A Feast for Crows... somewhat disappointing.

DrewDad--

Glad you started this thread.

I haven't read Volume IV yet, but I did read in Locus that the installment was running oversize even for a fat fantasy so Martin and his editor decided to cover events south of the wall in this Volume and then go north of the wall in Volume 5.

Traditionally the second book in a trilogy suffers from "middle book flatness". Perhaps this is also the case with the fourth book in a heptology?

I'm glad this thread's here too, this needs to be discussed.

I haven't gotten A Feast For Crows yet, obviously because it's like $30 right now. I hate buying hardcover books to get the same read from a paperback.

I worry periodically that George R.R. Martin will turn his great series into a Wheel of Time series. I've got nothing against the Wheel of Time series, I like it alot, but honestly, it's too long. This series has got a good thing going, I love the books so far, so please Mr. Martin keep your books within the 1000 page mark and please keep the series moving.

BTW DrewDad, don't say any spoilers in this thread if you would be so kind, thanks

Well, no spoilers, but there is no appearace from Tyrion, and only a short one fron Jon Snow.

AHHHH now I have no reason to live! I must shoot myself!!!













just kidding :wink:
interesting, I thought he was developing those characters for larger roles. Must be quite a few new characters introduced eh?

CrazyDiamond--

In a few weeks check out Amazon "New and Second Hand". If you're lucky the price of a like-new hardback will be down to the price of trade paper. You will have to pay $3.49 P&H.

Also the Science Fiction Book Club offers hardbacks for trade paper prices. At the moment they have a $2 special on for P&H--usually this is about $5 a book.

Amazon qua Amazon gives free P&H if your order is $25 or more.

DrewDad--

Tryion is one of the more interesting lead characters I've seen in a long time. Pity I'll have to postpone further acquaintance.

You may be right about Martin being on the verge of an overly extended tale. I'll know more when my SFBC copy arrives.

I can't trust buying a used book. I never have been able to, maybe I'll just try it one time.

Sometimes there are "damaged" copies that are sold at big discounts. Got a copy of The Hallowed Hunt that way; hardback at paperback price.

CrazyDiamond--

I've been penny-pinching with the Amazon New & Used for about 30 books now and have never had a problem.

If you use the A2K Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/subst/home/home

A2K gets a small percentage of your purchase.

At least it's a good cause


I think I will try the used books because I've been wanting to get this book and, also the new Sword of Truth book, which I've been looking at for a long time, is still in hardcover.

I'm off for the weekly grocery shop. Perhaps when I come home A Feast for Crows will be waiting in the mailbox.

Perhaps not...

Don't get your hopes up. I hate when I get all excited and I go check the mail and it's not even there.

Then again, I don't have a mailbox. I go to the post office...

Not today, alas, but perhaps tomorrow....

So have you gotten it yet Noddy?

Yesterday was a day of detours and tedious detail, but as a reward for my mostly-adult behavior, A Feast for Crows appeared in the mailbox.

I'm about halfway through. In some ways by concentrating on half his plot strands, Martin manages to make the narration more intense.

CrazyDiamond--

Have you checked out the Amazon prices yet?

The lowest is $17. I'll wait a little longer, as I would only save $1.48 at this point.

I'm waiting patiently, determined to get a bargain. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Meanwhile I'm looking at the latest installment of the Wheel of Time series. There's some good deals on that one...

CrazyDiamond--

If WOT is reduced, Harry Potter must be very affordable.

I don't like thinking that books are trendy purchases, but I don't like wasting money, either.

CrazyDiamond--

I don't think I'll be dragging in spoilers, but be warned.....


Drew Dad--



I disagree. I think Martin does an excellent job of evoking the fragmented chaos in the Seven Kingdoms with armies marching back and forth. As the countryside becomes more and more ravaged (with the long winter approaching) the Movers and Shakers of the novel become increasingly "gray" people, either good nor evil, but ordinary people caught up in extraordinary events.

The theme of madness is becoming more and more pronounced.

Small quibble: Like many authors of fantasy and historical novels, Martin is guilty of having his characters slit open messages written on parchment, read them and then crumple them (carelessly or viciously) and throw them in the fire.

Unfortunately, parchment is made from animal hide. Parchment is leather and it doesn't crumple and it certainly stinks when burnt.