If you are a Game of Thrones series fan, you should definitely buy this one. With the first two seasons out, this book brings you the development of events further in the series. It explains some things that weren’t cleared in the first two seasons of the series, and also continues the story line from the second book, A Clash of Kings, from the series A Song of Ice and Fire. The Review of A Storm of Swords A Song of Ice and Fire certainly had its fair share of fans since the first book, A Game of Thrones, has been published. However, with the series broadcast on the televisions worldwide, that share of fans grew considerably. Many of the fans of the TV series, including myself, went for the books after watching the series. There are probably many more who didn’t, and those should really give the books a chance. In a TV series, each episode has it’s time limit, and there is only so much they can put in. The story line does make sense, it is exciting, at times shocking, and it certainly captures the attention of the viewer with ease. But, when reading A Storm of Swords, before or after watching the TV series, you notice so many details that wouldn’t catch your eye otherwise. The actors really do their best to depict the state of mind of their character, but however well they do it, they can never really bring all the emotions you learn from the book to every viewer. This is the reason I will always think A Storm of Swords is better than any TV show made after it can be. Now, a little bit about the book itself. A Storm of Swords is the third installation from the series A Song of Ice and Fire. In the first two books, we follow the development of events that lead to the War of the Five Kings. A Storm of Swords continues to follow each character, so we can see what is going on. They are dispersed among the continents, Westeros being only one of them. Some of the characters run into each other, some don’t even know about each other, and that is exactly what brings to real feel of the events in the book. A Storm of Swords, like its predecessors, A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings, is told from the characters’ POV (point of view). This one is told from the perspectives of ten characters – Jamie Lannister, Catelyn Stark, Arya Stark, Tyrion Lannister, Davos Seaworth, Sansa Stark, Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, Brandon Stark, and Samwell Tarly. Through their view on things, we find out about the events that take place in the Westeros and Essos. The third book from A Song of Ice and Fire, A Storm of Swords is the longest one so far, with two last books from the planned seven still not published. This made the publishers decide to divide A Storm of Swords into two parts in some countries, with the first part called Steel and Snow, and the second one Blood and Gold. Even though A Storm of Swords is the longest book, it is still a joy to read. True enough, there were moments when I thought, is this going to end? I know there is much more to read in the next sequels, but it’s not so hard to become impatient when the book seems to have no end to it. I have to admit that I watched the second season of the series prior to reading A Storm of Swords. It’s been a while since I read the second book, A Clash of Kings, so I forgot a lot that was happening. It made watching the series a lot more fun, but it also made a complete mess when I started reading A Storm of Swords. In the series, they left out some of the characters which have a big role in A Clash of Kings, and they’ve put in some events that are only taking place in the third book. Also, they completely changed some events. For example, and be careful, because this could be a spoiler alert to some fans. If it is, just go to the next paragraph. Now. In the second book, Jojen and Meera Reed have a big role taking place in Winterfell, even before it was conquered by Theon Greyjoy. In the series, they don’t even appear before Bran and Rickon Stark leave the castle with everyone thinking they are dead. It took me about 100 pages until I was able to put everything to its place. What I loved about A Storm of Swords was that, even though George R. R. Martin tends to quit a chapter at the most interesting point, he still managed to satisfy my curiosity without having to skip some chapters to find out what happened immediately. Here is an example – when the Red Wedding is about to take place, the story telling goes from Catelyn Stark to Arya, to Catelyn to Arya… you get the picture. Since the two of them are so close geographically at the same time, we can follow the course of events without interruptions from some other character’s chapter. Also, when the battle at the Wall takes place, and after it is done, the story is being told by Samwell Tarly and Jon Snow alternatively. Again, we can follow what is going on without being interrupted by the report from the let’s say Essos. Now, without any spoiler alerts, I can tell you about some of the things that will happen in A Storm of Swords. Just to make you even more interested in the book, if you haven’t read it so far. As we were able to see from the second season, Jamie Lannister and Brienne of Tarth go on a journey together. Even though they despise each other, a weird sort of friendship will be developed. Don’t think that now you know everything, there are some happenings that will surprise you nevertheless. Catelyin Stark loses more and more by the day, at least that’s what she thinks with the news of Bran and Rickon dead. She will lose so much more before the book comes to an end, but that Red Comet on the sky makes miracles happen. What is the miracle? You will have to see for yourself. Arya Stark travels back and forth through Westeros, losing some friends on the way, but gaining companions that you would least expect her to travel with. Tyrion Lannister doesn’t get the recognition he should have for saving the King’s Landing, and is even removed from the position of the Hand of the King. His quarrels with his sister Cersei are developing even further, until Tyrion is falsely accused of a hideous crime. Will he lose his head? I won’t tell. Davos Seaworth survives the Battle of the Blackwater, but almost loses his life when he is saved. He becomes the Hand of the King Stannis Baratheon, and serves his position honestly and with respect. This makes his king go to the battles he never thought he would lead. A true king should protect the kingdom before he can rule it, says Davos. What do you think Stannis should protect the kingdom from? Sansa Stark is still in the middle of the Court’s schemes and plots, as Cersei would describe it. She goes from one engagement to another, to end up being married to someone you wouldn’t ever think of. Who is it? Jon Snow is accused of many things, and his bastard origin is certainly always there to make things worse for him. However, his strong character leads him to some honors he never dared to dream of. Through all his troubles, he experiences the joy as well as the sadness. Bran Stark continues his quest for the three-eyed crow. He crosses paths with some characters that assist him in spite of their character. Samwell Tarly learns about his own fears and strengths, and makes moves that no one would ever think he was capable of. He is a Lord’s son, and he is capable of his own plots, but to find out what this means, you have to read the book. Or wait for the third season. I recommend reading the book, you can do it a lot sooner than you can see the TV series. As you can see, there are many questions in A Storm of Swords. I won’t give you all the answers, but I can promise you, if you read the book, you won’t regret it. Or, if nothing else can convince you, and you hate Joffrey Baratheon, read the book because of him. You will love it.
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AuthorHi, I'm Jason. I'm big fan of ASOIAF books. This is my blog related to the theme. Archives
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