Publisher: Bantam (2011)

Pages: Paperback, 720 pages

Price: £10.64

Buy on Amazon UK

Reviewer rating: 

5

Pros: 

Absorbing, fast-paced, accessible, the story unfolds through the experiences of the characters in unexpected ways. The author makes you care about them all, and his narrative is exceptionally well-edited.

Cons: 

Some of the names are a mouthful and/or sound like other names.

I read the reviews. The majority quite glowing. One said "I've read 3,000 pages of your drivel! Enough!" Really? 3,000 pages? I wish I had readers that loyal!

I knew nothing of this writer, but I was so enamoured of the HBO series, that I jumped right in. Fortunately, the film production adhered very closely to the book, so there were few distractions. I read it in three sittings. He had me after the first chapter.

Tolkein's books have been one of my own strongest influences. Not directly seen in the voice of my writing, more in the nature of struggle, and the strength of characters. Now, reading Martin, I feel like I have taken the next step in genre fantasy. The writer writes his characters into modern, fully formed personalities that I recognize. I know these people, so their obstacles and confrontations may involve swords and heraldry, but they are completely accessible. It is a real talent, as is his ability to add just the exactly right amount of narrative "tell" so that you are never bogged down.

It has been such a useful vacation from my own work, I may buy the next book in the series so I don't have to go into withdrawl. I recommend it highly to anyone who enjoys a good tale.