[Belgarion]

I have spent all morning reading all the archives (I know..very sad..but I got nothing better to do!) and have found that GRR Martin seems to win as the most covenant writer of fantasy. Some-one mentioned him as the "current master of the genre"? Is this true...I for one must admit I am oblivious of him as I haven't got round to reading his books!!!

It seems that I will read his book next week (after I finish reading Robin Hobbs new book!). Out of curosity....what makes GRR Martin the very man to read in this very moment of life? What is his qualities in writing? What distinguish him in terms of series writing when compared to Donaldson, Eddings, Brooks and many other series authors?

[Cadfael]

One word... unpredicable...

I find with a lot of books, you can see whch way the plot is going, but not with Martin. His plotlines are huge, loads of well rounded characters and political intrigue. I am trying not to give to much away here, because you have not read them yet.

I also like Robin Hobb, and her books are the same to a certain extend, with different twist in the plot.

Oh... and excuse my manners, welcome to the forum Belgarion http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Rhaegar]

Belgarion, by all means read GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire series. The first book is "A Game of Thrones", then "A Clash of Kings" and the third book is "A Storm of Swords". The fourth book is due out in the fall of 2002 and is titled "A Dance with Dragons."

I really envy anyone who is about discover this series for the first time. It is truly something special. I won't get into detail about what makes the series great because I have many posts elsewhere on this board which express my admiration of ASoIaF.

I have heard some people proclaim that this series is too "depressing". True, its not a story filled with happiness. It is a gripping and truthful portrayal of war. And besides, since when was war "happy"? The thing that sets this series apart from others is GRRM's ability to create characters to remember. Trust me on this. The books are worth reading just to witness the dry wit of Tyrion (The Imp).

Belgarion, if you decide to read this series and stick with it to the end, you will be rewarded.

[Ntschotschi]

In my mind reading George R.R. Martin is like watching a fast moving thriller. You have a lot of fast cuts, just at the right moment to create suspense. He has an incredible feeling for timing and for rhythm - so you have times when you can delve into a character, then suddenly be overwhelmed by the fast pace of events,which is abruptly stopped just at the write time to give you a little break to recover.
So in my mind it's rather his brilliant technique of writing than the characters or the plot which are unique in the field of fantasy so far.

[Rob B]

Ntschotschi: Interesting point considering Mr. Martin spent about 15 or so years in hollywood writing for Beauty and the Beast and The Twilight Zone among others before writing ASoIF.

Bel: As Robert Jordan would say, RAFO (read and find out) GRRM is the top of the heap right now and if Donaldson still wrote as regularly in the genre as he did 10-15 years ago, he would be at the top as well.

[Belgarion]

Thanks for all your refreshing replies. I am even more excited with anticipation as I await to purchase the books and read them.

Perhaps this will broaden my taste and become less pro-Eddings as I really do want to have a new favourite.

Happy reading guys. :-))

[Metosblat]

Don't be over excited because it might disappoint you when you discover Martin really isn't god(Which is how some people here talk about him). Too much hype is a bad thing in my opinion.
Anyway, why do I think SoIaF is so good?
Tyrion. Tyrion. Tyrion. I'll just say that if they ever make a movie the actor who plays Tyrion(if it's played right) will most probably win the best actor Oscar.

[Rob B]

Metosblat: you have a point, with all the hype ASoIF may not live up to the hype in some people's opinions. I think that is what happened w/WOT so much hype.

As for a filmed version of ASoIF, I think a movie would be tough, but a TV series is very plausible.

[Pluvious]

You can kind of compare Song of Ice and Fire with say the movie gladiator, as in they have a couple different levels of appeal and are well thought out and presented. What I mean is that they both offer and action and suspense on a grand scale, while also being very thought provoking and presenting engaging characters. Of course a book will always outshine any movie in regards to depth.

As I am on the subject I would compare Jordan's books with the movie Armageddon, Eddings' books with the little mermaid, Feist with the Matrix (maybe a little generous here), and SOT with dumb and dumber.

[Rhaegar]

I think it's impossible for any author to be proclaimed as "The Best". I personally enjoy GRRM's books the most, but many people have other favorites. Its just a matter of personal preference. The things I like about GRRM's books may be the same things which cause others to hate them (ie gritty realism).

Yes, there really are people who hate Martin's books. Some people's dislike for them is as passionate as my love for them. This is just more proof that the title of "Best" author doesn't exist.

Does anybody else here kinda squirm when the concept of "Best Author" is thrown around?