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A Song of Ice and Fire #3, part 2
Búrka mečov 2: Krv a zlato
O kráľovský trón sa uchádza päť uchádzačov. Jeden je mŕtvy, ďalší upadol do nemilosti. Ostatní bez škrupúl uzatvárajú nové spojenectvá a rušia staré počas nepretržitého zúrivého boja. Moc Lannisterského rodu obrovsky vzrástla, Tyriona ponižuje jeho intrigánska sestra, krutý otec a skazený sadistický synovec. Roff Stark je nútený brániť svoje mladé kráľovstvo proti Greyjovcom, ktorí sa chcú zmocniť Severu. Divokí za Múrom vytiahli do boja a na vojnovú výpravu sa vydáva aj Daenerys so svojimi drakmi. Každý zúrivo bojuje za vlastné víťazstvo, no tento ľúty boj je len slabý odvar v porovnsní s vojnou dobra a zla, ktorá sa neodvratne blíži.
500 pages, Hardcover
First published August 8, 2000
1673 people are currently reading
42323 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,510 books119k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,230 reviews
October 5, 2011
Do you remember that bit in the Scream movie where Stu Macher (played by Matthew Lillard), turns to all the other film geeks and sets out the now famed set of rules for surviving a horror film and making it into the sequel? (FYI those rules were: Never have sex. Do not drink and never say “i’ll be right back”)
Well someone should be writing a similar set of rules for the characters in the Song of Fire and Ice Series because, oh boy are these guys in trouble. Despite the numerous sellswords, hedge knights, rogues, assassins, Sers and Lords running about the place in full armour and with more oversized silverware and valerian steel than the kitchen department at John Lewis, no one is more fearsome in the culling stakes than George RR Martin himself. Watch out Westeros, Wildlings beyond the wall and everyone in the Land Beyond the Sea... Martin has the biggest axe and no one can stop if from falling.... or knows where it might fall next!
Once again, this review will be scant on detail as it is impossible to discuss one iota of this epic without giving the game away and creating civil unrest amongst a legion of George RR Martin fans in the making. So... here’s what has happened so far:
XXXXX is dead
And so is XXXXX
XXXXX has been poisoned
Ooh and so was XXXXX but they had it coming really and the only tears you’d want to shed in their direction are Tears of Lys.
XXXXX is mortally wounded and so is XXXXX although probably it would only be a matter of time before the killed each other anyway.
XXXXX and XXXXX are both dead too.
XXXXX is also gone to the grave. XXXXX went to the grave and then came back.
And XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX all died in various battles but they were mostly just lesser characters with walk on/carried off parts anyway.
XXXXX died on the toilet.
None of them will be making it into the sequel unless they’re getting a free pass to Wight world.
XXXXX and surprisingly XXXXX are still alive. So is XXXXX.
XXXXX and XXXXX are on the run. XXXXX has become an unlikely ally. XXXXX and XXXXX are at the wall. The XXXXX has turned up and so has XXXXX. No one seems to be looking for XXXXX and XXXXX is out of sight and out of mind and growing in strength.
So, how do you learn to duck, quick enough and low enough to avoid the George RR Martin cull?
1. Don’t offer to be a king, appoint yourself as king or have any claim to any throne or kingdom anywhere. There are a lot of kings around at the moment too but believe me, there is no safety in numbers.
2. Don’t be a hero.
3. Don’t be a coward either.
4. Don’t treat with sellswords
5. Don’t become a born again religious convert.
6. Don’t be jealous.
7. Don’t be coveteous.
8. Don’t be related to any Starks.
9. Don’t be related to any Lannisters.
10. Don’t be in possession of anything that either the Starks, Lannisters, Tullys, Freys, Boltons, Baratheons, Targaryens, Florents, Redwynes, Umbers, Flynts, Fossoways, Kettlebacks, Ostermonts, Karstarks, Mollens, Talharts, Glovers, Seaworths, Greyjoys, Slynts, Celtigars, Cerwyns or Marbrands want.
In short there is very little you can do in order to make it into the sequel. Maybe your safest option would be to take the black?
Well someone should be writing a similar set of rules for the characters in the Song of Fire and Ice Series because, oh boy are these guys in trouble. Despite the numerous sellswords, hedge knights, rogues, assassins, Sers and Lords running about the place in full armour and with more oversized silverware and valerian steel than the kitchen department at John Lewis, no one is more fearsome in the culling stakes than George RR Martin himself. Watch out Westeros, Wildlings beyond the wall and everyone in the Land Beyond the Sea... Martin has the biggest axe and no one can stop if from falling.... or knows where it might fall next!
Once again, this review will be scant on detail as it is impossible to discuss one iota of this epic without giving the game away and creating civil unrest amongst a legion of George RR Martin fans in the making. So... here’s what has happened so far:
XXXXX is dead
And so is XXXXX
XXXXX has been poisoned
Ooh and so was XXXXX but they had it coming really and the only tears you’d want to shed in their direction are Tears of Lys.
XXXXX is mortally wounded and so is XXXXX although probably it would only be a matter of time before the killed each other anyway.
XXXXX and XXXXX are both dead too.
XXXXX is also gone to the grave. XXXXX went to the grave and then came back.
And XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX, XXXXX all died in various battles but they were mostly just lesser characters with walk on/carried off parts anyway.
XXXXX died on the toilet.
None of them will be making it into the sequel unless they’re getting a free pass to Wight world.
XXXXX and surprisingly XXXXX are still alive. So is XXXXX.
XXXXX and XXXXX are on the run. XXXXX has become an unlikely ally. XXXXX and XXXXX are at the wall. The XXXXX has turned up and so has XXXXX. No one seems to be looking for XXXXX and XXXXX is out of sight and out of mind and growing in strength.
So, how do you learn to duck, quick enough and low enough to avoid the George RR Martin cull?
1. Don’t offer to be a king, appoint yourself as king or have any claim to any throne or kingdom anywhere. There are a lot of kings around at the moment too but believe me, there is no safety in numbers.
2. Don’t be a hero.
3. Don’t be a coward either.
4. Don’t treat with sellswords
5. Don’t become a born again religious convert.
6. Don’t be jealous.
7. Don’t be coveteous.
8. Don’t be related to any Starks.
9. Don’t be related to any Lannisters.
10. Don’t be in possession of anything that either the Starks, Lannisters, Tullys, Freys, Boltons, Baratheons, Targaryens, Florents, Redwynes, Umbers, Flynts, Fossoways, Kettlebacks, Ostermonts, Karstarks, Mollens, Talharts, Glovers, Seaworths, Greyjoys, Slynts, Celtigars, Cerwyns or Marbrands want.
In short there is very little you can do in order to make it into the sequel. Maybe your safest option would be to take the black?
September 17, 2022
The fourth book in the 'Game of Thrones' series. As Winter continues to approach we catch up with the ongoing epic spanning from King's Landing, via multiple other characters and locations, to the gathering round the three dragons and Daenerys. A Stark family divided and spread across the Kingdoms. A shocking conclusion to the main battle as betrayal, secrets, returns and death feature heavily. This series continues to impress... heavily. 9 out of 12.
2015 read; 2012 read
2015 read; 2012 read
Read
April 16, 2013O.O
Okay. You know what time it is (besides 9.00 p.m. on a Tuesday night) - ASoIaF gif reaction time!
So, after an extended break after reading A Clash of Kings, it was time to jump into A Storm of Swords.
And everything was good.
.. Even the Davos chapters.
Until..
And though slightly spoiled for part of the story, I was entirely unprepared for the feels.
At first I was all, "This book is DEAD TO ME."
Then my grief became anger.
Then resignation..
And finally determination.
Until.. that ending.
Okay. You know what time it is (besides 9.00 p.m. on a Tuesday night) - ASoIaF gif reaction time!
So, after an extended break after reading A Clash of Kings, it was time to jump into A Storm of Swords.
And everything was good.
.. Even the Davos chapters.
Until..
And though slightly spoiled for part of the story, I was entirely unprepared for the feels.
At first I was all, "This book is DEAD TO ME."
Then my grief became anger.
Then resignation..
And finally determination.
Until.. that ending.
November 6, 2017
“Night’s King was only a man by light of day...but the night was his to rule. And it’s getting dark.”
This one is definitely a game changer! I’ve never known so many major and minor characters to be killed off in a book - must be some kind of record!
I really can’t say a lot without spoilers. The war for the iron throne is ongoing but it seems being away from the battle can be just as deadly as fighting in it!
“It was not for murder that the gods punished him...but for slewing a guest under his roof; that the gods cannot forgive.”
I am loving this series! All the action that is happening at the same time to the different characters in different areas is so addictive! I love seeing how the characters interlink - and I fear for what will happen to them all next!
Arya is about to head off across the water after escaping numerous brigands, Sansa has found new troubles in a new place, Bran keeps on travelling, Davos still fights on for Stannis despite his Red Priestess, Brienne has fulfilled part of her vow and is off to fulfill the rest. Jaime is changed from his time with Robb and Catelyn, Tyrion’s family issues just get worse! Jon and Sam are having their own problems on the wall, far removed from all those in the South. Daenerys is conquering the East city by city. And where is Theon Greyjoy?
Bring on A Feast for Crows!
“We are puppets dancing on the strings of those who came before us, and one day our own children will take up our strings and dance on in our stead.”
This one is definitely a game changer! I’ve never known so many major and minor characters to be killed off in a book - must be some kind of record!
I really can’t say a lot without spoilers. The war for the iron throne is ongoing but it seems being away from the battle can be just as deadly as fighting in it!
“It was not for murder that the gods punished him...but for slewing a guest under his roof; that the gods cannot forgive.”
I am loving this series! All the action that is happening at the same time to the different characters in different areas is so addictive! I love seeing how the characters interlink - and I fear for what will happen to them all next!
Arya is about to head off across the water after escaping numerous brigands, Sansa has found new troubles in a new place, Bran keeps on travelling, Davos still fights on for Stannis despite his Red Priestess, Brienne has fulfilled part of her vow and is off to fulfill the rest. Jaime is changed from his time with Robb and Catelyn, Tyrion’s family issues just get worse! Jon and Sam are having their own problems on the wall, far removed from all those in the South. Daenerys is conquering the East city by city. And where is Theon Greyjoy?
Bring on A Feast for Crows!
“We are puppets dancing on the strings of those who came before us, and one day our own children will take up our strings and dance on in our stead.”
January 26, 2019
Tja was soll ich sagen? Es ist Game of Thrones, natürlich bekommt es 5 Sterne. Aber davon abgesehen war es bisher eins der besten oder sogar das beste Buch aus der Reihe für mich! Es ist so viel passiert und es sind wahnsinnig viele Protagonisten gestorben. Auch merkt man in diesem Teil finde ich sehr stark den Unterschied zur Serie, was ich aber total mag! Das war jetzt auch der erste Band wo mir Sansa sympathischer wurde und obwohl das Buch gut 800 Seiten hat war es wieder viel zu schnell vorbei und ich spiele mit dem Gedanken direkt mit Band 7 durchzustarten...
November 17, 2017
“We look up at the same stars and see such different things.”
God that took me months and months! At first I couldn't find the motivation, then there were other books I desperately wanted to read. So this giant of a book had to wait.
When I finally picked it up again, I finished it in a week. While I had a slow start (I really did not want to read about the Red Wedding), I didn't want to put it down again. The plot thickened and every single chapter was intruiging, even those of the less interesting characters.
Here's the list of POV's from what I liked most to what I enjoyed the least:
Daenerys
Tyrion
Sansa
Jon
Arya
Jaime
Bran
Samwell
Davos
Catelyn
Find more of my books on Instagram
God that took me months and months! At first I couldn't find the motivation, then there were other books I desperately wanted to read. So this giant of a book had to wait.
When I finally picked it up again, I finished it in a week. While I had a slow start (I really did not want to read about the Red Wedding), I didn't want to put it down again. The plot thickened and every single chapter was intruiging, even those of the less interesting characters.
Here's the list of POV's from what I liked most to what I enjoyed the least:
Daenerys
Tyrion
Sansa
Jon
Arya
Jaime
Bran
Samwell
Davos
Catelyn
Find more of my books on Instagram
February 10, 2017
Martin i u Oluji mačeva na vrhunski način nastavlja svoju sagu o borbi za Gvozdeni presto.
Na moju radost Džejmi Lanister konačno dobija svoje poglavlje. Jako mi se dopada u kom pravcu Martin vodi njegovu priču i moram reći da mi je on omiljeni Lanister, antiheroj koga u početku niko ne voli, a onda malo po malo nekako ti se prišunja i postane ti drag...pa, dobro meni bar. On je zapravo, kad pogledamo celu priču, jedini koji sve što radi - radi zbog ljubavi, dobro nije to baš najzdraviji odnos koji je mogao da izgradi, ali njega ne zanima ni da vlada, niti da se petlja u celu špansku seriju odnosa i spletki, on siromah samo želi da ga svi puste na miru da voli ženu koju je izabrao, što je meni kao devojci ono kao cool....naravno da nije te nesrećne okolnosti, ali dobro niko nije savršen ;)
Osim Džejmija svoje poglavlje je zaslužio i Semvel Ubica. Ne znam kako je sa ostalim čitaocima Martinovog serijala, ali ja nikako ne mogu da izbacim iz glave poređenje Martinovog Sema i Tolkinovog Sema - nekako mi se čini da ima tu poprilično sličnosti: verni saputnik jednog od glavnih junaka, bucko koji nije u prvom planu, a ipak od njega zavisi dosta toga, preplašeni učesnik bitnih događaja koji ipak pronalazi svoju hrabrost u ključnim momentima...I jako mi je zanimljivo da pratim tok misli lika koji nije sav hrabrica i junačina nego je preplašen i ne zna šta će sa sobom.
S druge strane moram da priznam da mi Stanis i nije baš najjasniji....tačnije Stanis je jedini lik do sada u pogledu koga sam potpuno ravnodušna. Nadam se da će se malo konkretizovati njegova uloga u svemu i da će pokazati zube onoj Crvenoj beštiji.
Što se ostalih junaka tiče: Sansa me i dalje nervira, Arja je sve bolja, Džon Snežni postaje pravi macan :), a od Tiriona očekujem daleko više u nastavku, Deneris mi je malo falila, ali kad pomislim šta me čeka u Gozbi za vrane treba da budem zadovoljna i ovim.
Sve u svemu uživala sam i jedva čekam nastavak :)
December 5, 2012
Oh my bloody hell and fuck...
Dear George,
I have read A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords one after another and in any spare moment over the last couple of months. As a result, I think that this reality is starting to take over. My emotional involvement in the lives of your characters is reaching an unhealthy depth, and your brutality with them is breaking my motherfucking heart. I just finished ASOS a moment ago, and said motherfucking heart is beating some serious drum and bass. I often do and recently have read books to love, admire, and learn from. But dang dawg, I don't remember the last time reading was so damn EXCITING. I have NO IDEA what you're going to do or where you're going to take me next - all bets are off, because your world is a real one, where heroes get savaged and baddies prevail and shit happens that leaves you staring at the heavens and thinking WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
You're MAD. A mad marvellous genius and I love you. But I kind of hate you. Because you are KILLING me and I am becoming an obsessed crazy person.
Shattered but scintillated,
Alex
Dear George,
I have read A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, and A Storm of Swords one after another and in any spare moment over the last couple of months. As a result, I think that this reality is starting to take over. My emotional involvement in the lives of your characters is reaching an unhealthy depth, and your brutality with them is breaking my motherfucking heart. I just finished ASOS a moment ago, and said motherfucking heart is beating some serious drum and bass. I often do and recently have read books to love, admire, and learn from. But dang dawg, I don't remember the last time reading was so damn EXCITING. I have NO IDEA what you're going to do or where you're going to take me next - all bets are off, because your world is a real one, where heroes get savaged and baddies prevail and shit happens that leaves you staring at the heavens and thinking WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
You're MAD. A mad marvellous genius and I love you. But I kind of hate you. Because you are KILLING me and I am becoming an obsessed crazy person.
Shattered but scintillated,
Alex
Read
December 27, 2022After finishing Part 1 of A Storm of Swords of course I was going to carry on with Part 2. Such a great book, and such a great series. It just continues to blow me away.
This half of A Storm of Swords is an absolute rollercoaster of a journey, with shock after shock after shock. The hits just kept on coming. The pace and events unfolding was relentless, and I absolutely loved it!
Full Review to Come
This half of A Storm of Swords is an absolute rollercoaster of a journey, with shock after shock after shock. The hits just kept on coming. The pace and events unfolding was relentless, and I absolutely loved it!
Full Review to Come
December 6, 2011
This is the ending that book three should have had. The first half, A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow, just wasn't strong enough to stand on its own. But that's okay as the second half more than makes up for it. From the off, there are bodies. Not just secondary characters either, but people we thought were going to be key players in The Game.
A number of characters get built out a lot more as well. Jamie continues his transition to three-dimensions with the start of a conscience. Stannis starts to come out of his shell a little and Petyr's role in the history so far starts to make a lot more sense – he did warn us not to trust him!
As a combined single book it would have been a five star rating, as part two more than rescues any failings in part one. I strongly suggest reading them back to back, and thinking of them as one logical book, if you're going to buy them individually.
A number of characters get built out a lot more as well. Jamie continues his transition to three-dimensions with the start of a conscience. Stannis starts to come out of his shell a little and Petyr's role in the history so far starts to make a lot more sense – he did warn us not to trust him!
As a combined single book it would have been a five star rating, as part two more than rescues any failings in part one. I strongly suggest reading them back to back, and thinking of them as one logical book, if you're going to buy them individually.
July 27, 2010
My favourite book of the series so far! I will not ruin it for anybody, but this book turned me into an emotional reck in the best and worse possible ways. It gave me moments were I found myself jumping round like a child who actually did get a pony for christmas, moments when I bawled like a baby and finally, moments when I was yelling my head off, threatening to never read another page and swearing like a banshee. This series needs to form part of everyone's life - it is so unpredictable and engrossing that it has to be up there with the greats.
April 21, 2018
Seven hells...what did I just read?😱🐺
A Storm of Swords or as I call it the wedding book is by far the best book in the series ASOIAF!
Long yes, but for those of you who have watched or heard about the series this book describes the events we have watched both in season 3 and 4 ! Though, I have to say I have read about things they never showed us in the series(YET?) and I'm not talking about about small details, I'm talking about major stuff...Well I can't say anymore without spoiling something..But the epilogue left me speechless!
I couldn't find the full edition of the 3rd book so I bought part 1 and part 2. Due to their length it felt like reading 2 books so it was pretty obvious to me that the first part (abt 600 pages) was not so action-packed as I expected, so I gave it 4 stars. But boy, the second part was like 10 stars!
Like I said there are a lot of weddings described in this book and I personally hate weddings but these were really something! Master Martin makes sure you will cry, laugh, even bite your nails while reading this book. I think I have said that before, but I really love the fact that each chapter is told through a different character each time so we get a deeper insight into our beloved heroes while viewing the events from their perspective! Jaime appears to be a major character now, there's a lot being narrated from his point of view, but if I am not mistaken this is Arya's book! Her journey becomes even more treacherous and difficult and strangely enough it seems that most of the events revolve around her. I best liked Tyrion, Bran and Jaime-Brienne chapters!
I really don't know what else to say!!! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Fantasy lovers enjoy!!!
A Storm of Swords or as I call it the wedding book is by far the best book in the series ASOIAF!
Long yes, but for those of you who have watched or heard about the series this book describes the events we have watched both in season 3 and 4 ! Though, I have to say I have read about things they never showed us in the series(YET?) and I'm not talking about about small details, I'm talking about major stuff...Well I can't say anymore without spoiling something..But the epilogue left me speechless!
I couldn't find the full edition of the 3rd book so I bought part 1 and part 2. Due to their length it felt like reading 2 books so it was pretty obvious to me that the first part (abt 600 pages) was not so action-packed as I expected, so I gave it 4 stars. But boy, the second part was like 10 stars!
Like I said there are a lot of weddings described in this book and I personally hate weddings but these were really something! Master Martin makes sure you will cry, laugh, even bite your nails while reading this book. I think I have said that before, but I really love the fact that each chapter is told through a different character each time so we get a deeper insight into our beloved heroes while viewing the events from their perspective! Jaime appears to be a major character now, there's a lot being narrated from his point of view, but if I am not mistaken this is Arya's book! Her journey becomes even more treacherous and difficult and strangely enough it seems that most of the events revolve around her. I best liked Tyrion, Bran and Jaime-Brienne chapters!
I really don't know what else to say!!! I can't wait to get my hands on the next book!
Fantasy lovers enjoy!!!
June 25, 2017
DAMN GOOD!! Nothing is predictable, no main character is safe. Starks bled heavily. Lannisters bled. Winter is coming for everyone. Valar morghulis.
February 19, 2016
I have slowly been making my way through the Song of Ice and Fire series and this has been my favourite of what I have read so far. In case you are wondering I have watched all of the TV show so I do know what is going to happen in the books before I read them but this doesn’t really bother me. I won’t go into detail about the plot of this book as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anyone but I would definitely recommend to anyone who hasn’t yet picked up the series. All of my favourites characters were doing awesome things in this book and I simply loved it! ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
November 14, 2015
AT LAST I SEE THE LIGHT!
Allow me to finally applaud you, George R.R. Martin without apprehension or dissatisfaction, without a hint of weariness or disappointment. Allow me to finally pass beyond the "I want to love it, but I don't" into "I was swept away by fire and ice and I ascend now as a different woman".
My favourite things about this book:
1) Jon Snow's every move (the light of my heart)
2) Jaime's journey to discover morals, honor and true love
Now, I can't tell you what it was about this installment that finally did it. I have absolutely no clue why I have found the past three books so tedious to get through while this one passed by as easy as breathing.
That most of the current plot lines culminated, crashed and made way for new ones was definitely a major influence. A Game of Thrones would have been brilliant if I hadn't watched the show first, but it suffered a bit from too many character introductions and too little happening. A Clash of Kings was chaos and confusion and a shitload of pain. A Storm of Swords pt. 1 was no better, but with nothing happening for the first 300 pages and some of the chaos bleeding through from ACoK it wasn't exactly thrilling, it was mostly just a mess of characters and plots and whatnot.
This, however, this is the book I've been waiting for. This is the reason I persisted and struggled through the others.
This is where I finally come face to face with the greatness that you've all been babbling about, but that I had yet to see.
This is in many ways the conclusion to the events that followed the execution of Ned Stark, which makes it a more pleasant read, because instead of throwing us more plotlines again and again and again, it actually explains some of it. It doesn't whirl the characters about, and throws them into rocks with sand in their eyes, it manages to ground them a bit instead.
(When I say "pleasant" I, of course, don't mean to imply it will not cause you emotional pain and take a few stabs at your soul.)
Still, those who have to die, die (and there aren't exactly few), those who don't, grieve and survive. And through it they all seem to find their feet a little better in this new world, even with the scales shifting and the balance thrown. They've gone from being lost creatures to having some resemblance of purpose - and just like the characters, the story has also grown and matured.
I still don't give much of a damn about Dany - and a few of the other characters, shh -, she's a great character and all, but until I am told what purpose she serves for the story, I'm gonna continue not giving a damn. I can't help it, she's over there, everyone else is over here and I won't care until her dragons are huge and can carry her across the sea.
Let's see if this experience will repeat itself with the next books or if I have to wait three books again. Oh well, if I have to, I will.
Allow me to finally applaud you, George R.R. Martin without apprehension or dissatisfaction, without a hint of weariness or disappointment. Allow me to finally pass beyond the "I want to love it, but I don't" into "I was swept away by fire and ice and I ascend now as a different woman".
My favourite things about this book:
1) Jon Snow's every move (the light of my heart)
2) Jaime's journey to discover morals, honor and true love
Now, I can't tell you what it was about this installment that finally did it. I have absolutely no clue why I have found the past three books so tedious to get through while this one passed by as easy as breathing.
That most of the current plot lines culminated, crashed and made way for new ones was definitely a major influence. A Game of Thrones would have been brilliant if I hadn't watched the show first, but it suffered a bit from too many character introductions and too little happening. A Clash of Kings was chaos and confusion and a shitload of pain. A Storm of Swords pt. 1 was no better, but with nothing happening for the first 300 pages and some of the chaos bleeding through from ACoK it wasn't exactly thrilling, it was mostly just a mess of characters and plots and whatnot.
This, however, this is the book I've been waiting for. This is the reason I persisted and struggled through the others.
This is where I finally come face to face with the greatness that you've all been babbling about, but that I had yet to see.
This is in many ways the conclusion to the events that followed the execution of Ned Stark, which makes it a more pleasant read, because instead of throwing us more plotlines again and again and again, it actually explains some of it. It doesn't whirl the characters about, and throws them into rocks with sand in their eyes, it manages to ground them a bit instead.
(When I say "pleasant" I, of course, don't mean to imply it will not cause you emotional pain and take a few stabs at your soul.)
Still, those who have to die, die (and there aren't exactly few), those who don't, grieve and survive. And through it they all seem to find their feet a little better in this new world, even with the scales shifting and the balance thrown. They've gone from being lost creatures to having some resemblance of purpose - and just like the characters, the story has also grown and matured.
I still don't give much of a damn about Dany - and a few of the other characters, shh -, she's a great character and all, but until I am told what purpose she serves for the story, I'm gonna continue not giving a damn. I can't help it, she's over there, everyone else is over here and I won't care until her dragons are huge and can carry her across the sea.
Let's see if this experience will repeat itself with the next books or if I have to wait three books again. Oh well, if I have to, I will.
June 26, 2017
Dieser Teil hat mir bisher bei weitem am besten gefallen! Es ist so unfassbar viel passiert und ich bin aus dem Staunen gar nicht rausgekommen. Absolut geil!
February 4, 2023
Well the field is thinning out a bit. Martin has killed off a few of the main characters, even POV characters. He is also adding new POV characters on different sides and giving the “baddies” a platform too. All sides have a perspective and there is nuance in many of the characters that was less obvious at the beginning. The advantage of using thousands of pages to tell the story.
There is plenty of treachery and deception and plenty of very good reasons for avoiding weddings. The morality is cruel and brutal, particularly in relation to sex and sexual relations. There is religion, more than one, although they are not quite as well developed as some other aspects of the culture.
There’s been a bit of grumpiness about well-loved characters being killed off, particularly in relation to the Starks, but Martin seems to have no favourites. Winter is still coming!
There is plenty of treachery and deception and plenty of very good reasons for avoiding weddings. The morality is cruel and brutal, particularly in relation to sex and sexual relations. There is religion, more than one, although they are not quite as well developed as some other aspects of the culture.
There’s been a bit of grumpiness about well-loved characters being killed off, particularly in relation to the Starks, but Martin seems to have no favourites. Winter is still coming!
July 4, 2020
“In King’s Landing, there are two sorts of people. The players and the pieces.”
A Storm of Swords is responsible for so many of the now-iconic moments from Game of Thrones. The Red Wedding, The Purple Wedding, and so much more.
So it's not surprising this is such a well-loved instalment of the series. I do have to agree with the masses and say this is the best of the ASOIAF books so far.
The first half is excellently plotted with meticulous character and political arcs, and the second half is a whirlwind of action and drama that undermines expectations over and over. Sam and Davos are extremely boring but, beside their chapters, I genuinely loved every POV included in this book and every character and plot arc. AND THAT EPILOGUE !!
“You are grown so very great now, yet the higher a man climbs the farther he has to fall.”
And onto A Feast for Crows! Who knows when I'll get to it, though. I like that this is a world I can easily jump in and out of. I did have a lot of fun with this though, and I'll be looking forward to seeing what comes next (especially since I believe we're getting to the point where the book and show start to really deviate)
August 21, 2021
"Always keep your foes confused. If they are never certain who you are or what you want, they cannot know what you are like to do next."
This book is pure genius. It made me wince in pain when a few of my favourite characters were murdered. It made me dizzy with joy when my most despised and hated character was murdered. And it made me feel all the little things in between during the whole span of A Storm of Swords.
"Weddings have become more perilous than battles, it would seem."
I loved the way A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold surprised me. I never expected people to die in the manner they did. I love the fact that even though so many people die it still hurts. George R.R. Martin makes me feel too many feels while reading. One moment I think the characters are safe and the tone is light and happy, and the next moment: everybody is dead.
All men must die.
One thing that I absolutely loved about this book was the character development! I learned a lot about the characters' backstories, intentions and true feelings. I started liking Jaime more and more as I continued reading. And Sandor Clegane as well.
"which is more dangerous, the dagger brandished by an enemy, or the hidden one pressed to your back by someone you never even see?"
I love the way treachery is portrayed in the book. The reader is shown the intricate and delicate ways people can play the Game of Thrones. In A Storm of Swords I got a better insight on the way people try to manipulate and control each other to win the Game of Thrones.
"Smoke, sweat, and shit. King's Landing, in short. If you have a good nose you can smell the treachery too."
A Song of Ice and Fire (Book Reviews)
1. A Game of Thrones: 5 Great First Stars
2. A Clash of Kings: 5 Royal Stars
3.1 A Storm of Swords Pt. 1: 5 Red Stars
4. A Feast for Crows: 5 Westerosi Stars
May 29, 2010
Possibly the most devastating, awesome, exciting and surprising instalment yet, and I'm starting to get a sneaking suspicion that the real story is only just starting...
If you'd told me during the first book that by this point I would be pinning all of my hopes on The Hound and Jaime freaking Lannister, of all people, I'd have thought you were certifiable. But that would appear to be where we are at the moment, with Jaime in particular evolving into being one of the more interesting characters.
Containing a ton of gruesome deaths it's now quite clear that absolutely no character is safe in this story, and I'm really enjoying being taken along on the remaining characters stories. I can only begin to imagine what may happen now with Arya possibly on her way to a reunion with Jaqen, Jon commanding the Wall and Tyrion having, awesomely, killed Tywin Lannister. Can't wait to find out...
If you'd told me during the first book that by this point I would be pinning all of my hopes on The Hound and Jaime freaking Lannister, of all people, I'd have thought you were certifiable. But that would appear to be where we are at the moment, with Jaime in particular evolving into being one of the more interesting characters.
Containing a ton of gruesome deaths it's now quite clear that absolutely no character is safe in this story, and I'm really enjoying being taken along on the remaining characters stories. I can only begin to imagine what may happen now with Arya possibly on her way to a reunion with Jaqen, Jon commanding the Wall and Tyrion having, awesomely, killed Tywin Lannister. Can't wait to find out...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2016
Το καλύτερο βιβλίο της σειράς μέχρι στιγμής!
(Νομίζω ότι ο Martin θέλει να με κάνει να αντιπαθήσω την πλοκή της τηλεοπτικής σειράς :( )
(Νομίζω ότι ο Martin θέλει να με κάνει να αντιπαθήσω την πλοκή της τηλεοπτικής σειράς :( )
July 9, 2021
What the actual fuck was that ending?? I was not prepared? And I need answers
July 11, 2015
Even though I knew what was going to happen, I was SO not prepared for any of this. This installment is by far my favourite so far!
July 11, 2016
Άντε τώρα να γράψω κριτική μετά από αυτό που διάβασα.
Μακράν το ποιο συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο της ιστορίας για τις σοκαριστικές, εικονικές και ενθουσιώδεις στιγμές που χαρίζει στον αναγνώστη.
Τα λόγια είναι περιττά.
Μακράν το ποιο συγκλονιστικό βιβλίο της ιστορίας για τις σοκαριστικές, εικονικές και ενθουσιώδεις στιγμές που χαρίζει στον αναγνώστη.
Τα λόγια είναι περιττά.
May 26, 2019
Najbrže pročitan deo do sada. Znači da je držalo pažnju. I da, jako mi se dopalo! Osim samog kraja. Šta da kažem, ne podnosim Kejtlin Stark.
February 28, 2017
WHAT IN THE NAME OF SEVEN BLOODY HELLS DID I JUST READ?
This book is phenomenal. Full of stabbing, gutting, betrayal and a lot. There is bloody battle everywhere. What would happen if there is a war? Just imagine.
Every character has grown a lot but how long would they live, we don’t know. Now I know why George R.R Martin is well known for the characters death. Simply can’t explain my bloody love for this book. I was disappointed with its first part, but man this book surpassed all my expectations and raised my hope for the next book, the size of the wall. I’m pleased to say that this book is the best book(part) so far. Every page will suck you right into it. The secrets revealed, the broken trust and backstabbing, you will feel everything in your gut. You couldn’t guess a single bloody thing, your guess will always go into a poof. When you thought that something bad is going to happen, the worst will happen.
There was not a single soul in this book considered to be happy. They were tested, tortured and were broken brutally. But still, they stood. I will not entrust myself to live in the Westeros. I wouldn’t even last a single bloody day. This book is BRUTAL , from The Red Wedding to the last bloody line. Everything captivated me. This is what I want from a book. And now I’m already in search for other similar stories, so that once I finished this series I’ll know where to go.
Everything was planned brilliantly, we should definitely appreciate the mastermind behind the masterpiece.
I want one thing. Just a single damn thing. Is it so wrong to ask? I just want the reunion of Starks. The family doesn’t need the throne and yet they were thrown into the Hunger Games.
Characters:
Robb: I don’t think he had my attention. But I know how honorable he was as his father. He is naturally a King. But if ONLY his heart wasn’t blinded by the beauty, surely the worse wouldn’t have happened. And I really want to admit this: I see Ned through him.
Sansa: I always get irritated at her from the start. But this book made me pity her. I feel so sorry for her. I hope she will do something at least for her family name. Wolves. What I really wished is that
Bran: Not so much happened with him. But I really wished he could’ve met Jon in person at least once. He is a poor child, but trying to be brave for the prince sake. He is trying so hard. *sobbing*
Jon: I was disappointed with him. Because he had Ygritte. I thought at least he has the honor when he said his vows. I can understand why he did that. It has to be done. However, my heart couldn’t accept it. What if he was a bastard? Was every bastard treacherous? It’s so bad when they accused him of being turn cloak.
Arya: OMG! She was captured by someone every single time. She is brave. Fear cuts deeper than the sword. And I love every time when she said names before sleeping.
Jaime: My hatred feelings towards him completely took a 360-degree turn. I love him. I shouldn’t have shipped him with Cersei. Yeah, I know. Fool’s play. I realized the mistake when Jaime was back at King’s Landing. He respected Brienne. That’s the thing everyone wants from a man. He hated the wench and yet respected her courage and stood with her. I was amused by his wits.
Cersei: I HATE HER BLOODY GUTS. No more words.
Tyrion: How he hate her sweet sister! For that alone, I love him more. Everyone thinks so low of him. I wonder what he would do if he came face to face with the one who framed him.
Last but not least.
Dany: I LOVE HER. She is fierce but easily broken. Blindly trusting everyone. She was gathering her own bloody army with her three dragons. That scores everything. I’m waiting for Dany to come to Westeros. It would be stunning. God, can’t wait. I was scoffing when some people believed that a single dragon could win the bloody war. Dude, wait and watch. Dany was coming with her THREE dragons. She will win the throne. I’m rooting for her.
AMAZING READ!
This book is phenomenal. Full of stabbing, gutting, betrayal and a lot. There is bloody battle everywhere. What would happen if there is a war? Just imagine.
Every character has grown a lot but how long would they live, we don’t know. Now I know why George R.R Martin is well known for the characters death. Simply can’t explain my bloody love for this book. I was disappointed with its first part, but man this book surpassed all my expectations and raised my hope for the next book, the size of the wall. I’m pleased to say that this book is the best book(part) so far. Every page will suck you right into it. The secrets revealed, the broken trust and backstabbing, you will feel everything in your gut. You couldn’t guess a single bloody thing, your guess will always go into a poof. When you thought that something bad is going to happen, the worst will happen.
There was not a single soul in this book considered to be happy. They were tested, tortured and were broken brutally. But still, they stood. I will not entrust myself to live in the Westeros. I wouldn’t even last a single bloody day. This book is BRUTAL , from The Red Wedding to the last bloody line. Everything captivated me. This is what I want from a book. And now I’m already in search for other similar stories, so that once I finished this series I’ll know where to go.
Everything was planned brilliantly, we should definitely appreciate the mastermind behind the masterpiece.
I want one thing. Just a single damn thing. Is it so wrong to ask? I just want the reunion of Starks. The family doesn’t need the throne and yet they were thrown into the Hunger Games.
Characters:
Robb: I don’t think he had my attention. But I know how honorable he was as his father. He is naturally a King. But if ONLY his heart wasn’t blinded by the beauty, surely the worse wouldn’t have happened. And I really want to admit this: I see Ned through him.
Sansa: I always get irritated at her from the start. But this book made me pity her. I feel so sorry for her. I hope she will do something at least for her family name. Wolves. What I really wished is that
Bran: Not so much happened with him. But I really wished he could’ve met Jon in person at least once. He is a poor child, but trying to be brave for the prince sake. He is trying so hard. *sobbing*
Jon: I was disappointed with him. Because he had Ygritte. I thought at least he has the honor when he said his vows. I can understand why he did that. It has to be done. However, my heart couldn’t accept it. What if he was a bastard? Was every bastard treacherous? It’s so bad when they accused him of being turn cloak.
Arya: OMG! She was captured by someone every single time. She is brave. Fear cuts deeper than the sword. And I love every time when she said names before sleeping.
Jaime: My hatred feelings towards him completely took a 360-degree turn. I love him. I shouldn’t have shipped him with Cersei. Yeah, I know. Fool’s play. I realized the mistake when Jaime was back at King’s Landing. He respected Brienne. That’s the thing everyone wants from a man. He hated the wench and yet respected her courage and stood with her. I was amused by his wits.
Cersei: I HATE HER BLOODY GUTS. No more words.
Tyrion: How he hate her sweet sister! For that alone, I love him more. Everyone thinks so low of him. I wonder what he would do if he came face to face with the one who framed him.
Last but not least.
Dany: I LOVE HER. She is fierce but easily broken. Blindly trusting everyone. She was gathering her own bloody army with her three dragons. That scores everything. I’m waiting for Dany to come to Westeros. It would be stunning. God, can’t wait. I was scoffing when some people believed that a single dragon could win the bloody war. Dude, wait and watch. Dany was coming with her THREE dragons. She will win the throne. I’m rooting for her.
AMAZING READ!
October 6, 2022
Brilliant.
July 31, 2024
After the first book really let me down and I didn’t understand what all the hype was, the second book made me realise why people enjoy these books so much. You can really appreciate the planning that must have gone into this series when secrets are reviled and trust is shattered into pieces. The plot in this book moved along a lot faster and there was a lot more action, blood and gore.
The red wedding really was something, 90% of the action happen at the end of this book because George R.R Martin can’t help but milk every second of character building. I still don’t understand the full hype over these books even if this book was a lot better. Yes, there were defiantly some shocking moments in this book but I don’t think it was enough to weigh out the first Storm of Swords book or the first half of this second one.
If this book was just the final 300 pages it would probably be a five-star read! The last few hundred pages of this book were fast-paced and full of twists and turn which was must more my cup of tea!
Tyrion has fast become one of my favourite characters everyone thinks so little of him even though he is so brave and strong. He is also sensitive and full of passion, hate and heart. Tyrion loses a lot in his life and throughout the whole book I live in hope he gets some kind of redemption. Ayra goes through a lot in this book to and consistently shows her bravery and good nature. Jamie’s character really goes on a journey he starts as one of as one of the most hated characters and slowly becomes kind of loveable I mean how is that even possible.
Sansa annoys me so much, she’s just a character I can’t get on board with. Cersei well you can’t feel anything but pure hatred towards her she’s just the devil in a gown. Rob is honourable like his father and strong like his mother. I love Catelyn – she’s strong and always puts her family first a real mother.
OH! let’s you say the epilogue does NOT disappoint.
The red wedding really was something, 90% of the action happen at the end of this book because George R.R Martin can’t help but milk every second of character building. I still don’t understand the full hype over these books even if this book was a lot better. Yes, there were defiantly some shocking moments in this book but I don’t think it was enough to weigh out the first Storm of Swords book or the first half of this second one.
If this book was just the final 300 pages it would probably be a five-star read! The last few hundred pages of this book were fast-paced and full of twists and turn which was must more my cup of tea!
Tyrion has fast become one of my favourite characters everyone thinks so little of him even though he is so brave and strong. He is also sensitive and full of passion, hate and heart. Tyrion loses a lot in his life and throughout the whole book I live in hope he gets some kind of redemption. Ayra goes through a lot in this book to and consistently shows her bravery and good nature. Jamie’s character really goes on a journey he starts as one of as one of the most hated characters and slowly becomes kind of loveable I mean how is that even possible.
Sansa annoys me so much, she’s just a character I can’t get on board with. Cersei well you can’t feel anything but pure hatred towards her she’s just the devil in a gown. Rob is honourable like his father and strong like his mother. I love Catelyn – she’s strong and always puts her family first a real mother.
OH! let’s you say the epilogue does NOT disappoint.
September 10, 2018
Without the distraction of the TV show I’ve promised myself to finally catch up with the rest of A Song of Ice and Fire.
I really don’t know why I’ve been procrastinating so long as these books are amazing!
Even though I’m aware of the game changing elements in this volume, GrrM’s layered writing with plenty of for shadowing is just incredible.
I’m not the biggest fantasy reader but I love the characters and world he has created.
For this volume I decided to limit myself to just a couple of POV’s a night and it certainly helped.
Some character chapters that I’m usually not fussed about became far more interesting.
I’ve gotten into a nice routine every evening that I now want to instantly grab the next one off the shelf.
At this rate I might even be caught up before George releases the next book!
I really don’t know why I’ve been procrastinating so long as these books are amazing!
Even though I’m aware of the game changing elements in this volume, GrrM’s layered writing with plenty of for shadowing is just incredible.
I’m not the biggest fantasy reader but I love the characters and world he has created.
For this volume I decided to limit myself to just a couple of POV’s a night and it certainly helped.
Some character chapters that I’m usually not fussed about became far more interesting.
I’ve gotten into a nice routine every evening that I now want to instantly grab the next one off the shelf.
At this rate I might even be caught up before George releases the next book!
June 6, 2017
Review to be updated.
Thousands of stars for this book
I can say that A Storm of Swords is the best book in the series so far !
I loved the second part way more because of the things that happened in it, a lot of deaths and actions that I can't lie but love and get angry.
What happened in this book is actually two seasons from the TV show.
This was a brilliant read, I'm so happy about this book like ; I get so happy when I read a masterpiece just like this one.
I can't wait to finish the books and excited for the 6th book ❤️❤️
Booklovers, you should read this series if you're so fond of fantasy stories. Even if you watched the TV show just like me, you should give it a try.
Thousands of stars for this book
I can say that A Storm of Swords is the best book in the series so far !
I loved the second part way more because of the things that happened in it, a lot of deaths and actions that I can't lie but love and get angry.
What happened in this book is actually two seasons from the TV show.
This was a brilliant read, I'm so happy about this book like ; I get so happy when I read a masterpiece just like this one.
I can't wait to finish the books and excited for the 6th book ❤️❤️
Booklovers, you should read this series if you're so fond of fantasy stories. Even if you watched the TV show just like me, you should give it a try.
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