Not easily. I can, however, shamelessly link you to a review [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/326.190550-A-Song-of-Ice-and-Fire#5941149] that I wrote of it a while back.
At the most basic level, the series is about power struggles in a fictional country called Westeros, as well as the surrounding areas, and the people who get caught up in them. There are those who wield power, and people who are simply trying to stay alive. Most of the story is about the Stark family, the father of whom, Eddard, is appointed Hand of the King by King Robert at the start of the first book. Over the sea, however, the exiled children of the deposed former king are plotting their revenge on Robert.
That really doesn't do it justice; suffice it to say that they're among the best novels I've ever read. And that's not something I say lightly.
Its easily one of the most in depth compelling and, even though there is a light dusting of magic etc., realistic books I have ever read. For one thing there sheer level of detail is amazing, and not jut with scenery, every character (even those in one chapter) get features that make them seem real human beings. I actually found my self actively rooting for certain factions to win and for others to loose.
Oh and no-one in this book is same from death. No-one. Not the sort of Harry Potter 7 "No-one" this is a proper no-one.
Its easily one of the most in depth compelling and, even though there is a light dusting of magic etc., realistic books I have ever read. For one thing there sheer level of detail is amazing, and not jut with scenery, every character (even those in one chapter) get features that make them seem real human beings. I actually found my self actively rooting for certain factions to win and for others to loose.
Oh and no-one in this book is same from death. No-one. Not the sort of Harry Potter 7 "No-one" this is a proper no-one.
Yeah sorry "safe". Being a main character does not mean you will live to see the end of the book, or that you won't be imprisoned etc. I basically mean there aren't really "good" or "bad" guys, you get to see the conflicts from all angles and every side has a good and bad points. A bit more realistic then just the whole "main character Vs all evil" where the good guy is a paragon of virtue.
hate to keep being the Negative Nancy or Debby Downer, but let's not forget that this isn't the first time we've had a promised release date for ADwD, not by a long shot. i'd like to be excited, but i'm remaining skeptical until i hold the book in my hands.
Finale? It's only book 5 of 7 planned. (possibly more, depending on how much George Martin expands numbers 6 and 7)
There seems to be a wait of about five years between books nowadays; that gives at least another decade for George Martin to live if the series is to escape Author Existence Failure. (E.G. Wheel of Time, although in story terms, the change in authorship has arguably been for the best)
Anyway, one of the main draws of the series, as far as I can tell, is the lack of Mary Sues. Danerys Targaryen is the only character who even comes close to the Sue archetype, and in the upcoming book she looks to be undergoing the same Break the Cutie routine that House Stark has suffered from in the past. I fully expect
the Iron Islands' "capture a dragon" plot
to play out successfully, the fallout from which will undoubtedly lend a good deal of depth to her character.
Compare that to Wheel of Time, which has an entire main cast comprised of (storyline justified, but still annoying) Mary Sues, or Harry Potter, or even Lord of the Rings - you'll find that A Song of Ice and Fire has significantly deeper, more flawed characters, whose plans don't always (or often, for that matter) work and who are susceptible to real danger - and for whom you therefore cheer all the more when they win.
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