Red Weddings and Bloody Awakenings
Author: George R.R. Martin
And so it continues, my epic quest to work through the Game of Thrones book series. Having started without knowledge of the TV show (I watch relevant seasons only after reading the appropriate novel first, as per my husband’s firm instructions on GoT enjoyment) and being blissfully unaware of spoilers, A Storm of Swords came as more of a shock than I expected. The first book in the series, the appropriately named Game of Thrones sets a precedent that readers won’t soon forget – main characters can (and will) die, stories can suddenly and abruptly change, absolutely nothing is certain (and this includes loyalty, love, and family) and of course, a worldwide winter is coming, with all of its legendary apparitions and sinister uprisings.
After Ned Stark literally losses his head in book one, readers realize that George R.R. Martin is not following “the rules” of books, especially serialized books, or even fantasy, and that’s really why we love him so much (and admittedly, fear him a bit too [insert favorite character name] BETTER NOT DIE!). Follow that with some more unexpected deaths and an overly complex yet devilishly titillating tapestry of intrigue across kingdoms and principalities, some unaware of the others, and you have the recipe for a true epic.
What makes Westeros and all its denizens so life-like and therefore relevant enough that readers want to sit through 1,000+ pages (and get some serious arm cramps along the way) is beyond just the generally compelling elements of plot and the decedent sensuality intermixed with intrigue that drip from every page. It’s about the all too fallible characters and Martin’s strange ability to make you sympathize with all of them (except the lamentably boring Greyjoys, but more on that later). Characters may be evil and selfish – killers, adulterers, thieves, betrayers – and yet somehow have a place in our heart because Martin never lets anything be simple or one dimensional. What the character feels is certainly not rose tinted – evil characters are often evil and unrepentant, yet the humanity shines through and the circumstances, whether fair or otherwise, that lead to the development of a personality are so immersing that we have a stake even in the welfare of the villains. Except the bloody Greyjoys, of course. It’s this intimate knowledge of humanity and the ability to lovingly portray it as though that moment with just the character and their thoughts alone is enough for a whole book that’s where Martin takes fantasy to the next level and undoubtedly establishes himself as a future classic author.
In Storm of Swords the sometimes wearying lulls from A Clash of Kings begin to dissipate, especially as we get further into the story line and all those cleverly laid traps spring. Even though it can be said in general that a lot happens in any GoT book – a lot really does happen here! Most specifically, King’s Landing and Winterfell undergo drastic changes and unrecoverable losses (i.e. grab the tissues, you’re going to watch some favorite characters die horrifically). The famous Red Wedding takes place within this book as does a more sympathetic characterization of Jamie Lannister who gradually becomes a main character with an intriguing side story merged with that of the gutsy Brienne of Tarth.
Tyrion, bloodied and discarded from the previous fight against a down-and-out King Stannis likewise gets a significant amount of page space and his story ends with a drastic turning point that is just as unexpected as it is satisfying. Where Martin will take it from here, however, is anyone’s guess as the conclusion shows that there is definitely no going back. And revenge – well, contrary to popular opinion that is a dish best served hot.
The turmoil with the Night’s Watch at the Wall, admittedly a storyline that’s droned on quite a bit, is finally becoming more immediately relevant and a resolution to Jon Snow’s loyalty struggles leaves readers shocked at the man we thought we knew. Jon, despite his evident main character status has never been a favorite with me (not sure why) but here his story becomes more intriguing with ramifications that are realm wide and not just structured to the fate of the Night’s Watch themselves.
Dany, still wondering with an ever increasing free army and maturing dragons is mostly on the backburner (alas – she is the obvious and only appropriate claimant to the Iron Throne) does, however, experience some significant downs and revelations that leave our Mistress of Dragons at a liminal point. We long for more time with her in upcoming Martin novels.
Bran, well, he’s still dreaming about crows and seeing wolves and frankly, his story is becoming almost as tedious as the Greyjoys. At least Theon does get some much deserved shade from his family, so there is that and a hope that since Martin loves killing longtime characters, Theon just might be next.
Camp Stark, ailing in the war and having lost Winterfell for lack of resources and a choice of love over duty is the most dramatically effected within A Storm of Swords. As the fighting intensifies and no good choices remain, Martin subtly sets up a string of bloody clues that lead to the most shocking and disturbing moment in the series thus far.
And speaking of the Starks, Sansa is finally interesting and embroiled in a story with Littlefinger that leaves readers gaping, open mouthed at the end. I can say no more!
It’s impossible to really summarize, or even mention all the sideline stories – Arya and the Mountain, Samwell, the Onion Knight, King Stannis and the Red Woman, etc. If forced to be brief (ok, I probably already missed that possibility), I’d say that it’s all happening here; the well laid hints and slow build are starting to pay off and the heat is on. All of the hatreds, wars, betrayals, and long-lost legends are coming together at once and while the beginning may be slow and intent on further setting the scene, the conclusion shows that Martin is ready for action and bloodshed on a far more epic and heartrending scale than our first taste of his merciless character killing – the traumatic execution of Ned. A Storm of Swords is the most exciting (and longest) of the books so far and readers who have fallen into a slow rut with the buildup are sure to be jolted into a world suddenly fast paced and completely, viciously unpredictable.
Frances Carden
Follow my reviews on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/xombie_mistress
Follow my reviews on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/FrancesReviews/
[AMAZONPRODUCTS asin=”055357342X”]
- Book Vs Movie: The Shining - April 6, 2020
- Thankful For Great Cozy Mysteries - December 13, 2019
- Cozy Mysteries for a Perfect Fall - October 20, 2019