Kevin's Watch

The whole thing, really - good writing, involving story, memorable characters. The first book is probably my favourite of the ones released so far.

The first two chapters, in particular Eddard Stark's handling of the execution, Jon Snow's argument to keep the direwolf pup's, and Catelyn Stark's interaction with her husband. It just snagged me.

Sum sui generis
Vs

It was reading the "Hedge Knight" in the Legends collection...it was so good, it lead me straight into the main series. Mind you, if I'd've known there was going to be a real five year gap between the books, I might have been less keen.

I can't (yet) describe myself as a fan of Martin, as I haven't read any of his books. However, the enthusiasm of members of KW has inspired me to read his work (that many SRD fans can't possibly be wrong!). I'm assuming 'A Game Of Thrones' is the place to start?

GAME OF THRONES, right, Edge.

I read ASOIAF because Khaliban kept after me to. That gave him a chance to intimidate me with his sophisticated theories about what would happen next.

But why I became a fan? The complicated and often unexpected interplay between all those well-drawn personalities.

Because it is hard-core gritty fantasy that avoids the standard conventions of archetypal characters and conflicts. Nothing cutesy-poo in these books. It's fantasy for adults, plain and simple.

Brinn wrote:Because it is hard-core gritty fantasy that avoids the standard conventions of archetypal characters and conflicts. Nothing cutesy-poo in these books. It's fantasy for adults, plain and simple.

Oh, there are plenty of archetypal characters and conflicts at work, just not in the stereotypical patterns. That's what gives the work its power. And you're right, it's definitely not 'cutesy-poo'.

I only wish GRRM had a somewhat tighter grip on the story than he appears to have. The sheer number of viewpoint characters makes matters rather confusing, and sadly dilutes the emotional impact of individual storylines (which might otherwise be rather overwhelming). And so far he's taken over a million words to cover what was originally meant to be Volume I of a trilogy. I hope we're not looking at another Wheel of Time here.

The other thing was the lack of magic in Westeros, particularly in A Game of Thrones. With the exception of the Others right at the start, and the birth of the dragons right at the end, the only thing odd or fantastical about the world that Martin creates is that the seasons, especially summer and winter, are very long, as in years in length.

For some reason I really loved this about the series. It helped me see past the "fantasy" element and connect with the characters I think.

Sum sui generis
Vs

It takes a plot with the same basic structure as Eddings Belgariad and stomps every insipid page of it into dust with quality, depth, character and, above all, unpredictability.

And I don't intimidate. I suggest with enthusiasm.

Khaliban wrote:It takes a plot with the same basic structure as Eddings Belgariad and stomps every insipid page of it into dust with quality, depth, character and, above all, unpredictability.

And I don't intimidate. I suggest with enthusiasm.

LOL . Of course. But when those giant's feet get to dancing, it takes nerve to try following the steps.

Ned.

I was hooked after the very first chapter, honest.
Then I got to the Jamie & Cerci plot and it was like "well, I've never read anything like this before...."
It reminded me a lot about English history. As my professor said "These were not happy families..."
Anxiously awaiting AFOC.....
-Avy

I'm a fan of Martin because he passed what I call the 'aeroplane' test. I was on a flight, no make that a series of 4 flights, from Melbourne Australia to Milwaukee USA, a total trip time of 26 hours. You guessed it, I had A Game of Thrones as my 'book of choice'.

The book ended a little before the journey did, but I couldnt put it down from start to finish. GRRM has a great style - he writes wonderful dialogue and is ruthless with his characters. But most of all, I find his books fun - and thats rare for me.

variol son wrote:The first two chapters, in particular Eddard Stark's handling of the execution, Jon Snow's argument to keep the direwolf pup's, and Catelyn Stark's interaction with her husband. It just snagged me.

Sum sui generis
Vs

Well said, as that's what I was going to write.