Opinions of "A Clash Of Kings"

[Auburnboss]

I read a "A Game Of Thrones" several months ago, and because I sometimes suffer from series ADD, moved on to several other books/series since then. I recently knocked out Magician:Apprentice and Master for something lighter. While waiting to get "Silverthorn", I picked up my copy of "A Clash Of Kings," read about 70 pgs. and realized how I really wanted to see what happens to many of these characters, especially the Starks. I know this series has been discussed, but I was just curious if many consider this series worth finishing out. Considering the amount of pages in each book, it can be time consuming. Of course I realize reading both Magician books was about the same amount pages, something easier about reading a book broke in two parts. By the way, I really enjoyed "A Game Of Thrones," I was just in the mood for something more good vs. evil, different races, standard fantasy after I finished it. Thanks for any opinions.

Brian

 

[viZion]

My head just exploded. I'll let someone else take this.




Well, simply put, best series ever.

 

[Auburnboss]

To prevent any future massive headaches or explosions, I'll continue you on with "A Clash Of Kings." So far it's been great.

Thanks

 

[TK-421]

Well, I would say that if you feel, quote: but I was just curious if many consider this series worth finishing out. Considering the amount of pages in each book, it can be time consuming, end quote, that it is a chore to read or too time consuming, then this may not be the series for you. But, from your last post, you seem to be enjoying it. Wait until a A Storm of Swords. That's the best one in the series.

 

[Auburnboss]

I've heard that about "A Storm of Swords," so I think I'm going to finish it out. I can't really complain about the pgs., I recently buzzed through the Farseer Trilogy. Thanks for the imput. Martin's writing in "A Game Of Thrones" really fired up the imagination, and created such a unique feel, and mood. It's cool to find books that will do that. The characters grabbed me a lot more, than the ones in a book like "Gardens Of The Moon."

 

[The Imp]

Read ACOK, take a short break and then immediately begin ASOS. Rinse and repeat for AFFC.

Best series I'ver ever read. If you time it correctly you'll be ready for ADWD

 

[xLORDSNOWx]

Best series I'ver ever read. If you time it correctly you'll be ready for ADWD

Don't get ahead of yourself Imp. I was told the same thing when i read and finished the first four books almost two years ago.

However, i haven't regretted it since i would not have re-read as much or broken down the first four books to get a better understanding as i do now.

So i guess it's a gift and a curse upon completion, but an enjoyable ride nevertheless.

 

[Boaz]

I know this series has been discussed, but I was just curious if many consider this series worth finishing out.

Auburnboss, First, just so you know... the series is not yet finished................

Second, BEWARE of reading on these forums. We want you here, but we don't want the story spoiled for you. Some of us don't consider that some people have not caught up through AFFC when they post. (Okay, I meant me!) Martin has some more major plot twists and cliffhangers in store for you.

I'm glad you like ACOK. I enjoyed it very much... and I think it is less interesting (except for Tyrion!!!) than AGOT and ASOS.

I think you hit upon a real strength of AOIAF compared to Malazan... continuity of characters from the first to the second book. The mental effort required to basically start over from scratch with the second Malazan book rubbed me wrong. That being said, ASOIAF goes through some of the same between books three and four... In the fourth book, eight of the ten POVs are new.

And I do understand what you mean about the Magian stories being lighter fare... ASOIAF requires mental effort to keep it all straight.

 

[The Imp]

Don't get ahead of yourself Imp. I was told the same thing when i read and finished the first four books almost two years ago.

However, i haven't regretted it since i would not have re-read as much or broken down the first four books to get a better understanding as i do now.

So i guess it's a gift and a curse upon completion, but an enjoyable ride nevertheless.

My nephew, who finally talked me into starting the series after months of failed attempts said the same thing.

The thing now is we know how much has been completed (sort of) and about how much remains to be written. I honestly don't think we're looking at a really long time before an announcement.

Bottom line though, read them even if the next book won't be out for 5 more years, They're that good.

 

[Tragedy]

I think if there is a series worth finishing, it is this one. That being said my disappointment is starting to build up and Im just halfway through ASOS (as well as having the misfortune of reading some spoilers).

But yes, finish this series.

 

[Mesanna]

Bottom line though, read them even if the next book won't be out for 5 more years, They're that good.

Well said, that man! I agree completely.

 

[TK-421]

Imp: With those posts, you convince me more and more that you are either GRRM or his assistant.

 

[Weasel Soup]

Yes absolutely continue reading, and stay off any other threads in this forum. This series has set the bench mark for all future fantasy.

 

[Auburnboss]

Thanks everyone! I quickly made my original post without reading any of the threads to avoid spoilers. What really speaks to me about these books is the characterization. It's amazing that after a pretty long break from reading AGOT, it was fairly easy to slide right back in, remembering the mental images I had for each of the characters. You actually care what happens to a lot of them. I think it helped taking a break and reading Magician, and David Gemmel's "Legend". Martin has a way of putting me in more of a gray, gritty mindset while reading.

 

[Boaz]

Auburnboss,

I agree that compared to ASOIAF, Legend was light reading. Gemmell's characters were all sterotyped and one dimensional. The plot was obvious and thin... exceptionally thin. And I loved it! Gemmell painted every done-to-death character and re-done story arc perfectly. I'd not read an honest-to-goodness-straightforward story where the heroes are good and the villains are evil for a very long time... Druss was a real hero. Legend is a great fantasy!

Also, please avoid even thread titles... some are very dangerous.

And finally.... Given your name, I take it you were elated with the Iron Bowl?

 

[soulsinging]

That being said my disappointment is starting to build up and Im just halfway through ASOS (as well as having the misfortune of reading some spoilers).

What disappointment, if you don't mind my asking? I was losing steam halfway through ACoK, ended up stumbling across some spoilers, but wound up loving ASoS nonetheless. However, I definitely started to feel disappointed in AFFC and am wondering what you find a letdown?

 

[The Imp]

What disappointment, if you don't mind my asking? I was losing steam halfway through ACoK, ended up stumbling across some spoilers, but wound up loving ASoS nonetheless. However, I definitely started to feel disappointed in AFFC and am wondering what you find a letdown?

Many feel that AFFC is their least favorite of the 3 books that have been published so far. Reasons vary from person to person, but a common thread seems to be a loos of focus on the part of GRRM. It's still a great read, just take s abit of getting used to over the first 50 or so pages.

I'm losing focus myself, time for bed. SOmeone else can pick up where I left off, or I can tomorrow.

 

[soulsinging]

Many feel that AFFC is their least favorite of the 3 books that have been published so far. Reasons vary from person to person, but a common thread seems to be a loos of focus on the part of GRRM. It's still a great read, just take s abit of getting used to over the first 50 or so pages.

I'm losing focus myself, time for bed. SOmeone else can pick up where I left off, or I can tomorrow.

Yeah, but he said he was growing disappointed in ASoS, which is unusual as it seems to be the most highly regarded of the bunch so far. AFFC would make sense to me, I was just surprised to hear someone struggling in ASoS and wondered why.

 

[The Imp]

Yeah, but he said he was growing disappointed in ASoS, which is unusual as it seems to be the most highly regarded of the bunch so far. AFFC would make sense to me, I was just surprised to hear someone struggling in ASoS and wondered why.

Nothing that I've said in this thread has been directed to anyone other than the OP, exc ept for the on response to LORDSNOW. I'm also curious about someone being disappointed with ASOS, but I don't think details are appropraite in this particular thread.

cheers

 

[Vonbek]

I maybe be lucky as I just finished the books a couple weeks ago...I am sure dwtd will be amazing...I actually loved feast for crows...I mean there are some huge plot introductions....