only just starting...

If you'd told me during the first book that by this point I would be pinning all of my hopes on The Hound and Jaime freaking Lannister, of all people, I'd have thought you were certifiable. But that would appear to be where we are at the moment, with Jaime in particular evolving into being one of the more interesting characters.

Containing a ton of gruesome deaths it's now quite clear that absolutely no character is safe in this story, and I'm really enjoying being taken along on the remaining characters stories. I can only begin to imagine what may happen now with Arya possibly on her way to a reunion with Jaqen, Jon commanding the Wall and Tyrion having, awesomely, killed Tywin Lannister. Can't wait to find out... ...more

5

Mar 12, 2015

Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was SO not prepared for any of this. This installment is by far my favourite so far!

5

Jan 12, 2015

"Always keep your foes confused. If they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next." This book is pure genius. It made me wince in pain when a few of my favourite characters were murdered. It made me dizzy with joy when my most despised and hated character was murdered. And it made me feel all the little things in between during the whole span of A Storm of Swords. "Weddings have become more perilous than battles, it would seem." I loved the "Always keep your foes confused. If they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next." This book is pure genius. It made me wince in pain when a few of my favourite characters were murdered. It made me dizzy with joy when my most despised and hated character was murdered. And it made me feel all the little things in between during the whole span of A Storm of Swords. "Weddings have become more perilous than battles, it would seem." I loved the way A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold surprised me. I never expected people to die in the manner they did. I love the fact that even though so many people die it still hurts. George R.R. Martin makes me feel too many feels while reading. One moment I think the characters are safe and the tone is light and happy, and the next moment: everybody is dead.
All men must die.

One thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the character development! I learned a lot about the characters' backstories, intentions and true feelings. I started liking Jaime more and more as I continued reading. And Sandor Clegane as well. "which is more dangerous, the dagger brandished by an enemy, or the hidden one pressed to your back by someone you never even see?" I love the way treachery is portrayed in the book. The reader is shown the intricate and delicate ways people can play the Game of Thrones. In A Storm of Swords I got a better insight on the way people try to manipulate and control each other to win the Game of Thrones. "Smoke, sweat, and shit. King's Landing, in short. If you have a good nose you can smell the treachery too."
A Song of Ice and Fire (Book Reviews)
1. A Game of Thrones: 5 Great First Stars
2. A Clash of Kings: 5 Royal Stars
3.1 A Storm of Swords Pt. 1: 5 Red Stars
4. A Feast for Crows: 5 Westerosi Stars ...more

5

Sep 10, 2018

Without the distraction of the TV show I’ve promised myself to finally catch up with the rest of A Song of Ice and Fire.
I really don’t know why I’ve been procrastinating so long as these books are amazing!

Even though I’m aware of the game changing elements in this volume, GrrM’s layered writing with plenty of for shadowing is just incredible.

I’m not the biggest fantasy reader but I love the characters and world he has created.
For this volume I decided to limit myself to just a couple of POV’s a Without the distraction of the TV show I’ve promised myself to finally catch up with the rest of A Song of Ice and Fire.
I really don’t know why I’ve been procrastinating so long as these books are amazing!

Even though I’m aware of the game changing elements in this volume, GrrM’s layered writing with plenty of for shadowing is just incredible.

I’m not the biggest fantasy reader but I love the characters and world he has created.
For this volume I decided to limit myself to just a couple of POV’s a night and it certainly helped.
Some character chapters that I’m usually not fussed about became far more interesting.

I’ve gotten into a nice routine every evening that I now want to instantly grab the next one off the shelf.
At this rate I might even be caught up before George releases the next book! ...more

5

Dec 15, 2016

WHAT IN THE NAME OF SEVEN BLOODY HELLS DID I JUST READ?

This book is phenomenal. Full of stabbing, gutting, betrayal and a lot. There is bloody battle everywhere. What would happen if there is a war? Just imagine.

Every character has grown a lot but how long would they live, we don’t know. Now I know why George R.R Martin is well known for the characters death. Simply can’t explain my bloody love for this book. I was disappointed with its first part, but man this book surpassed all my WHAT IN THE NAME OF SEVEN BLOODY HELLS DID I JUST READ?

This book is phenomenal. Full of stabbing, gutting, betrayal and a lot. There is bloody battle everywhere. What would happen if there is a war? Just imagine.

Every character has grown a lot but how long would they live, we don’t know. Now I know why George R.R Martin is well known for the characters death. Simply can’t explain my bloody love for this book. I was disappointed with its first part, but man this book surpassed all my expectations and raised my hope for the next book, the size of the wall. I’m pleased to say that this book is the best book(part) so far. Every page will suck you right into it. The secrets revealed, the broken trust and backstabbing, you will feel everything in your gut. You couldn’t guess a single bloody thing, your guess will always go into a poof. When you thought that something bad is going to happen, the worst will happen.

There was not a single soul in this book considered to be happy. They were tested, tortured and were broken brutally. But still, they stood. I will not entrust myself to live in the Westeros. I wouldn’t even last a single bloody day. This book is BRUTAL , from The Red Wedding to the last bloody line. Everything captivated me. This is what I want from a book. And now I’m already in search for other similar stories, so that once I finished this series I’ll know where to go.

Everything was planned brilliantly, we should definitely appreciate the mastermind behind the masterpiece.

I want one thing. Just a single damn thing. Is it so wrong to ask? I just want the reunion of Starks. The family doesn’t need the throne and yet they were thrown into the Hunger Games.

Characters:

Robb: I don’t think he had my attention. But I know how honorable he was as his father. He is naturally a King. But if ONLY his heart wasn’t blinded by the beauty, surely the worse wouldn’t have happened. And I really want to admit this: I see Ned through him.

Sansa: I always get irritated at her from the start. But this book made me pity her. I feel so sorry for her. I hope she will do something at least for her family name. Wolves. What I really wished is that (view spoiler)[Joffrey could’ve been killed by Sansa. (hide spoiler)]

Bran: Not so much happened with him. But I really wished he could’ve met Jon in person at least once. He is a poor child, but trying to be brave for the prince sake. He is trying so hard. *sobbing*

Jon: I was disappointed with him. Because he had Ygritte. I thought at least he has the honor when he said his vows. I can understand why he did that. It has to be done. However, my heart couldn’t accept it. What if he was a bastard? Was every bastard treacherous? It’s so bad when they accused him of being turn cloak.

Arya: OMG! She was captured by someone every single time. She is brave. Fear cuts deeper than the sword. And I love every time when she said names before sleeping.

Jaime: My hatred feelings towards him completely took a 360-degree turn. I love him. I shouldn’t have shipped him with Cersei. Yeah, I know. Fool’s play. I realized the mistake when Jaime was back at King’s Landing. He respected Brienne. That’s the thing everyone wants from a man. He hated the wench and yet respected her courage and stood with her. I was amused by his wits.

Cersei: I HATE HER BLOODY GUTS. No more words.

Tyrion: How he hate her sweet sister! For that alone, I love him more. Everyone thinks so low of him. I wonder what he would do if he came face to face with the one who framed him.

Last but not least.

Dany: I LOVE HER. She is fierce but easily broken. Blindly trusting everyone. She was gathering her own bloody army with her three dragons. That scores everything. I’m waiting for Dany to come to Westeros. It would be stunning. God, can’t wait. I was scoffing when some people believed that a single dragon could win the bloody war. Dude, wait and watch. Dany was coming with her THREE dragons. She will win the throne. I’m rooting for her.

AMAZING READ!
...more

5

Jun 06, 2017

Review to be updated.
Thousands of stars for this book
I can say that A Storm of Swords is the best book in the series so far !
I loved the second part way more because of the things that happened in it, a lot of deaths and actions that I can't lie but love and get angry.

What happened in this book is actually two seasons from the TV show.

This was a brilliant read, I'm so happy about this book like ; I get so happy when I read a masterpiece just like this one.

I can't wait to finish the books Review to be updated.
Thousands of stars for this book
I can say that A Storm of Swords is the best book in the series so far !
I loved the second part way more because of the things that happened in it, a lot of deaths and actions that I can't lie but love and get angry.

What happened in this book is actually two seasons from the TV show.

This was a brilliant read, I'm so happy about this book like ; I get so happy when I read a masterpiece just like this one.

I can't wait to finish the books and excited for the 6th book ❤️❤️

Booklovers, you should read this series if you're so fond of fantasy stories. Even if you watched the TV show just like me, you should give it a try. ...more

5

Sep 12, 2018

"A day will come when you think you are safe and happy, and your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth. And you will know the debt is paid."

This volume is the second part of the third hymn of A Song of Ice and Fire and it is definitely the most powerful and page-turning part, by far. Full of fire and blood and really amazing character development. Unlike the first three volumes, I never felt bored or annoyed in any POV chapters. Of course I loved some more than others, but I can't deny that all "A day will come when you think you are safe and happy, and your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth. And you will know the debt is paid."

This volume is the second part of the third hymn of A Song of Ice and Fire and it is definitely the most powerful and page-turning part, by far. Full of fire and blood and really amazing character development. Unlike the first three volumes, I never felt bored or annoyed in any POV chapters. Of course I loved some more than others, but I can't deny that all were better than they've ever been, except for Arya.

And who, are you, the proud lord said
that I must bow so low.

The events start in both sides of the Seven Kingdoms with preparations of two weddings. In King's Landing, the Lannisters and the Tyrells prepare for the marriage of King Joffrey with Margaery Tyrell. The guests arrive from everywhere in the Seven Kingdoms, among them Prince Oberyn Martell, Prince of Dorne with his paramour to attend the royal wedding. While in the North, Robb Stark, Catelyn Stark and Edmure Tully are on their way to reach Lord Walder Frey and attend Edmure's wedding at the Twins. Both weddings end tragically with very strong plot-twists - not to me, unfortunately - that really did change the cords of the Game.

Only a cat with a different coat,
that's all the truth I know.

A Lannister always pays his debts. You'll be certain of this most of all all. Jaime, after finally preparing to return to King's Landing with one hand, says farewell to Brienne and departs. Then realizes he left something behind and get back to save Brienne. That chapter was really interesting. At King's Landing, they did not know him at first. They still call him “Kingslayer” and “Oathbreaker”. However, he returns to the Kingsguard, where no one sees him as an icon of honor. He also notices his weakness in using swords because his sword hand was cut, and he was not as good in using the left. Jaime’s chapters in this volume were not as rich as they were in Book Three: Steel and Snow. You can say this is when the things are settled for him. I really admired his relationship with Tyrion, how he loves him and stand against his sister and lover when it comes to his brother.

Lord Tywin Lannister is still oppressing Tyrion and treating him badly as ever. But this book really takes his malicious hatred to a next level. Tyrion is now married to Sansa and commanded by his father to have her with child, in order to take the North should Robb Stark die, but of course he did not want to hurt her because she’s just a child. For the first time I see that Tyrion really loves Shae, and I used to think he is a fool. But the past is so terrible, and his father’s hatred to him is the reason behind all that, behind his love for whores. The trial of course is probably the best speech of Tyrion’s in all the entire series, when he confesses his guilt of being a dwarf.

In a coat of gold, or coat of red,
A lion still has claws.

After Beric Dondarrion fought the Hound and died, then resurrected, he believed that he is not guilty, took his gold and let him go. Arya considered him a traitor who cares about nothing but gold, and escaped. The Hound found her and decided to make use of her. Arya Stark's chapters in both volumes of A Storm of Swords are action-less compared to her fabulous adventures with Needle and Syrio Forell in A Game of Thrones or in Harrenhall with Jaqen H'ghar in A Clash of Kings. Yet her adventures with the Hound in this volume were so satisfying.

Sansa - I don’t want to talk much about her because the interesting part is full of spoilers. She just has the intention to escape with Ser Dontos in Joffrey’s royal wedding with Margaery Tyrell while everybody is distracted.

For the first time since I started reading books, I cried. Reading Catelyn’s last chapter made me feel really depressed although I knew what’ll happen. She is so strong and wretched and can do anything for the sake of her children.

And mine are long and sharp, my lord,
as long and sharp as yours.

Across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys reaches the city of Yunka'i and declares war on them, after her cunning trick in Astapor and her gaining the Unsulied army. They call her Mhysa now, Mother, Mother of Dragons. But that was not the part I liked, nor that one of Daario Naharis. In Khaleesi's POV chapters, I liked the part when she discovers two traitors in her company, one of them was one of her most trusted and faithful knights and how she deals with them.

And so he spoke, and so he spoke,
that lord of Castamere.
And now the rains weep o’er his halls,
And no one there to hear.

Jon Snow returns almost safe to the Night Watch. He tells them about his hardships and his dangerous adventures with the wildlings and the King Beyond the Wall. Some accuse him of being a traitor and a turnclock, some call him “Oathbreaker” and very few believe him. Jon Snow is not aware of the fate that awaits him, the King that awaits.

One of my new favorite chapters were Samwell Tarly’s who I used to hate him in Steel and Snow, but this volume has definitely a very strong character development for him.

Yes now the rains weep o’er his halls,
And not a soul to hear. ...more

5

Sep 23, 2011

Rating: 5/5

This book was absolutely amazing. Granted it's the second part of book 3 so it was expected to have more action and shocking moments than the first part. So many deaths, so many twists and turns, so many freaky and unexpected things. I loved this. I've also watched the third season along side reading this. This one moves the story even further ahead, I am guessing midway through the 4th season for some characters. I really want to see what will happen next, but I don't know when I'll Rating: 5/5

This book was absolutely amazing. Granted it's the second part of book 3 so it was expected to have more action and shocking moments than the first part. So many deaths, so many twists and turns, so many freaky and unexpected things. I loved this. I've also watched the third season along side reading this. This one moves the story even further ahead, I am guessing midway through the 4th season for some characters. I really want to see what will happen next, but I don't know when I'll pick up the next. It takes forever to read this series. ...more

5

Jun 21, 2017

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. "Only when he grasped the offered hand did he realize that the rider wore no glove. His hand was black and cold, with fingers hard as stone" (page 82) - Samwell chapter ending

"'I'm SAM,' the black thing sobbed." (Page 207) - Bran chapter middle part

"'He sucks harder than mine.' Gilly strocked the babe's head as she held him to her nipple." (Page 490) - Samwell chapter beginning

So what I want to tell you with those quotes:
Where is the storyline?
Sometimes I feel like GRRM is missing the plot. "Only when he grasped the offered hand did he realize that the rider wore no glove. His hand was black and cold, with fingers hard as stone" (page 82) - Samwell chapter ending

"'I'm SAM,' the black thing sobbed." (Page 207) - Bran chapter middle part

"'He sucks harder than mine.' Gilly strocked the babe's head as she held him to her nipple." (Page 490) - Samwell chapter beginning

So what I want to tell you with those quotes:
Where is the storyline?
Sometimes I feel like GRRM is missing the plot. There are over 400 pages between Samwells own chapters. So who the heck was that person? It's not explained at all! He was mentioned shortly between those chapters when he met Bran. But still, who's that guy on the horse?

Nevertheless I have to say that the second part of a storm of swords was better than the first one. It's catchier and with more action.

...more

5

Nov 04, 2014

It has taken a while, but Martin's world is finally in its maturity. All of the seeds he has planted in the first two books have grown into cut-throat plots and killer conclusions. Martin's writing style is still dry, but the trials he puts his characters through made me forget that A Storm of Swords isn't perfect. This is the first volume of the Song of Ice and Fire series that I managed to read in little over two weeks - usually these take me at least a few months. My favourite book in the It has taken a while, but Martin's world is finally in its maturity. All of the seeds he has planted in the first two books have grown into cut-throat plots and killer conclusions. Martin's writing style is still dry, but the trials he puts his characters through made me forget that A Storm of Swords isn't perfect. This is the first volume of the Song of Ice and Fire series that I managed to read in little over two weeks - usually these take me at least a few months. My favourite book in the series so far. ...more

5

Sep 10, 2019

It seems like everything went wrong for everyone in this epic conclusion of A Storm of Swords; The Lannisters 'won' the war but still, they suffered from maiming, deaths, and betrayals.

I absolutely enjoyed this one as I had the previous installments. It seemed to me as if the writing got better, which is weird because the writing has been consistently great throughout. Maybe I am just enjoying the series more and more with each volume?

Once more, I do not find Jon's chapters as riveting as the It seems like everything went wrong for everyone in this epic conclusion of A Storm of Swords; The Lannisters 'won' the war but still, they suffered from maiming, deaths, and betrayals.

I absolutely enjoyed this one as I had the previous installments. It seemed to me as if the writing got better, which is weird because the writing has been consistently great throughout. Maybe I am just enjoying the series more and more with each volume?

Once more, I do not find Jon's chapters as riveting as the others but I am thankful he is not in the snow most of the time but is actually in Westeros.

I enjoyed Jamie's chapters, love Brienne and of course, Arya is my favorite. I still hate Sansa but I enjoyed her chapters. Dany's chapters were few but each time it was her turn to be presented to the reader I got sooooo excited. I love the woman she has become!

I am such a huge Martin fan!! Already on A Feast of Crows. ...more