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Submitted by Brian 
(Aug 28, 2005)The best series I have read. Although I have encountered mixed reviews on this series, I will discuss some of the points I greatly enjoy about it.
The multiple points of view.
This is probably my favorite thing about these books. This fuels the magic, and helps the reader identify with the characters with greater ease. With books with a single POV, the characters and plot are usually black and white, there is a good guy and a bad guy. However, in this series, it is up to the reader to determine who they support because all characters are fighting for power.
It also lets the reader have easier access to what is going on in different parts of the world, and is a completely novel idea.
The lack of magic and other recurring fantasy themes.
Because of the originality of the techniques and plotlines used in Martin's books, I still remain interested in the series. As a huge fantasy fan, I get burned out after reading similar plotlines involving a young person rising to the occasion to save the world. Martin's ideas I had never seen before, and they captured me immedialely.
The cliches that pollute contemporary fantasy and epic fantasy writing get very redundant, and I was fufilled by his books, as they had the right mix of traditional fantasy and novel ideas.
I will also address some points that those who don't like the series frequently bring up.
"Nothing happens, it is too boring."
I get bored easily, but I have seen a purpose in every chapter of his books, as they build up to a climax, which is not necessarily the same for each character, or occuring at the same time. Every chapter brings something new, whether it be a turn in plot, a significant death, or even significant information. Which is more than I can say for the bismal that is the Harry Potter Series.
"He kills off characters I like."
All the more reason to read the books. Although this is an increasing trend, too many authors, such as J. K. Rowling, always promote the good guys and everything good happens to them, making the books laughably unrealistic, even if they are fantasy. However, Martin is unafraid to kill off characters that no longer serve a purpose, thus advancing the plot in a new way. Instead of complaining, think about what the character brought to the story and why he decided they should go.
"There are too many characters and plotlines going on at once."
At first, I also thought this. However, my mind immediately changed. For characters, use the geneology charts at the back of the books, that really does satisfy the need to know who everyone is.
For the plotlines, if you read one cycle of chapters at a time, it is pretty clear, as many of the chapters and character interactions are intertwined. However, if you simply skip chapters, then it does get confusing. I didn't find it muddled at all, it was not very hard to follow for me.
I loved this series, and recommend it to anyone who is not of a feeble heart. And for the count, my favorite characters are Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen.
Submitted by Cory
(May 09, 2005)The entire series for me was incredible. My brother suggested the series to me, (someone who has a hard time finding quality fantasy series), and in my opinion the literary strategies that went into creating this story are wonderful. The characters are real. There is a strong emotion that Martin creates towards every character, but then he twists your emotions towards those characters in inventive and exciting ways. The setting is believable and imaginative. The entire series is very unique and original. Five stars!
Submitted by SeanCuig 
(Apr 16, 2005)This is a quite stunning series, where the author has developed some excellent characters that you really begin to feel an affiliation for. At the same time, there has never been any hesitation in killing off characters at unexpected moments, which really keeps you guessing as to what twist is coming next.
Why after gushing praise, did I then only give this a 4 I hear you ask?
It's mainly a fear thing. I fear this series is going to go like Jordan and Goodkind, and go on, and on, and on, and on......
As you may guess, this kind of never ending series, does not rock my boat, and I lose interest after a while.
Hopefully I will be wrong, and this series will end as well as it has been written to date.
Submitted by Anonymous
(Apr 12, 2005)The best series ever. So realistic and believable. The characters are all great and the story is excellent. Just when you think you have someone figured out they change just like that. Can't wait for the 4th book to come out. I like the way Martin does each chapter from a different character's point of view. It means you can go from one plot to another, so you dont get too bored with a certain character. You can just picture all the different settings and landscapes: the ice beyond the wall, the castle at King's Landing, and the vastness of the Dothraki homeland. And the way things just blend into each other, different characters mingling with each other and seeing it all from different perspectives is great. You will love some characters, and hate others, and some you might hate then love and vice versa. And the amount of characters in the series, there are so many you have to really strain to remember, but that just adds to the realism. So I advise to anyone that if you want to read a book or a series, read A Song of Ice and Fire. Truly the greatest.
Submitted by Brett
(Apr 12, 2005)It was about 4 years ago that I first started to read this series and I was in college. First I must agree with another review I read and say DO NOT READ THESE BOOKS IF YOU HAVE A TEST COMING UP. That said if you don't have something absolutely life and death to do reading this series is a must. I have read so many different fantasy books in the past 7 years no one would believe it if I told them. At one point I had a hierarchy of fantasy writers that looked something like Tolkien way up on top then Robert Jordan then most everybody else. As soon as I started reading A Song of Ice and Fire my view on the fantasy genre changed. This series if it maintains its level will equal LoTR and that is high praise, but about the books themselves. My favorite part about the way Martin writes is that he basically took English history with the War of the Roses and made it into a fantasy history with many more angles and plot lines. Absolutely no one is safe and there is not a hero on a quest to save the world from evil. If a "heroic" character is flawed by being overly brave or loyal to a fault it eventually gets them killed. All that matters for survival in this series is intelligence, tenacity, wits, and power if the character doesn't continue to maintain those traits they die. Anyway this series is a must read for anyone and anyone that thinks Wheel of Time is equal to this series hasn't read enough other fantasy because Wheel of Time is only slightly above average at least after book 5.
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(80 ratings)