Wensend

Read more reviews and other bookish things at Wensend.com.Oh how I love this series! I took me about half a year to get through this book, but I was absolutely amazed by Martin, once again. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, so I’m just going to write down a few of my thoughts concerning the story as a whole.How can ANYONE watch the tv show without reading the books? I’ve watch the first half of the first season and yes, I like it, but the book is (as usual) sooo much better. It feels like Martin is not really creating the story, but rather observing and describing what’s happening to the characters. How can anyone with a human mind come up with a story like this? It’s not only dark and sometimes dreadful, but it’s also genius. Don’t expect this to be a happy story, because it’s not.The second volume of A Song of Ice and Fire is all about war and the throne. After the rightful king died, his son is now sitting on the throne, helped by the Hand of the King until he comes of age. But the whole kingdom is roaring and falling apart. Everywhere in the kingdom new kings are rising: the King of the North, Daenerys the queen/khaleesi from overseas and also the Baratheon brothers are not shying away from claiming the throne. Romance, treachery, conspiracies, magic, war. The kingdom is divided, but at the same time everything and everyone is coming together on the battlefield. Who’s going to win? And what does winning actually mean?Don’t expect anything to be resolved in the second book. If something’s resolved, it usually means someone died. You can view the whole story (all five books) as a great epic story and this is just one of the middle books, so there isn’t a real ending to it. I don’t mind, because I will keep reading this series. If you like your stories finished after one book, you’re going to have a hard time reading A Song of Ice and Fire.Just as I said about the first book: every character is important. Every storyline includes miniscule details that prove to be very important as the story continues. What’s not so great about this? You really have to pay attention ánd you certainly do not know what team/family you’re willing to cheer for. The Lannisters, the Starks, the Targaryens? They all have their own specialties and characteristics. Though Tyrion is still my favorite character (and Arya is a great second), I think all characters are perfectly described and Martin surely lets us get to know them better in this second book.All of this being said: I can’t wait to read the next book!