I recently started reading these books (the ones the Game of Thrones TV show is now based on) and I've raced through the first three and am currently reading book four. I'm trying to slow myself down since I know after book five I'll have to sit twiddling my thumbs until Martin finishes writing the sixth book.
Has anyone else read the series? If so, did you find book four annoying or slow? I'm frustrated that he is introducing so many new characters and plot lines. He's already got, like, a million. Why add more?? That said, it hasn't stopped me from reading. I just feel a little overloaded at this point and wish he'd flesh out or finish any of the loose threads he's started in the first three books.
Aside from that criticism, I've found them to be very entertaining. I like that his characters are both good and evil. I also like seeing the same people through different narrators in the different sections. It's interesting how the same person can seem totally evil in one set of stories and like a competent strong leader in another. (I'm thinking about Sam's dad and Tywin Lannister.)
His portrayals of women seem a little off to me. I'd be angry at all the prostitutes and sexual violence if he wasn't also presenting women leaders -- although all of the "strong women" seem more flawed and cardboard than his male characters. I'm not sure he's got a handle on how to write women.
Love the political intrigue. It's like West Wing. With swords. And dragons. And those prostitutes I mentioned. OK. It's not like West Wing.
My favorite character: Tyrion....
My favorite book so far: Probably Game of Thrones (1) although I also liked the third book. Book Four is pissing me off.
Anyone else reading them? Or finished with them and ready to share an opinion?
Has anyone else read the series? If so, did you find book four annoying or slow? I'm frustrated that he is introducing so many new characters and plot lines. He's already got, like, a million. Why add more?? That said, it hasn't stopped me from reading. I just feel a little overloaded at this point and wish he'd flesh out or finish any of the loose threads he's started in the first three books.
Aside from that criticism, I've found them to be very entertaining. I like that his characters are both good and evil. I also like seeing the same people through different narrators in the different sections. It's interesting how the same person can seem totally evil in one set of stories and like a competent strong leader in another. (I'm thinking about Sam's dad and Tywin Lannister.)
His portrayals of women seem a little off to me. I'd be angry at all the prostitutes and sexual violence if he wasn't also presenting women leaders -- although all of the "strong women" seem more flawed and cardboard than his male characters. I'm not sure he's got a handle on how to write women.
Love the political intrigue. It's like West Wing. With swords. And dragons. And those prostitutes I mentioned. OK. It's not like West Wing.
My favorite character: Tyrion....
My favorite book so far: Probably Game of Thrones (1) although I also liked the third book. Book Four is pissing me off.
Anyone else reading them? Or finished with them and ready to share an opinion?
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