By Gemma Williams
World Book Day is an important day and as such, the writers at I’m With Geek have decided to write about our favourite books. These will have touched readers in one way or another, inspired us, or helped us through hard times; but one thing’s for sure, they’re still with us now, like an old friend who is always waiting for you to need them again, to pick you up when you’re down. This, for me, is not just one book, but an epic series: A Song of Ice and Fire.
World Book Day is an important day and as such, the writers at I’m With Geek have decided to write about our favourite books. These will have touched readers in one way or another, inspired us, or helped us through hard times; but one thing’s for sure, they’re still with us now, like an old friend who is always waiting for you to need them again, to pick you up when you’re down. This, for me, is not just one book, but an epic series: A Song of Ice and Fire.
My first choice for this article was going to be The Inheritance Cycle, written by Christopher Paolini, but when I want to reread a colossal series, half a year after I've finished it, and with no new book release to encourage me, then someone has done something very right. George R. R. Martin has created his own world and has enveloped countless people into it, through both his writing and the TV adaptation.
Currently, there are five books that have been released, seven if you include the books that were so oversized that they got cut in half. There will be a minimum of two more before the end. They follow numerous characters, with each chapter being narrated by someone different.
Martin has one of the largest casts in his story and seems to be able to keep up with each individual. Each person is unique and three dimensional. They will all do things to make you love them, and hate them in equal measures. No one is perfect, making the characters all the more lovable, relatable and realistic. Some of the characters aren’t always interesting enough to have their own chapters and so it will drag on occasion but it’s worth powering through this one-of-a-kind series.
Currently, there are five books that have been released, seven if you include the books that were so oversized that they got cut in half. There will be a minimum of two more before the end. They follow numerous characters, with each chapter being narrated by someone different.
Martin has one of the largest casts in his story and seems to be able to keep up with each individual. Each person is unique and three dimensional. They will all do things to make you love them, and hate them in equal measures. No one is perfect, making the characters all the more lovable, relatable and realistic. Some of the characters aren’t always interesting enough to have their own chapters and so it will drag on occasion but it’s worth powering through this one-of-a-kind series.
The Medieval setting is fascinating and beautifully described. The level of detail that has gone into the locations, the characters, the house names and logos, the politics between each, is astounding! On top of that, there is the magic, the dragons, the white walkers, and the history / lore of Westeros. When reading these books, you are literally stepping into a whole new world and you will be whisked away into it. This may not always be safe though, so make sure you’re prepared for a lot of heart break, A LOT.
There is a lot to say about the books but it’s hard to know where to start, and if everything was mentioned, you would again have the size of his book series. It is a fantastic read, if challenging at times, and will always make you feel better about your own lives when you’re feeling down. The plot is full of twists and turns, and suspense. You will never be bored with this world as there is plenty of action and something for everyone, except perhaps small children. Keep them away from this series!
The fact that the TV adaptation has been so successful says a lot about the quality of the writing and the story. They had so much material to work with that they couldn’t possibly have gone wrong and ruined it. They have changed a few details here and there but it never changes the major plot or causes any problems. If you have time on your hands, or don’t mind spending a long time on the same series, I highly recommend these books. There is still no word as to when the next instalment will be released. It was originally expected to be March 2014, but now it is likely to be 2015, or even 2017! You can’t rush works of genius, I guess. I’ll still be waiting around for it when it is released and I can’t wait for that day. Each book finishes on a major cliff hanger and I am excited to re-enter that mystical world and see which of my favourite characters managed to survive! Winter is coming (still)!
There is a lot to say about the books but it’s hard to know where to start, and if everything was mentioned, you would again have the size of his book series. It is a fantastic read, if challenging at times, and will always make you feel better about your own lives when you’re feeling down. The plot is full of twists and turns, and suspense. You will never be bored with this world as there is plenty of action and something for everyone, except perhaps small children. Keep them away from this series!
The fact that the TV adaptation has been so successful says a lot about the quality of the writing and the story. They had so much material to work with that they couldn’t possibly have gone wrong and ruined it. They have changed a few details here and there but it never changes the major plot or causes any problems. If you have time on your hands, or don’t mind spending a long time on the same series, I highly recommend these books. There is still no word as to when the next instalment will be released. It was originally expected to be March 2014, but now it is likely to be 2015, or even 2017! You can’t rush works of genius, I guess. I’ll still be waiting around for it when it is released and I can’t wait for that day. Each book finishes on a major cliff hanger and I am excited to re-enter that mystical world and see which of my favourite characters managed to survive! Winter is coming (still)!
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