If I like (this or so-and-so) will I enjoy GRRM?

[biodroid]

I recently (well not so recently) found out that The First Law trilogy (loved the first 2 books so far) is almost a more action packed version of ASOIAF with quite a few similarites between the two. I also then realised (going to stray a bit now) that I could compare the brilliant tv show Lost to Abercrombies story. Actually I meant to say the character development and the unknown plot that unfolds in the background and the characters own motivations in this plot. I just figured out even though there was a little bit of action in Lost, the characters were the driving force of the main plot/story and I felt more for the characters than the story. Don't get me wrong I really wanted to know what happens on the The Island and all its wonders but the characters were the real winners for me. The betrayal, love, hate, scheming, alliances between them is what really made the show. Is it fair for me to say that GRRM's ASOIAF series is similar to this analogy I made? If not, could you well read Chrons enlighten me (I mentioned in another thread I loved the HBO trailer of AGOT and am considering embarking on reading the first book).

Thanks!!

 

[nixie]

I think you'll enjoy it. The scheming and betrayal in ASOIAF should have you hooked within the first few pages. Although there are a number of series I prefer GRRM's characters do invoke real feelings.

 

[No One]

I picked up a copy of The Blade Itself a while ago and I fail to see any real comparison between that and, say, A Game of Thrones. It's not often I don't finish a book, but after more than 300 pages I just didn't see a reason to continue (which, admittedly, limits my opinion).

However, in any department you care to name - characters, environment, plot, prose, etc - I found AGOT to be a far superior work. Abercrombie and Martin are at opposite ends of their careers and it shows. Then again, the same could be said of Scott Lynch, but I hugely enjoyed The Lies of Locke Lamora (which I'd obviously recommend, if you're willing to commit to another seven-book series that's going through it's own delays).

I have to add though, that I think you'd be making a BIG mistake by watching the ASOIAF tv series if you haven't read the books. And yes, ASOIAF is almost entirely character-driven. Given what you've said above about "betrayal, love, hate, scheming, alliances", I'll go out on a limb and suggest you'd love it.

 

[The Imp]

You'll definitely enjoy it. The only caveat is, you may find it diffcult going at first. There are so many characters, family names, places, plotlines, etc. that it can be a little tough to keep track of. Then there's this aha moment that is similar to when you realize that you're riding a bicycle on your own for the first time. best way I can describe it

enjoy, and report back if you do start. And PLEASE, avoid these forums for the most part as spoilers abound.

 

[C Of K]

Then there's this aha moment that is similar to when you realize that you're riding a bicycle on your own for the first time. best way I can describe it

And described it well, you did, Imp.

Thankfully, it doesn't take very long to get to the "aha!" I think it happens when you first notice how all the character's stories begin to shape together, with this person going with this group, someone else going another direction, and others staying behind...

GRRM kind of drops you into his world without out info-dumping you to death. Winters may last 10 years, but GRRM never explains why, and so far, the why of it isn't very important. He's always put more emphasis on how he will go about turning even his lesser used characters into interesting chess pieces on his board. Even if he hasn't fleshed them out, they seem like they have been.

GRRM's pros are great. The prologue is superbly written, so even though it may be difficult to grasp who is who, in the beginning, there is never a dull moment. I won't even get into the political intrigue, plot twists, and warmongering.

 

[KaptariMind]

I just started A Game of Thrones—which my sister got me to agree to by accepting a copy of The Black Company—and was able to meet Mr. Martin last Sunday at a signing in Pasadena. My sister embarrassed our whole group by gushing all over him like a groupie meeting a rock star, but I have to admit that after meeting him, I'm even more excited to read the books.

 

[C Of K]

Welcome, KaptariMind. I hope you enjoy the books. "You are taking your first step into a larger world." Oh, and your sister is cool. Many people would do the same thing.

 

[The Imp]

I just started A Game of Thrones—which my sister got me to agree to by accepting a copy of The Black Company—and was able to meet Mr. Martin last Sunday at a signing in Pasadena. My sister embarrassed our whole group by gushing all over him like a groupie meeting a rock star, but I have to admit that after meeting him, I'm even more excited to read the books.

Welcome. Now do yourself a favor finish the 4 books asap. there are many spoilers lurking about, any one of which could ruin great surprises for you.

 

[Boaz]

biodroid, I've not read The First Law trilogy, so I cannot help you there... but I'd like to comment on The Imp's first post.

The only caveat is, you may find it diffcult going at first. There are so many characters, family names, places, plotlines, etc. that it can be a little tough to keep track of. Then there's this aha moment that is similar to when you realize that you're riding a bicycle on your own for the first time. best way I can describe it.

What he means is that GRRM does not spoon feed his readers in ASOIAF. Martin expects his audience to turn their brains on and keep them on. This was the first aspect of ASOIAF that I fell in love with. And then I realized, as much as I was clued into the various plots and the multitude of characters, that I had missed many connections between characters and events... because Martin is tricksy.

To continue for the heck of it.... The second aspect of ASOIAF that grabbed me was that the characters were really in danger. In most stories, we know that the heroes are safe from mortal danger... only sidekicks die... those poor red shirted Enterprise crewmen under Kirk's command. The most fantastic thing about fantasy lit is that people consistently survive unsurvivable situations. Not in ASOIAF, it's a brutal world.

The third thing about ASOIAF that amazed me was the development of the characters. In the beginning the heroes seemed oh, so noble while the villains seemed incorrigible. Some of the heroes keep their honor and some of the villains continue in sin. BUT, some of the heroes lose their lustre while some of the villains show signs of honor... and the lines of protagonist and antagonist get blurred. I've never cheered for the villains in any story... ever. Except now. My two favorite characters started the story as villains... and they still are... yet I find them irresistably compelling.