R.R. Martin not a newcomer
599057
I read the first story in its original publication in Astonishing and never forgot it. Now this marvelous collection is offered. I enjoyed greatly.
2392542
A Clash of Kings is not my favorite book in the Ice and Fire saga, in fact besides A Feast for Crows it is the weakest book in the series, even still I was excited about this season of Game of Thrones. The first season had its problems, namely it had a hard time keeping tension and intrigue like the book did, but it succeeded greatly for the most part. So now season 2, and I am happy to say I was not disappointed. Season 2 took some initiative and decided to stray away from the books a bit. This worked for it splendidly at some parts and hurt it at others. The story of Tyrion, Cersei, Joffrey, and Sansa all benefited from the changes. It stayed loyal to the books overall, but the small changes really made them stand out. Theon Greyjoy was also a great character this season and season 2 really made his story work out. Characters like Jon Snow and Arya Stark, however, were more of a mixed package. The problem with Jon Snow is not the writing, it was the performances. Kit Harrington is a terrible Jon and really has a lifeless performance the entire way through. I was constantly bored by his travels through the North and was all the more disappointed that they cut some of the amazing chase scenes in the end of the book for some forced Ygritte/Jon shipping. Arya's story in season 2 was exciting, and I was never bored for a moment during her time on screen, however, much of the character development she had during book 2 was not present here. Clash of Kings was all about Arya losing her identity, and season 2 did not show that in any way. Also there were a few cheesy chase scenes that were unneeded. The biggest disappointed for season 2 was Daenerys. Her entire plot was rushed and convoluted. I knew that they would have to stray from the books with her (she has like 4 POVs)but her entire plot was laughable. We got no developments for the politics of Quarth and I didn't know why I should care with what was happening on screen. Worst of all, Dany turned into a one dimensional little bitch. Despite these grievances, season 2 worked out. I was happy how they portrayed their new characters (Stannis, Davos, and Melisandre) and Margaery Tyrell was a gem on screen. Overall I would give this season a 4/5. Here is hoping they succeed with season 3.
224968
It should be noted that this is the first and only Wheel of Time book I have read (as of this writing), and so this review only concerns the first entry in the series.

With that in mind, I found this read to be mostly enjoyable, with some criticisms that kept it from being flawless. As a casual fan of the fantasy genre, I went in knowing that Jordan's series makes no promises of revolutionizing the genre; this is a traditional, "tolkienesque" fantasy novel through and through. It makes no attempts to undermine the conventions set by the "Master," and likewise tells a fairly typical hero's journey. This is not a criticism, but rather an important note to consider before reading. If you are expecting a mature, 'realistic' take on the genre a la Martin's epic "'Ice and Fire" series, you will be disappointed. If, however, you desire to read a traditional high fantasy book with familiar themes and well written action, suspense, and character development, you are in for a treat.

While at times dubiously similar to Tolkien's world and plot trajectory (Emond's Field being an analogue for The Shire, and The Blight standing in for Mordor), "The Eye of the World" eventually comes into its own, and offers an atmosphere that is decidedly Jordan's creation. As they say, "the devil is in the details," and it is here that Jordan truly shines as a writer. Cultures, environments, clothing, and weapons are all described in extensive detail, and as other readers have pointed out, Jordan spends a lot more time than Tolkien when describing the daily lives of even minor characters. Still, it is important to note that Jordan's world, while superficially similar to Tolkien's, takes place during a much different time in the world's history. Whereas Tolkien's Middle Earth felt ancient and, to an extent, decayed, with a lost sense of glory, Jordan's realm is younger and more vibrant, with bustling cities and flourishing civilizations. Jordan's writing is nowhere near as lyrical as Tolkien's, but it is succinct and well crafted.

Despite its length, The Eye of the World is a (mostly) fast read. There were, however, moments in the last half which became repetitive, and where the plot slowed to a crawl. The uneven pacing is this work's most grievous fault, and admittedly I found it hard to stay interested during these sections. I recommend that readers who find these brief sections difficult to bear to pull through, for the pace and the quality of the writing picks up considerably in the last quarter. Also, while most of characters were well developed with distinctive personas, I felt that Rand, the main character, was painfully drab for much of the story. I respect that as the main hero, he is supposed to be the neutral character, and thus our lens into Jordan's world, but his character still felt too artificial and monotonous for much of the book. That being said, he does eventually become much more interesting, and it could be said that to his credit, he at least keeps interesting company.

Despite its faults, "The Eye of the World" is a great read for those inclined. Young readers should especially find this to be a compelling read, even if they have already read Tolkien's work. Older readers, however, should take this book for what it is, and judge it on those merits. Recommended for both experienced and inexperienced fans of high fantasy.
2193182
I don't know if I enjoyed this book because I disliked `A Feast for Crows' so immensely, or because it was actually decent. Or perhaps it is neither. I was able to enjoy this book for what it was because I read `A Cavil on Chronology', a brief from Martin in the beginning of the book that says there will be another to follow. With this knowledge I did not expect any resolution - I was just along for the ride.

That being said, Martin is long-winded. If you're going to read the series, it just comes with the territory. Accepting this, I still can't get past the feeling that he wastes a lot of the reader's time with chapters that ultimately prove to be unimportant (which is why I found myself skimming over a good bit of AFFC). But hey, if you're writing a money-making series, wouldn't you want to drag out the story over as many books as possible? Guess he learned a thing or two from Robert Jordan.

Some of the character's conflicts, however, simply don't make sense. For example, when Stannis offers Jon Snow a lordship at Winterfell, Jon struggles with the decision. Even after he declines the offer, he laments what could have been. What I don't get is how Jon ever believed Stannis had the power and authority to offer such a prize, when he was fully aware of how few in the realm supported Stannis' cause. On the subject of power and support, how could the people of the iron islands be so delusional as to think they had any chance of conquering and ruling Westeros? I mean, what the hell? And what's with Tyrion? In the first three books we come to know him as a sharp, witty, and ultimately honorable man. Then suddenly he is a kinslayer who wants to murder a few other relatives and is riddled with wretched thoughts. It's like he turned into Cersei.

It was nice to get back in touch with some characters, and there was at least a mention of Rickon, who seemed to have fallen off the face of planet. I found myself wondering, `What's the main idea of this series?' The answer seems to be: Rule Westeros (though with the way things are going, it won't be much of a prize when all is said and done). The first book endears us to the Starks, so we're going to root for them, right? Yet their position in the kingdom, as it stands now, is tenuous at best. Has Daenerys become the character we are now supposed to hope `wins'? At this point, I'm not sure what outcome I'm supposed to be hoping for based on how Martin has set up and developed the story. And that's one of my big problems with him as a writer, at least with regard to `A Song of Ice and Fire'.

The series is interesting enough to keep me reading, though if we have another volume like AFFC I'll be pretty wroth. I acknowledge why he broke up the last two books the way he did, but I'm not sure it was the best story-telling strategy. Also, if you have to explain the screwed up timeline before a reader dives in, then perhaps you might want to re-think things. Plus it would move the story along more seamlessly if we didn't have to keep jumping back and forth in time, and we wouldn't have to wait as long to see what our favorite characters are up to. There's no telling how he will choose to divvy up the story lines in the next book, but here's hoping it is a more blended effort.(less) [edit]
1646383
Just finished the book, and while Martin is not a bad writer by any means, this simply lacks the narrative drive of the other books in the series.

Violence is certainly toned down in this tome, and the biggest battles happen off-screen, but that's not the problem as political machinations have always been a big lure to Martin's books. We're given chapter after chapter of brooding characters who are essentially acting the same way in the same situations from chapter to chapter. It seemed I was halfway through the book before any of the characters had goals and started to move. Thank God for Brienne, the only character who consistantly had new situations to adapt and overcome (or not). For the most part, though, Martin chooses to focus on trivial character and atmospheric details that do little to give the book any purpose.

The redeeming quality is that the book wraps up as a classic Martin novel. We see a resurgence of the Byzantine maneuvering, and the series is well-positioned for an epic conclusion - after the next book comes out, anyway.
4368504
When Robert Jordan decided to go backward and write a prequel when he wasn't anywhere near the end of the Wheel of Time, I was ticked. I mean, who wants to read a prequel to an unfinished series? Right? Wrong. My children bought me the prequel - New Spring - for Christmas and I made all the appropriate 'Wow' and 'I'm pleased and Surprised' reaction expected of me. In truth, I'd rather have had the cash and I stuck the great, too-late prequel in a bookshelf and promptly forgot it. A couple of years later I was going through my books, hoping to find something I hadn't read,  when I came upon New Spring again. As Robert Jordan had only written up to the 10th or 11th 'Wheel of Time' novel by then, I decided I might as well read the prequel to a favorite series I was beginning to think would never end. I really didn't expect much. Boy, was I wrong!

Robert Jordan's prequel to his Wheel of Time story line was great! 'New Spring' opens with the Warder-to-Be 'Lan' facing off against the 'barbarian' Aiel in their invasion of the 'civilized' lands. The story goes on to develop not only Lan's character and motives, but those on f the two Aes Sedai Moraine and Siuan Sanche when they were only novices. All three of these characters prove to be extremely important in a the next 14 novels of the series. Each is driven to excel as quickly as they can and each will. If you enjoyed any of the Wheel of Time stories, I highly recommend you read the prequel, New Spring. It can be read as part of a the Wheel Of Time series or as a stand alone novel. I leave that choice to you.
2976603
Katherine Kerr's Deverry series is one of the most innovative fantasy series I have read. It can be difficult to follow at first since the characters change identities and jump backwards and forwards in time as they live their various incarnations. People can redeem themselves in this world by not repeating past mistakes. Some of those mistakes are terrible. As some reviewers have stated, there is incest in the beginning. There is violence towards women. These are mistakes the characters later try to rectify, to become better people, to not continue to make these mistakes. It is disheartening (and as a woman frustrating) to see this portrayal. However, the author writes strong females. Unlike George R R Martin (whose ASOIAF/Game of Thrones series I love) she does not continue to perpetuate the violence.

So if you were put off by negative reviews that mentioned the first bit of the book, please give it a try. (You can probably find it in a library if you don't want to risk your money. However, the series is engrossing. I highly recommend the purchase.)
2714296
Remember how Robert Jordan went from writing exciting books for the first 3-5 books of The Wheel of Time series? Then it was aimless, and boring, and each page was filled with a hundred names you couldn't remember and didn't need to as it turned out? This book has the feel of Jordan's plummet into irrelevance, including too many names of nobody characters and no action whatsoever. However, it is a great book when compared to what else is out there. Martin is the man now. Only Patrick Rothfuss and his "The Name of the Wind" are even close. So this gets 5 stars anyway. Book Five is supposed to get the story back on track, so I'll preorder it.

And hey, you reviewers who write a book yourselves when writing a review? If you can't say it in a few sentences, give it up. It's why you're a failed author, ya know?
2548965
George R.R. Martin faces a bold new challenge thus far in the series: that of keeping his sprawling story from crushing under its own mass.  It takes Martin the first hundred pages of A Storm of Swords just to bring us up to speed on his characters, the lives of all of who have been shattered by the ravages of war.

The reader is given no fewer than ten story threads to follow, which can be cumbersome when switching between characters.  Depending on who your favorite characters are, readers can become nitpicky about certain chapters.  Im sure that Martin must have become tired over trying to balance all of the characters at a certain point, specifically keeping in mind that some readers prefer certain characters to others.  However, with that being said, you should give the author the benefit of the doubt, and just trust his judgment in regards to who should get the most chapters.  It all works out in the end.

Whereas some other fantasy novels are long, but shallow, Martin goes through painstakingly detailed story arches, characters and world building, to develop his novel into one of the best books in recent memory.  The reason that Martin is the biggest name in fantasy right now, is that his characters, and plots are multifaceted.  His characters are all powerfully conflicted individuals who actions, although troubling at times, are motivated by things we can all relate to: love, honor, justice, etc.

What separates Martin from everyone else in the genre, including Tolkein, is that he likes to focus his characters right in the heart of darkness.  If the ending of A Game of Thrones surprised you and got your blood pumping  throwing all of the good will triumph evil themes that fantasy fans have gotten used to  A Storm of Swords has scenes that will likely leave some readers in a catatonic shock.

In this saga, nothing is what it seems, including some of the most hated enemies of the novel.  Indeed, you might well wonder how the series will continue to out due its predecessors, and who will be left alive when the dust settles.  It is in this manner that Martin strips the fantasy genre of its usual nave romanticisms of good overcoming evil.  Nothing is fair in life, especially when life consists of living in the perilous realm of Westeros.  Loyalties mean nothing, and true love only consists within songs and dreams.

You might sit back and think that Martin is a pretty damn cynical man, and perhaps you are right.  Sometimes reading this book felt like it was just too much to take in.  The series without a doubt becomes taxing, specifically with the addition of this book.

If you are interested in any of the usual fantasy tropes, this series is definitely not for you, especially this book.

Five Stars
4769744
This is the first season where the HBO writers were not working from a Martin book.
They did themselves proud.
459891
I'd like to start with this: I'm not a fan of novellas, or short novels. Why? Because books of such short lengths tend to skimp on important things, one of them either being world-building, or character development. This results in either a world that doesn't grab you or characters that fall flat. Sometimes however, novellas can surprise you.

I won't say that The Queen's Reflection was a great book, because being honest, it wasn't. The characters weren't developed enough for me to care about them, or the hardships they encountered, the world was rather generic apart from the mentions of dragons, magic and possible war, and this combination made for a rather underwhelming read. That said, I'll probably be looking to get the sequel(s), since I feel that a good foundation was set to be built on. Though, with that said, I'm not sure I can look at this book as anything more than just that: setup.
4161172
The plot involves a some-what famous author having a huge blow out with his only child, his daughter, and in the aftermath of said blow out, She starts sending him portraits of characters from his books. There is of course much more to the plot then I have made it out to be but I want to avoid spoilers.

It's so different from the other books/short stories that George R.R. Martin has put out and I really like that. I love when an author goes out of their element and completely nails it. While Thrones fans maybe a bit put off considering how different it is from the Song of Ice and Fire series, I would still highly recommend it. It's a fantastic short story.
1497100
a tame version of GOT, but an excellent read!
4625123
It was not my favorite Charles Martin book, but it was okay. Didn't seem to have the depth I've come to associate with his work. Also, the characters were a little too fantastical for me. Just my opinion, however. Others might enjoy it more than I did.
4415375
To write a continuation for Storm of Swords isn't easy, because it is an astonishing book.
But George Martin made it with honors.
Although I didn't like the idea of splitting the stories in two books, I liked that George Martin didn't include new points of view.
And Cersey's cliffhanger was fantastic.
4862373
Just recently finished this book and found this to not be as good as the others in the series. The pacing of this Crows is much slower but still has a few high tension chapters. This book continues the stories of the ruling families of Westeros but the focus this time is primarily around Oldtowne, King's Landing, Braavos, and the Vale. We see a brief bit with Jon Snow but none of Dany or Tyrion, but then again, this book was much longer but cut into two books by the author.

Again Mr. Martin is able to continue to craft a story where everyone gets punished and shaped by the strife and conflict. Pain and punishment is a central theme throughout his books, but this leads to hope with certain characters and justice for others. The most attractive part of his works centers around the different characters and how they are going to fit into the whole picture. Mr. Martin is able to obscure his direction, yet leave little tantalizing clues. Is the Hound really dead? Who will be the three heads of the dragon? Who were Jon Snow's parents? All these things are finely woven into a beautifully crafted story that you hate to take the journey through because it is fraught with suffering, but cannot deny for the climax may be worth that trip.

If you haven't read anything else by Martin, don't get this.  But if you read the first three books, you are going to buy this book without looking at any of the reviews.
3593615
Great story cycles usually come in threes ("The Lord of the Rings," "Griffin and Sabine," "The Hunger Games"). I wish George R. R. Martin, the author of "A Song of Ice and Fire" series, had confined himself to a trilogy, too. Okay, maybe five books, at the most.

Instead, I'm afraid this series which started out so well is going to turn into one of those interminable, overly-ambitious epics that collapse into a big, sprawling mess before finally limping to a conclusion. (Remember the "Earth's Children" series by Jean Auel?) At this rate, the successful HBO TV series based on these books is going to overtake the author and his fans will start to lose interest.

I tore through the first three books of this series ("A Game of Thrones," "A Clash of Kings," and "A Storm of Swords"). Usually I'm not much of a fantasy-genre fan, but even I liked these first three books. The stories, which take place in an unspecified time period which seems medieval, chronicle the exploits of the Stark, Lannister, and Baratheon families and the other houses that follow them during their battles over who will rule the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. In a separate storyline set on another continent, there's also an exiled princess who hopes to come back and reclaim Westeros. There's just enough dragons, magic and sorcery to qualify the stories as fantasy, yet they are also realistic enough to be totally believable. There's also lots of violence, brutality and sex in them, so be forewarned if you're squeamish about those things.

The best thing about these books is the rich and complex characterization. The dwarf Tyrion Lannister, the knight Jaime Lannister, and the Lady Catelyn Stark are some of the most complicated, morally ambiguous, yet likeable fictional characters that I've encountered in a long time.  I also liked the positive, diverse portrayal of women in this series. There are several strong female characters who use their wit and cunning to get what they want in spite of the restrictions of their societies.

However, the series starts to bog down in the fourth book, "A Feast for Crows," and gets worse in the fifth,"A Dance with Dragons." Just as we get caught up in the fates of familiar characters we've come to know and love (or hate), Martin introduces a whole slew of other characters in whom we're also supposed to make an emotional investment. (We do in some, but not most.) There's also way too much exposition that doesn't do much to move the plot forward.

Martin is certainly an imaginative and talented writer. I just hope he doesn't sacrifice cohesiveness on the altar of creativity. It also takes great discipline to know when enough is enough and wrap things up into a satisfying conclusion. The only modern writer who has been able to successfully create a series of this scale in a timely manner without losing its fan base is JK Rowling with the "Harry Potter" books. And even she almost ran out of steam by the last book.

There's supposedly two (maybe even three) more books to go in the Ice and Fire series. I sincerely hope Mr. Martin proves me wrong and finishes up this series in the way it deserves.

Note: If you're using an e-reader, it's probably better to purchase each book in this series separately instead of the entire set. You pay about the same amount separately as you would for the whole set, and I've also heard that there can be formatting problems if you download the entire set onto an e-reader.