A Dance with Dragons

Upon finishing the fifth installment of the A Song of Ice and Fire (also known as, Game of Thrones) series, I have myself anxiously awaiting for the next book, as author George R.R Martin does not fail to both entice and allure the reader into his fantasy world. Martin’s A Dance with Dragons showcases high levels of fantastical elements that goes beyond his previous works, twisting the story to focus itself more-so upon the dramatic environment, rather than on the separate characters.

After Martin’s fourth novel A Feast for Crows’ setting was dedicated to the main territory of Westeros, the fifth installment, taking place at the same time as the fourth, illustrates the events happening across the sea, into the newly constructed territory of Valyria. Introducing a vast amount of new characters, plot-lines, and fantastical elements, A Dance with Dragons progresses the series greatly, exposing new conflicts and strategies that all characters will and must undergo as they play their part in the game of thrones.

As a lot of this book seemed to develop the territory and the fantastical world much more than its characters, I found that some of the book was a bit boring—as I, personally am not the biggest fan of fantasy, and the characters are what I truly love about this entire series. However, that being said, A Dance with Dragons was still intriguing and advanced the story in extremely major ways, which some of the other books oft lacked to do. I still believe that the high point of this series was in its third installment, but I cannot imagine—especially with the occurrences given in A Dance with Dragons—how the sixth book would not be just as good, or even better than it. Fundamentally, I’m looking forward to The Winds of Winter, and the 3rd series of the HBO adaptation of Game of Thrones.

I would recommend this series to anyone really, with the obvious suggestion that perhaps it would be best to read it from the beginning.

Game of Thrones

Recently finishing the fourth novel from the acclaimed epic fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire (also known as the adapted television show Game of Thrones), it is safe to proclaim writer George R.R. Martin an exceptionally talented writer.  All four books exemplified typical fantastical elements that are immersed upon a highly dramatic set of personable characters, making it highly enjoyable and intriguing to read.

From the very first chapters of Martin’s first book, entitled A Game of Thrones, readers are immediately submerged into the shockingly twisted and erratic storylines that are presented.  Whether through dismemberment, handicapping, or even murdering a vast amount of his characters, Martin showcases the cruelties of the human race, as they struggle with both humanistic matters and fantastical elements.  These characteristics are further exposed as the books continue, shedding a brighter light upon the mysterious that are hidden within the colorfully enchanting new world.  Consequently, Martin’s characters are all showcased within a harsh, yet realistic manner; where readers become conflicted as they struggle to determine whether any of them are inherently ‘good’ at all.

Personally, I am a great fan of the series A Song of Ice and Fire as of now.  I found the books to be intriguing, surprising, infuriating, and hilarious—all of which were seen with positivity.  After reading the first novel of the series, I was immediately hooked, starting the second book (A Clash of Kings) immediately.  The second novel, however, took me quite a while to read; as it had a relaxed pace that at times was extremely difficult to get into.  However, after pushing through and starting the third novel (A Storm of Swords), I was instantaneously back aboard, finishing it in less than a months time.  The fourth book (A Feast for Crows), though better than the second, also had a steady pace that was often overbearing, however prevailed to interest me, as I was overwhelmed with pleasure by one of the characters.  Fundamentally, as a complete series A Song of Ice and Fire is exceptionally written, with great details that give insight to both its unique world and diverse characters.

I would recommend this series to anyone who loves drama and vast character development.  Although I am not usually into fantastical elements, this book proves to break beyond the genres stereotypical viewpoints, making it enjoyable for almost anyone.