Thread: George R. R. Martin

So are there are GRRM fans here at TI? I like his books, but it is kind of annoying waiting for him to finish his story. His and Glenn Cook's on the good/evil paradigm has revolutionizer the fantasy genre IMO. Now characters feel like real people rather than evil psychos and imperturbable dogooders. The books are genius, but it takes him so long to write. His latest book has been officially delayed like 10 times. I think it was supposed to originally come out years ago.

Anyway, thoughts anyone?

I'm watching the series and reading the first book right now. They're both pretty distinct so far -- I'm not able to match much in the series yet to things I've read in the book because of the non-linear nature of both. If you're looking for something lighter to read (these books are written for younger readers) but well-written and thought provoking, check out Pullman's His Dark Materials. I like them still in my 20s because there's an entire subtextual discussion about religion happening that I wasn't able to fully appreciate when I read them years ago.

I've just started reading the Song of Ice and Fire series after watching the show and find them brilliant. Have to admit that I'm worried about him passing away before he finishes the series though, could take up to 10 years for him to finish that last two books and he doesn't look that healthy as it is if I'm honest.

I am a fan. Martin certainly put his own touch on epic fantasy and his books are quite different than most of the genre. Not that I don't love all of the "old school" epic fantasy series also.

Cryers, I also worry about his health. Robert Jordan's passing before finishing his series has caused me to always ponder the possibilities of an author finishing a series. All we can do is hope and pray he stays healthy and/or leaves behind very detailed notes/outlines in a worse case scenario.

Originally Posted by thisoneguy

Cryers, I also worry about his health. Robert Jordan's passing before finishing his series has caused me to always ponder the possibilities of an author finishing a series. All we can do is hope and pray he stays healthy and/or leaves behind very detailed notes/outlines in a worse case scenario.

He has told the ending to the producers of Game of Thrones. He also said that he doesn't know how the story will be concluded for all the side characters, but the main part is known to more people than just him.

Personally I love Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. I started reading A Game of Thrones last summer and just finished with A Clash of Kings, which took me about 3 weeks to go through. A few friends of mine have said that the fourth and fifth books aren't as good as the first three, I hope the reduction of quality in those books is only minor, since I would be devasted to see such a fine series go down the drain.

I've just finished reading book 5 of the Ice and Fire series and I must say that these are some of the best books I've ever read! I'm also worried about how long it will take GRRM to finish the story, but, like isolarium, I heard that he already knows where he's going with it and that the next books should take less time to write (I imagine that his deal with HBO may also be playing a part in his new-found speed). Here is a link to a pretty cool article I read about the GoT panel at the 2011 Comic Con [SPOILER ALERT: this contains spoilers from Book1/Season 1! He also mentions some other events from later on in the series, but in code, so no worries there]: http://www.aoltv.com/2011/07/22/comic-con-game-of-thrones/ I hope you enjoy it!

This is the best books I've read since D Gabaldon's Outlander series, wich makes it double the frustration, because she's also taking her own sweet time with the next one. Just remember George "WINTER IS COMMING".

I just got the books a month back, and Im yet to muster up the courage the start reading ... The size sure is intimidating, to be honest !

I'm watching the series, can't say i've ever read any of his books though. Might read the first one after this season ends.