A Game of Thrones by George R R Martin
27 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Dragons, Game of Thrones, George Martin
Finally, just finished reading Game of Thrones by George Martin. What a fantastic read. I don’t know why I left it so long – probably because it’s such a big book that I needed to have a bit of free time to read it! But, I’m so glad that I’ve finally started this series and now I have so many more books waiting to be read!
I don’t really think I need to go too deeply into the details of the story. We start off with an introduction to the Starks of Winterfell, Lord Stark, Ned, his wife Catelyn and their children, Rob, Sansa, Arya, Bran and Rickon. Ned also has another son, Jon, but not to his wife Catelyn (a sore point to say the least but he is determined to raise Jon as best he can). The Starks rule in the North where life is hard and winters very cold. We have a quick insight into their life and characters before everything is torn apart when the King, Robert Baratheon arrives to offer Ned a position at court, to become The Hand to the King. Of course, refusing the King is not an easy or wise task and particularly difficult if the King was once your most trusted friend and so Ned reluctantly accepts and takes his daughters away to Court with him to start his new position, thus effectively splitting the family. Of course, life at court is full of intrigue, duplicity and treachery with everyone playing the game of thrones – a game which usually ends in death and despair.
I think this story is really excellent. Where can I start.
Firstly, the story is told in small chapters in a number of different voices. This is such an excellent device as it allows us to be everywhere – I love omnipresence in a book. Seriously though this enables us to read the POV from the girls and Ned in their own chapters down at court, we can hear from Jon (who has now left Winterfell to serve the rest of his life as a guard on the North’s defensive wall or to be back at Winterfell with the rest of the family. Added to that we have the introduction of a new set of characters and an alternative plot line with the Targaryens. Really, we are following three story lines, the intrigues and macchinations of court life, the life of the guards on The Wall and the strange happenings in the forest where The Others lurk and tales of giants and other stranger things are whispered, and the story of the Targaryens, Dany and her brother – last of the House of Dragons. Fairly quickly we are sucked into all three, and, despite the scale of the story, it never feels difficult to follow the plot. All three storylines move on at a pace together with each gradually gaining more and more tension until the final few chapters where it is impossible to put the book down!
Secondly, the characters. Totally fantastic and well written. There is such a lot to choose from, really despicable, mean and treacherous characters who you simply love to hate, courageous and honourable characters who are uplifting to read along with, clever and cunning, slippery and sly, naive and trusting, just such a lot. Basically I love some of the characters and by the same token really dislike others. I particularly liked Jon and I really enjoyed reading his chapters. I also thought Dany was brilliant to read about and Arya and I guess the other character who you just can’t help liking is Tyrion – so insightful. I think it’s brilliant that the author has come up with such a diversity and he manages to make you utterly dislike someone without feeling petty. Like I said some of these people are so horrible that you hope they do come unstuck and others you are crossing your fingers that they’ll be okay and in managing to stir these feelings you become totally invested in the story and the outcome.
Thirdly, we have the story itself which is epic and mind blowing in its ‘epicness’!! The scope is stunning and the author’s ability to juggle all the plotlines and come up with twists and turns along the way is staggering. On top of that this is one author who has no qualms whatsoever in telling things how they are. We have battles and deaths and they’re not always pretty, some scenes are a bit near the knuckle and there is also no hesitation whatsoever in sacrificing characters as the story moves forward. (In that respect I would say that this is definitely an adult read).
Fourthly, a great ending which has left me eager to read the next book – I sort of had an inkling what was going to happen – but, I don’t want to give away any spoilers.
In terms of criticisms. Mmm, don’t have any. Unless I can say that not having any criticisms is a criticism.
And, lastly, the beauty of appearing so late to the party is there are goodness knows how many books in the series already waiting to be read! Winner!
I loved reading this book and would definitely recommend. It’s an amazing adventure story, medieval, full of families at war and secrets and with plot lines that are only just coming to fruition.
I hope the next books are as good.
Rating A+
A Games of Thrones
Lord of the Rings read along, The Two Towers, The Road to Isengard to of Herbs and Stewed Rabbit
22 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, Tolkien
This week seems to have completely run away from me. I’ve had a few days off from work and so was expecting to get lots of reading done and for this part of the read along to be a breeze but the best laid plans, etc, etc. So, I’ve only just caught up! I’ve not checked out everyone’s comments yet but will do so shortly – didn’t want to be influenced before I’d sorted my answers. Thanks to Carl of Stainless Steel Droppings for providing the questions this week.
1. The Glittering Caves of Aglarond; Fangorn Forest: Which of the two would you be most excited to visit once the war was over?
I actually like the sound of the caves but I think I would not like to be under the earth for any great length of time and so I would definitely prefer Fangorn Forest. I like the idea of exploring Fangorn, even though it’s very strange, creepy and old it still sounds fascinating. I love the descriptions of the forest not to mention the moving trees – you would go to sleep under a tree and wake up in the morning and it would be gone – you’d just be totally lost. (Well, maybe being lost isn’t such a brilliant idea – better remember to take lots of provisions!)
2. How did you like the reunion of at least part of the fellowship at Isengard? Did any part of it stand out to you?
I personally enjoyed the ‘part’ reunion at Isengard although I thought it was more low key than I anticipated. That being said I thought all the bits with Merry and Pippin smoking their pipes and foraging for food added a really good injection of humour. Yet again, I really like the way that Tolkien manages to make you smile. I think his ability to add humour is one of the big pluses of this book for me and stops it becoming too dark.
3. What are your thoughts about Galdalf’s confrontation with Saruman?
Again, I found this particular scene strangely low key. I think there was a decent build up of tension with everyone being warned beforehand about how to act in the face of Saruman but somehow I think I would have liked more flash and fireworks between the two wizards, although I suppose on reflection, they had already had a face off earlier on in the novel. For me, I think I would have liked to have had the satisfaction of Gandalf kicking some wizard butt (although I knew that didn’t happen so what am I going on about here??) Gandalf is clearly a lot more grown up than me!! And, he just took it all in his stride.
4. We learn a great deal about the Palantir in this section. How do you feel about Saruman given Gandalf’s speech about the use of the Palantir? Would you, like Pippen, be tempted to look in to see what you could see?
I think Saruman showed a surprising lack of common sense throughout the novel not to mention a huge amount of arrogance. The very notion that he was going to side with Sauron is just naïve to the maximum given all his years’ of experience and what he knows of the enemy and also there is this element to his behaviour where he actually believes he can get the better of Sauron which again just seems unbelievable. It makes you see though that not only Boromir succumbed to the power of the ring after all. I think I would be tempted to look into the Palantir but I don’t think I would have had the nerve to go and take it from under Gandalf’s nose! But, in the end, Pippin’s mistake probably turned out more helpful than harmful and also saved Gandalf from a potentially dangerous confrontation.
5. What are your thoughts about Smeagol/Gollum in this first part of his journey leading Frodo and Sam? For those of you who’ve seen the film, are you hearing Andy Serkis in your head when you read Gollum’s lines?
Strange as it may seem I can’t help but like Gollum. He certainly has a one track mind and pursues his own goal relentlessly – it’s a pity he’s such a strange and lonesome little critter – he could really be quite helpful to have on your team, he virtually doesn’t need to eat or sleep, he’s dedicated and he’s an adept tracker! I also can’t help just reading all Gollum’s lines in the voice of Andy Serkis. I think he just made the role his own and it’s now impossible for me to imagine this character in any other way. Again, I like the way that Gollum manages to add quite a bit of light heartedness with his little songs, his sulking and his comical dialogue – ‘give me fish now, and keep nasty chips!’
6. Sam and Frodo are not traveling in the most picturesque part of Middle-earth. Which would you find worse, the seemingly impossible to leave mountains or the Dead Marshes?
No thought necessary for this one – I would find the mountains the worse. I don’t have any head for heights and the notion of having to peer over the edge of a cliff or scale down it brings out the goosebumps for me! Give me the marshes any day! Plus, imagine having to sleep on the side of a mountain – I’d probably roll over the edge during a dream or something. Terra firm is definitely my choice, boggy and full of dead people and strange lights or not!
7. Tolkien introduces us to a lot of places in this section of The Two Towers, many just getting a mention in passing. What do you think of Tolkien’s place names (Minas Morgul, Isengard, the Emyn Muil, and on and on)? Do any stand out to you? Are there any that you don’t care for?
I think Tolkien did a great job of naming such a lot of places – I genuinely don’t know how he did it because I think it’s not as easy as it sounds coming up with random names. Also, I feel that his name places quite often give a strange sense of what the place is going to be like – although I would say that because I’m already familiar. But, just by way of example, the Shire, you imagine this to be farmlands, rich and green with cottages, Rivendell – lots of water and falls, Fangorn – just sounds creepy as though the forest has teeth (I know I’m being overly simple here!!). But, I think Tolkien does a great job of not just conjuring the places but also naming them – he makes it look easy.
Thanks Carl for the questions this week. 😀
Links:
Other blog conversations can be found at:
Geeky Daddy
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf
All Booked Up
Stainless Steel Droppings
Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton
17 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Afterwards, Rosamund Lupton, Sister
Just finished reading Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton and must say that this is a great second novel – although it is not a follow up to Sister (just thought I’d make that clear). I think Rosamund Lupton is definitely proving herself to be a highly imaginative writer who can provide what basically appears to be a thriller – but with a surprisingly supernatural take and a twist at the end.
I won’t really go into the plot as I think this will spoil the read, to quote Amazon:
There is a fire and they are in There. They are in there . . .
Black smoke stains a summer blue sky. A school is on fire. And one mother, Grace, sees the smoke and runs. She knows her teenage daughter Jenny is inside. She runs into the burning building to rescue her.
Afterwards, Grace must find the identity of the arsonist and protect her family from the person who’s still intent on destroying them. Afterwards, she must fight the limits of her physical strength and discover the limitlessness of love.
This is a very emotional read – particularly the ending when tissues are recommended! But, it is also gripping and again the author manages to write in such a way that throughout the novel you suspect everyone! And, you’re convinced you’re right with each guess but basically she’s just pulling you along and keeping you guessing all the way. I didn’t see the final outcome – at all – I have to admit. Actually I never guessed the ending in Sister either.
Basically we have another thriller with a race to find the culprit before further damage can be inflicted – and then we have the supernatural element – which basically you will find out about after reading virtually the first page – but, I’m not going to say what it is here as I think it will give people preconceived ideas. Just to eliminate a few themes that may put people off – when I say supernatural, I’m not talking of vampires, werewolves, fantasy, fallen angels, etc, and I’m not trying to be really criptic, just a bit careful. I could make a comparison, but to be honest, I’m not always overly pleased with comparisons. I suppose it has a ghost like quality – without being ghosts. I’m not really proving very articulate here so I’m going to leave it alone and you’ll just have to read the book!
In terms of the characters I would say my favourite is Sarah. She was such a strong individual. She took risks and clearly loves her brother and his family, and in spite of a coolness that has obviously existed in the past between Grace (who tells the story) and Sarah she throws herself wholeheartedly into the search for a culprit. Plus, she’s quick and passionate. I liked the way that Grace finally saw her for who she really was and regretted that they’d not had a chance to get to know each other properly.
In terms of criticisms. I think that some of the characters were a bit stereotype. Plus I think the family themselves were given a bit too much sugary sweetness and came across too perfect. The only other thing, at over 400 pages I think it could have been shortened slightly just to make it have a more punchy feel.
But, having said that, I think RL is great at writing an emotional novel. She also seems to now be developing a trait of leaving you to draw some of your own conclusions at the end and I think it will be interesting to see if she continues in this vein and she is an expert at leading you down the wrong path (but in a way where you’re so sure you’ve been really clever and second guessed the ending – only to find in the following chapter – another path that you’re going to be taken down).
Definitely recommend. You will need to suspend your disbelief a little bit and also get to grips with who’s talking to who at some points of the story, but overall a great second novel.
Rating A
Afterwards
Lord of the Rings read along, book 2, The Two Towers
15 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: J R R Tolkien, Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers
Just finished reading the first part of The Two Towers as part of a #LOTRreadalong being hosted by The Little Red Reviewer with this week’s questions being provided by Clint of Geeky Daddy. This week’s chapters take us to Chapter 8, the Road to Isengard.
The questions this week:
What is your favorite part of The Two Towers, thus far into the book?
I’m torn with this one. Obviously I think the Ents are brilliant, they are such amazing characters and I think the whole history with the disappearance of the Entwives was so good to read. I’d completely forgotten about that! I also thought the Riders of Rohan is a great chapter. I love the introduction to the Riders of Rohan, the part where they completely ride past Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli without even noticing their presence is great and then we’re introduced to Eomer and his little altercation with Gimli ‘I would cut off your head, beard and all, Master Dwarf, it it stood but a little higher from the ground’. What I really love about that little speech is that it is completely replicated in the film as is so much of the dialogue from the book. I think it’s great the way Gimli’s parts in the book always manage to inject some humour – even at the bleakest times – and also this highlights yet again his friendship with Legolas when he stands by Gimli against Eomer. But, and after that long diatribe my favourite chapter has got to be Helm’s Deep. Such bravery and courage in the face of such enormous opposition. Gimli, shines yet again in this chapter! And, I think what the book manages to portray more strongly than the film, was the underlying cowardliness of the Orcs – who, in spite of their far greater numbers, run for the hills (or more importantly the trees – and how cool was it that a forest appeared of a sudden) as soon as Helm’s Horn sounds – plus Gandalf appearing at the final moment with Erkenbrand – just so uplifting and I got goosebumps reading it.
What were your thoughts of Boromir trying to defend Merry and Pippin from Orc archers?
I know Boromir isn’t to everybody’s liking but I never really disliked him. He was misguided but not bad and even though he was overwhelmed I believe he would always try to defend those in need – even in his last breath he was asking Aragorn to go to Minas Tirith and save his people. So his defending Merry and Pippin to me felt natural – also, I’m sure he would very much have liked to have made up for his part in Frodo’s running away.
What thoughts would have been going through your mind if you were approached by Treebeard?
I think if I had been approached by Treebeard I would have been completely gobsmacked. I mean, even if you were living in Middle Earth where Wizards, elves and hobbits exist along with Trolls and other creatures I don’t think anything could prepare you for an Ent. I think an Ent would be just something that was talked about as a mythical thing – a bit like a unicorn. Yep, gobsmacked about sums it up for me! Not very eloquent but there it is.
What were your thoughts and reactions of the battle at the Hornburg?
Well, I’ve already spoken about this in my first answer. This is my favourite part of the book. I just love the way that even though the situation is so desperate the characters don’t lose hope. They’re full of courage, always rushing into battle with their own battle cries and each of our characters have such important parts to play.
Do you like it that Tolkien has split the Company into three mini-quests? Do you wonder if the company will be together throughout the quest again?
I actually think that splitting the Company into three mini quests makes great sense. We get to cover so much ground – and it’s three times as interesting. A definite winner on all fronts as far as I can see and I don’t think it could have worked in any other way. I mean, really, the Company never planned to stay together for the whole quest and even Gandalf didn’t have a plan that would take them to the end. Plus I don’t think nine people could just stride up to the Gates of Mordor – two little hobbits going it alone have a much better chance of staying hidden – hidden in plain sight really, because Sauron just doesn’t conceive of the idea of anyone actually wanting to destroy the One Ring. I don’t think it would be possible for the Company to come together during the Quest (but then I would say that as I already know the outcome) but it makes for a brilliant reunion at the end!
Rereading this book is just proving such a lot of fun, especially with all the discussion and what I find really amazing is that even though we’re now over 500 pages into the story I have never felt any lack of interest or desire to skip read. Such a testament to JRR Tolkien’s writing that it is still so captivating even though I’ve already read it not to mention seen the films a lot!
Take this link to The Little Red Reviewer to see more discussion.
Plus this link takes you to a lego version of the first book – I couldn’t resist it, it just made be laugh (although I’m not sure how reliable this link is so not necessarily saying you should use it – if you want a look check it out on You Tube (LOTR The Fellowship of the Ring):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyb9v2_qyQA
The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore
13 October 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Lorien, Mogadons, Pittacus Lore, The Power of Six
Just finished reading The Power of Six which basically picks right up where I am Number Four left off (and if you haven’t read the first book this review may contain spoilers).
Rather foolishly, or rashly, after reading the first book I declared that I would not pick up the second, not because I didn’t Like I am Number Four (see review here) but just because it wasn’t really my type of thing. What did I know? Not much apparently because I’ve just read No.2 in the series and I’m quite pleased that I did. I actually think this was an improvement on the first, it’s still not going to be a breath taking classic but it is fast paced, in fact pretty much packed to the brim with action, there’s tension, a bit of fun and we have a number of new characters introduced not to mention my favourite Bernie Kosar.
I won’t go into the plot too much. John has become a fugitive since his battle with the Mogadorians at his high school in Paradise, the FBI are now searching for him and he’s on the run. Not to mention he’s still trying to come to terms with his powers and learn something more about the objects in his chest. Sam is still with him, steadfast and determined and of course they have been joined by Six – who is a pretty awesome garde with some kick ass abilities of her own.
On top of this, and what I think really makes a big difference this time around we have a different story running parallel. The story of No.7, Marina, who has been living secretly in a monastery in the Spanish mountains. Her legacies have also started to develop but the Mogadorians are now aware of her. I really liked the voice of Marina and her story just adds so much more. Both stories pick up pace and tension at the same time leading to a show down in both countries for all concerned.
The other thing with this story is a lot more of the background seems to been have cleared up for me. I was a bit puzzled with certain elements in the first installment, which may just be my own stupidity of course, but this time around I got a much better feel for what was actually happening. Although, we don’t yet know what has caused this massive altercation between the Lorien and Mogadorians and hopefully this will be further developed in the next book (which I won’t deny I will read!)
On the whole I thought this was a much more enjoyable book, it’s still simply written but I think the adventure and pace are really good. I think we’ve lost a bit of the ‘cheesy’ high school feel from I am Number Four and there was no ‘half hearted romance’ thrown in for good measure (thankfully – I was never really feeling the romance in the last book it just felt so token). We also get to see a few more of the Garde and I will just say that No.9 is pretty impressive – a total maniac in fact!
In terms of criticisms – I got a bit tired of the hoards of Mogadorians – they just kept flooding out of nooks and crannies in their hundreds and it sort of became a bit tiring – lets face it, John Smith, has a battle at his high school and becomes the FBI’s most wanted and yet hundreds of Mogs are flocking over the Spanish mountains and not a soul sees anybody – give me a break please. And, there are hints that this is nothing to what is to come next – I know the garde are pretty impressive with their superpowers but if we end up with 6/7 of them with their Chimaera beating thousands of Mogadorians then that might have to be taken with a very large, nay huge, pinch of salt. I’m just saying.
But, that’s it, I’m now in this to the end (which I’m sure wont be bitter!)
Rating B
The Power of Six
