Dream-Songs

GOLLUM

GOLLUM

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Has anyone else got or read GRRM's Dream-Songs??

I purchased it last month and have been reading several of the stories in there. It strikes one just how good an author GRRM is across different Genres and it's interesting to see how his style developed over the years to culminate for me in ASOIF.....:)

Highly recommended.
 
Hiya Gollum. Long time no see :)

I have Dreamsongs but I must admit I'm still working my way through it. The little mini-biogs before each 'chapter' are interesting as well and I'm enjoying the stories. I find that GRRM has a good way of making a story instantly accessible, even if you aren't really into the subject he's writing about. I've recently purchased and read a few of his older stuff (Armageddon Rag, Windhaven, Fevre Dream) and all are decent and engrossing, even if some of the genres don't immediately grab me.
 
I love the 'connecting bits' too, Ialways like to read stuff like that. :) GRRM has announced on his blog that he'll be reading those himself on the audiobook version.

Anyway, Dreamsongs contains some of GRRM's best short story work and is an excellent way to get hold of some of the rarer stuff as well as getting an introduction to things like Wild Cards and Tuf. So yeah, I highly recommend it.
 
I have it and keep picking it up but haven't got past the introduction yet. It does look rather an impressive tome, though.
 
I see there is a dreamsongs book 1 and a book 2. Which book does "The Hedge Knight" appear?

p.s. I know i could buy the whole version but...... Im a tight ass who doesnt want to spend the money.
 
I've got the hardbacked edition so no split for me!

But as it's a chronological journey through GRRM's writing from the oldest work to the newest I'm 99% certain the Hedge Knight will appear in Book 2.
 
I recently read
Amazon.com: Selections from Dreamsongs 3: Selections from Wild Cards and More Stories from Martin's Later Years: Unabridged Selections (9780739357163): George R.R. Martin, Various: Books
The SKin Trade and The Hedge Knight were two of the stories in it, as well as a couple of pure sci fi pieces, Wild Cards selections, etc.

The short version of what I'd say is, when writing something other than ASOIAF Martin drops closer to the rest of the pack, and while he's still produces very high quality writing, he's not in a class by himself. I think what sets him apart in ASOIAF is his ability to write such complex plotlines that interweave with each other, as well as create such a complex world that while not perfect, is pretty damn close. King is my second favorite author, and I'd say I like them about equally in non ASIAF stuff, with maybe even a lgith nod to King
 
So, in G.R.R. Martins other works, would a reader get so "involved" with the characters? Because that is one thing that I like about ASOIAF. You get so involved with the characters and you want them to succeed (or fail). Or do you think I should just buy the book and judge for myself? Im trying to get an educated opinion about this dreamsongs book and who better to ask then you fine people.
 
southron sword said:
So, in G.R.R. Martins other works, would a reader get so "involved" with the characters? Because that is one thing that I like about ASOIAF. You get so involved with the characters and you want them to succeed (or fail). Or do you think I should just buy the book and judge for myself? Im trying to get an educated opinion about this dreamsongs book and who better to ask then you fine people.
Click to expand...

There's only so much character development that can take place when a story is "only" 100 pages long, but I think that GRRm still does a good job in sxtories such as "The SKin Game" or "The Hedge Knight".
 
I have to say, so far my favourite stories (from book 1) have been "The second kind of loneliness", "A song for Lya", "The way of cross and dragon", and "The Ice Dragon". I like his thousand worlds and the stories that are set in that universe. I asked earlier whether a reader could get so "involved" with other characters, like we do in ASOIAF. and in some stories you do. It is also interesting to see him develop as a writer.
 
I did things in the wrong order and read "The sworn sword" first. i didnt want to, but it was there..... i needed my fix..... whatever!
 
GOLLUM said:
It strikes one just how good an author GRRM is across different Genres and it's interesting to see how his style developed over the years to culminate for me in ASOIF.....:)

Highly recommended.
Click to expand...


Winters_Sorrow said:
The little mini-biogs before each 'chapter' are interesting as well and I'm enjoying the stories. I find that GRRM has a good way of making a story instantly accessible, even if you aren't really into the subject he's writing about. I've recently purchased and read a few of his older stuff (Armageddon Rag, Windhaven, Fevre Dream) and all are decent and engrossing, even if some of the genres don't immediately grab me.
Click to expand...


I'd recommend Dreamsongs to anyone. There's excllent storytelling plus, with those essays, an interesting insight into GRRM's career and his thoughts on various genres and on TV production.

(WARNING: Try not to take too seriously the bit where he explains how he's not good at completing projects....)
 
Ursa major said:
I'd recommend Dreamsongs to anyone. There's excllent storytelling plus, with those essays, an interesting insight into GRRM's career and his thoughts on various genres and on TV production.

(WARNING: Try not to take too seriously the bit where he explains how he's not good at completing projects....)
Click to expand...

Ha! I thought I was the only one to notice that. I only read Volume II but it seemed like he said something to that effect several times. I'm always surprised that no one brings it up when arguments break out about how long it's taking for ADWD to come out. He's had this same pattern/problem for most of his career!
 
To be fair, I don't think this is entirely the same situation.

By the way, there's also mention of the genesis of A Song of Ice and Fire in one of the essays: something about a scene about the witnessing of an execution, which eventually grew to become Bran's first POV chapter. (I think this is what it said, but I can't check because I borrowed the two volumes of Dreamsongs from the library, cheapskate that I am.)
 
In one of his stories he also uses some familiar names. "Barristan the Bold", "Dothrak" and others.
 
nixie said:
I'm currently on a Song for Lya, have to say I'm really enjoying this. Also like his little bio's gives you a good insight to GRRM himself
Click to expand...
It's one of the other reasons why I view this as being amongst the best retrospective collections for an SFF author I've read. Glad you are enjoying it mate....:)
 
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