Jesus. Christ. Christ. Jesus.

This is by far the best book of the series. I had heard that the book series was originally intended as a trilogy, but the story became so complex that it required seven books to resolve all the problems and plot issues.

I truly believe that this series is an extremely complicated story, even more so than Lord of the Rings. When I began the series, I thought I knew who the villains and who the good guys were, but even the characters are complex. Sometimes they are neither villains nor heroes; they are just in the middle.

Lord of the Rings is a type of story where you already know who the bad guys and the good guys are, but this series is far more intriguing. There are a lot of secrets, and it is written so beautifully. At first, I thought the Lannisters were the enemy, but now I'm starting to root for them, especially Tyrion, Jamie, Tommen, and Myrcella. Even the characters I thought were good turned out to be bad, and the ones I thought were bad became good.

There are just so many lies that I feel I was also misled in some ways. I really applaud the fact that some of the truths are finally being revealed. It was very unpredictable, and I truly believe the author really thought about how he would play out the story and the characters.

I highly recommend this series if you haven't read it yet. However, I would say that not all readers will really like the book. I think it is more suitable for mature readers. There is sex, violence, and a lot of mature content that is not really for young readers. I would also say that if you are a reader who always loves happily ever after, this is not for you. But if you are willing to invest time in a long series about politics, magic, and family, I think this one is for you.

***Jon Snow is no longer a virgin. At first, I was really annoyed because I wanted him to not break any of his vows and remain an honest brother of the Night's Watch. However, this means that Kit Harrington, the actor who played Jon Snow, will have numerous sexy scenes *drools* so yeah, never mind.

Ahem. Aside from the numerous sexy scenes, a lot has happened to Jon Snow. In the end, he became the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. He has a power similar to Bran. He is also a warg (I'm not sure about the spelling), and he can enter Ghost's body.

I can't really tell all that happened, but here are some of the things:

- Ygrette, the lovey-dovey wildling he loved and had sex with, was killed.

- Lord Mormont was killed.

- We learned a lot about the wildlings in this book, which was really a blur in the past books.

- There's also Janos Slynt, who became a new member of the Night's Watch.

- King Stannis came to the wall and rescued them from the wildlings.

- King Stannis offered the position of Lord of Winterfell to Jon Snow.

Here is the link on who they cast as Ygrette: http://winter-is-coming.net/2011/10/r...

***Actually, I'm starting to get bored reading Dany's chapters. Barristan the Bold joins them, and she is gathering an army, and the dragons are growing. She doesn't trust Jorah anymore and has kind of gotten him out of her sight because she learned that Jorah betrayed her at first by sending information to Robert Baratheon about her, Drogo, and their son.

***Tyrion is my favorite POV to read. His POV is always funny and interesting. My favorite part in this book is Tyrion and Sansa's wedding. It was really an interesting part to read. It was funny and painful at the same time. I think it's unfair for both of them to be wed.

I think Tyrion is attracted to Sansa because Sansa is very pretty, and he is very fond of the Starks. He's just this ugly but smart and kind dwarf who just wants love and attention.

Sansa, on the other hand, was this girl who dreams of a prince charming and a beautiful wedding, and she unfortunately married an ugly dwarf and he is a Lannister.

When I told my sister about it, she was actually furious because she hates Sansa and thinks Tyrion deserves a better wife than Sansa. Whereas at that moment, I was thinking the exact opposite, that Sansa deserves a better husband.

What happens to Tyrion:

- He is accused of poisoning and killing King Joffrey.

- Tysha is not a whore, as revealed by his brother Jamie.

- Jamie rescues Tyrion from his cell.

- He will now leave King's Landing.

***Arya's POV became repetitive and less exciting. She meets a lot of characters, including the Hound and Ser Beric Dondarrion. At the end of the novel, she will be traveling to Braavos. She got Needle back.

***Another less exciting POV. He goes beyond the wall to find the Three-Eyed Crow and meets Samwell Tarly along the way.

***FUCK! Robb was fucking dead. It was really cruel how he died, and it was at the hands of his alliance, House Frey, and it happened at a wedding that people would call the Red Wedding after the horrible murder.

I've heard that this book will be two seasons, season 3 and season 4. And I think it will be a great idea because Robb was killed halfway through the book, and I think it would be a really dramatic ending to Season 3. And all the fans will be like, "I DON'T WANT TO WATCH THIS FUCKING SERIES ANYMORE!" Actually, that's what I felt like when I read that part. I stopped reading and was like thinking in my head, "NO, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN," and for a moment, I didn't want to read anymore. It was just very shocking because I wasn't really expecting it because I thought if Robb would die in the books, it would be at war fighting the Lannisters.

I'm just wondering if the HBO series will raise the bar and do it exactly like in the books because IMO, his death is too grotesque for TV because he was beheaded, and then they stitched the head of Grey Wind to his body. So it looks like Robb with a wolf head.

Catelyn Stark also suffered a brutal death. She was cut from ear to ear, and then they threw her body naked in the river. However, at the end of the novel, she came back as a zombie. I don't know if that's the right term, but she came back from the dead.

***I think Jamie became more likable and relatable in book 3. He lost his right hand and can't fight anymore. I really love his POV, and there's really more to Jamie than meets the eye. He's not exactly the character I thought he was in book 1.

He has a heart and is a very complex character. I think his only fault was loving Cersei, his twin. Now I love him more. He is the antihero of the series. I really like that the two Lannister boys are both antiheroes in a way, and they are very real and honest characters.

Now that I've finished book 3, I'm excited to know what will happen to these characters:

- Sansa and Petyr

- Tyrion

- Jamie

- Jon Snow

- Brienne

- Arya

- Cersei

- Catelyn

This is an extraordinary, bloodbath of a book. George R R Martin shows no mercy when it comes to these characters or our feelings.

In one afternoon of reading, I witnessed 4 main characters (5 if you include Grey Wind!) and countless side and minor characters die - ruthless!

Other than the severe heartache and trauma brought on by the Red Wedding and the Battle at Castle Black, this book was a delight to re-read. I loved being back with some of my favourite characters and being back in this world.

The action, drama, and political intrigue are really kicked up a notch (admittedly sometimes too much for me to handle!). I can't wait to pick up the next one to finally be reunited with the wonderful Arianne!

Also, I know I complain about the TV show every time I read an ASOIAF book, but seriously, what the hell were they thinking not doing these books justice? The books are so rich and detailed, and the TV show just doesn't capture the essence of the story.

I hope that one day, someone will come along and do a proper adaptation of these amazing books. Until then, I'll just have to keep re-reading them myself.

Dear George R. R. Martin,

You know, sometimes I have these wild thoughts and impulses. At first, I was like, "No, wait! I didn't mean it!" But then, as I thought more about it, I was like, "YES I DIIIIID!!" It's like a battle inside my head.

I don't know if you ever have these kinds of moments, but for me, it's a regular occurrence. Maybe it's because I'm so passionate about your work and all the amazing stories you create.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this little moment of chaos with you. Sincerely, K.

And here are some random gifs that kind of represent my state of mind.

  

  

I am still only three books into this series and am completely swept away by this author’s awesome world. It's like I've been plunged into a fantastical adventure, this Game of Thrones: these Songs of Ice & Fire. I just cannot get it all out of my head. The castles are magnificent, the characters are vivid, and their histories and hopes are all intertwined in this epic world created by Martin. I know and care about these characters deeply. I've spent so many hours traveling with them, listening to their stories. Oh my God, it's just amazing! This is balls out, gut wrenching, dark and desperately, dazzling story telling brilliance!

You could not drag me, kicking, screaming or it would seem silent from Westeros now. I am here and let there be no doubt, it is well worth the price of admission folks. Shhh, an incredible master, at the height of his artistic power is telling me a story, and I am so listening. I am completely immersed in this world, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

**Title: My Experience with Reading the "A Song of Ice and Fire" Series**

\\n  Second read on 19/03/2016 - 26/04/2016\\n


These days, I haven't been reading as much as I'd like. Besides this series, which is more of a commitment, I seldom pick up other books. Maybe it's because I'm reading nonfiction, but I rarely feel excited about reading. So far, this reading year hasn't been remarkable. And I don't think it's the books' fault, but my inability to enjoy them like I used to. Nevertheless, I've noticed that all the books I've reread recently, I've enjoyed even more than the first time.

I watched the first episode of the new season of Game of Thrones with my dad on Sunday. Due to a horrible episode in the previous season, I had vowed never to watch it again. But unsurprisingly, I decided to give it another chance. Honestly, I feel the show is doing much better than the books regarding its plot. Yes, these books have completely changed my outlook on reading. They have altered my taste more than anything else. Still, until the series is complete, I can't consider it a favorite. There are so many loose ends and no guarantee they'll ever be tied up.

The hope that Martin will complete the series before his death is contagious, but as time passes, I'm realizing how unrealistic it is. The show has moved on, and my hopes for a conclusion are gradually fading. I know I sound pessimistic, but in fairness, this is an excellent series that I'd recommend to almost everyone. It's absolutely worth the time spent, even with the high probability that it will never be completed.

I think I mentioned it before, but rereading these has made me more tolerant of the POV characters. Karl, my fellow buddy reader, only likes a few (Arya, Tyrion, and Davos), while I hardly have any I dislike. Maybe Samwell, who Martin says he himself resembles best. That explains a lot. The first time I read these, I barely liked any of the characters, but now, for whatever reason, I can appreciate most of them, and it's kind of refreshing.

I rarely make updates for these books like I used to, and in my reviews, I hardly discuss the plot. I apologize, but in the end, I feel like I'm enjoying it too much to make updates. There's too much to talk about to fit into one review, and that's without considering any spoilers. Reading the first half of this book felt like a prison sentence. I didn't want to finish the series and was only doing so because Karl and I had agreed to. I never wanted to read a book again, not because I didn't like books, but because things were a mess. My health, stress from family, the whole not-going-to-college thing, etc. Things I haven't mentioned here and probably won't because I feel they're too dull to elaborate on. In the midst of all this, I somehow found that I could escape again in the pages of this book. I feel like a lot of things have changed since the first time I read this, but my love for it remains. If anything, it's only increased.

\\n  First read on 30/03/2015 - 13/05/2015\\n


It's seven in the morning, and I already have \\n  The Bear and the Maiden Fair\\n playing on repeat. I think I'm really starting to appreciate this series. Each book so far has been better than the one before it. Martin's story, if he ever manages to finish it, may very well become one of my favorites.

This book was darker than the other two, but that just made it all the more exciting. It feels like things are finally starting to pick up. Some loose ends were finally tied off too, which was good.

The characters were amazing as always. The younger ones, in particular, are developing wonderfully. Daenerys and Arya are becoming stronger, Sansa wiser, and even Bran's chapters are improving. Some characters I'm not too fond of, but even Jaime isn't as bad as I thought he was.

From beginning to end, this book was as good as the stuff under Casterly Rock. I wish I could say more, and there really is so much more to be said, but I'm at a point in the series where practically anything can be seen as a spoiler.

I'm pretty happy with myself, though. I'm almost at the part in the series where the show is currently (the fifth episode of the fifth season). I didn't think I'd get here so soon, but here I am.

I was considering taking a brief break due to the recent reading slump I've been in, but I started the series in December, so whatever the argument, it's a weak one. Onwards!

Con uno de los finales más sangrientos

It's truly astonishing how a single incorrect decision by an author can have such a profound impact on an entire series of books, effectively tainting the entire body of work and drowning all the good aspects in a sea of yuck and wrongness.

Of course, once again, I find myself discussing the ages of the main characters. I fully anticipate that I will continue to harp on this topic repeatedly. Especially since it seems that almost no one in my feed is bothered by it.

George, either you have a real penchant for sexualizing children, or you have no clue what you're talking about. Stop objectifying 12-year-olds, stop thrusting them into epic romances, and stop making them equals in sexual relationships with adults. Just stop. Okay, you made a mistake in the first book, but you could have been creative and refrained from being so gross.

The pacing of this novel has gone a bit awry, and I'm really struggling to determine the time frame of this book. At times, it feels like a year has passed, but then, can you really roam beyond the wall for a year with a newborn and not perish? Or hide in the woods for a year and survive on frogs?

Anyway, Sansa is approaching 13, Dany is 14, and Jeoffrey is 13. And I just can't get past this. These kids aren't just left to age and grow naturally; they are constantly being placed, by George Martin, in sexual situations with much older people, transforming Martin's world into some sort of pedophile's paradise.

I used to like Jorah, Tyrion, and Daario on the show. But what's left of their dignity and poise in the books? Jorah forces kisses on Dani and paws at her. She's only 14. Tyrion slithers around Sansa with a "nice guy" attitude and a hard-on, believing he's entitled to Sansa's body. She's 12, but "flowered"! Little Finger is... well, Little Finger, I guess. I couldn't even enjoy the Jon-Ygritte thing. For goodness sake, how old is he now? 15? Daario is surely going to plummet in my estimation next.

I felt that I much preferred the show version of this story. The characters are older, and at least some of the relationships are more palatable. Many of the characters are more complex and likable. Shae and Talisa are vast improvements over Jeyne, the classic damsel-in-distress. Oberyn and Margaery get more to do. Daario doesn't just twirl his purple beard. Visually, the show has done wonders with Martin's material. The Red Wedding and the Oberyn/Mountain fight are the powerful highlights, naturally, and they play out even more gloriously on the screen. The show runners were also successful in merging many of Martin's story lines and characters together. Let's be honest, this book is far too long and weighed down by some unimportant details. Arya's journey felt tremendously overlong, with a never-ending stream of road criminals. But I was right about Theon. I definitely didn't miss witnessing his torture.

One more observation. An old one. So, is this incest obsession ever going to end? Why bring poor Gendry into this? What exactly does putting siblings in a sexual situation add to you and your story, George?

“Woman?” She chuckled. “Is that meant to insult me? I would return the slap, if I took you for a man.” BURNNNN

This is yet another masterpiece from Martin. I truly loved this one. The introduction of new characters and the exploration of their points of view added so much depth to the story. The scenes between Arya and Gendry were especially captivating, filled with anticipation and a hint of something more. And Jamie's POV provided a unique perspective on the events unfolding. ♥ ♥ ♥

But let's not forget about DANY, the badass Mother of Dragons. Her presence in the story is nothing short of perfection. AEJDFAK! She is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey continues to be one of the most exciting aspects of the series. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her and all the other characters. ♥

Incertezza, stupore e sangue.

Terzo romanzo delle Cronache del Ghiaccio e del Fuoco. Martin riesce a mantenere la narrazione su livelli stratosferici e si supera ad ogni volume. Straordinario!

Arrivo tardi all'appuntamento con la lettura di questa saga pur avendo incisa a fuoco nella memoria la serie tv. Tuttavia, nonostante il ritardo, la lettura di questo terzo romanzo è stata un'esperienza straordinaria. Martin ha la capacità di creare un mondo così ricco e complesso che ti trascina dentro e non vuole lasciarti andare.

La narrazione è tenuta a livelli stratosferici, con tante vicende e personaggi coinvolti che ti fanno rimanere incollato alle pagine. Ogni personaggio è dipinto in maniera magistrale, con caratteristiche e motivazioni uniche che li rendono indimenticabili.

A fine lettura, mi sento coinvolto nel destino dei personaggi, curioso di sapere chi sopravvivrà al gioco del trono. È come se stessi camminando su una scogliera in una notte senza luna, completamente avvolto nel buio, dove ad ogni passo rischio di cadere nel baratro. Questo è il potere di questa saga.

Uncertainty, wonder and blood.

Third novel of the Song of Ice and Fire. Martin manages to keep the narration at stratospheric levels and surpasses himself with each volume. Extraordinary!

I arrive late to the appointment with the reading of this saga despite having the TV series engraved in my memory. But, despite the delay, reading this third novel has been an extraordinary experience. Martin has the ability to create a world so rich and complex that it drags you in and doesn't want to let you go.

The narration is held at stratospheric levels, with so many events and characters involved that you stay glued to the pages. Each character is painted masterfully, with unique characteristics and motivations that make them unforgettable.

At the end of reading, I feel involved in the destiny of the characters, curious to know who will survive the game of thrones. It's as if I'm walking on a cliff on a moonless night, completely enveloped in darkness, where at every step I risk falling into the abyss. This is the power of this saga.

My complete review is published at Grimdark Magazine.

The powerful momentum from A Clash of Kings persists in A Storm of Swords, the third volume of A Song of Ice and Fire. George R.R. Martin masterfully chronicles his epic War of the Roses-style struggle for the Iron Throne and control of Westeros. While numerous significant events unfold on the battlefield, the more crucial tactics involve the formation and dissolution of interfamilial alliances through strategic marriages and a healthy dose of backstabbing.

Jaime Lannister, who spent most of A Clash of Kings imprisoned by the Starks at Riverrun, emerges as one of the main point-of-view characters in A Storm of Swords. Martin accomplishes a nearly impossible feat with Jaime, making the reader feel sympathy for this obnoxious, arrogant, incestuous Kingslayer. Despite his many heinous deeds, Jaime still retains a shred of honor, and by the end of the book, I actually felt compassion for him.

Another highlight of Jaime's chapters is getting to know Brienne of Tarth, an imposing warrior who has sworn to deliver Jaime safely to the Lannisters in exchange for the release of the Stark girls. I particularly enjoyed observing how Brienne manages her distaste for Jaime while fulfilling her promise to the Stark family. As Jaime's situation spirals out of control, Brienne's unwavering commitment to his safety never wavers.

Tyrion Lannister remains one of the most captivating characters in A Storm of Swords. His troubled relationship with his family takes center stage, especially with his siblings, Cersei and Jaime, and his nephew, the insufferable boy-king Joffrey. The relationship between Tyrion and his father, Lord Tywin Lannister, is particularly tragic.

Among the Stark children, Sansa is like a Disney princess trapped in a grimdark world. Originally hoping for a happily-ever-after with the pouty-lipped Joffrey, Sansa's delicate innocence only brings her pain. In A Storm of Swords, Sansa finally escapes the clutches of the Lannisters but is left to deal with the creepy Littlefinger, who has a lifelong infatuation with her mother, Catelyn. It's difficult to determine which situation is worse for the unfortunate Sansa.

Sansa's younger sister, Arya, is the most Dickensian figure in A Song of Ice and Fire. Orphaned and impoverished, she struggles to survive in a cruel world that offers her no favors. Arya's only glimmer of hope in A Storm of Swords—her arrival at a family wedding—turns out to be a disastrous misstep.

Love and violence are inextricably linked at Westeros weddings, especially in A Storm of Swords, which features the infamous Red Wedding massacre. We lose several major characters during the nuptial festivities, although one of them has a hard time staying dead.

Meanwhile, up north, Jon Snow grapples with the conflict between honoring his Night Watch vows and acting on his love for Ygritte. Unbeknownst to Jon, Bran Stark is also journeying north to the Wall in search of the three-eyed crow from his dreams. Martin also introduces a third point-of-view character at the Wall, Samwell Tarly, the loyal friend of Jon Snow who serves as the Samwise Gamgee of the book. I found Sam's perspective somewhat unnecessary given the other established point-of-view characters.

I also question Martin's decision to focus so heavily on Davos Seaworth, Stannis Baratheon's favorite onion-obsessed confidant. While there are many layers to the Onion Knight, none of them are particularly engaging. The Davos chapters serve as a window into the affairs of Stannis and the red priestess Melisandre. With her powerful magic and shadowy intentions, Melisandre would have been a more interesting choice to become the point-of-view character for these chapters.

Fortunately, we get to spend more quality time with Daenerys Targaryen in A Storm of Swords compared to A Clash of Kings. The exiled Mother of Dragons continues to amass power as she overcomes treachery within her own ranks. Daenerys becomes a favorite among the common people as she liberates enslaved populations en masse and exacts justice for the crimes committed against them.

A Storm of Swords is a treat for grimdark fans and another high point in George R.R. Martin's enduring saga of war and betrayal. 4.5/5

How many times can you say, “A Lannister always pays his debts?”

This is the third installment of George R.R. Martin’s male soap opera.

Martin has a vibrant narrative voice, and he rotates between several different characters who have complicated backstories. He flawlessly reminds readers of prior storylines and how the characters relate to one another. This may seem simple because Martin makes it appear effortless – but I assure you, it is an incredibly difficult task that even veteran writers like Charles Dickens can struggle to pull off.

For this reading, I followed along in a copy of the text and listened to the audiobook (otherwise known as immersion reading). A few years ago, a family member presented me with a leather-bound set of A Song of Fire and Ice books. As I had already read Book #1 and #2, I started with A Storm of Swords or Book #3 (this book). I’m not sure if this is a one-off situation, but disappointed would be an understatement. Even though I very gently read this book one time, the binding is already coming apart! Just something to consider if you are contemplating purchasing this set.

As far as the audiobook, my word! The narrator, Roy Dotrice, was born for this role. His performance is totally mesmerizing!

The Green Light at the End of the Dock (How much I spent):

Hardcover Text – Free (Boxed Set gifted from family member)

Audiobooks – Free through Libby

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One of the best fantasy books ever written is a true masterpiece. It takes readers on an unforgettable journey through a magical and enchanting world. The story is filled with captivating characters, each with their own unique personalities and abilities. The author's vivid descriptions bring the world to life, allowing readers to imagine themselves right in the middle of the action. From epic battles to mysterious creatures, every page is filled with excitement and adventure. This book has the power to transport readers to a place where anything is possible and where their imaginations can run wild. It is a must-read for anyone who loves fantasy and wants to experience a truly magical story.