[Caly]

I've been reading a lot of posts on this board today and notice a lot of you seem to like GRRM, some going so far as to call him the Master of Fantasy.

Is there anyone here who doesn't like GRRM? I personally don't like him. I've read the first two books, the second only under extreme pressure by my fantasy friends, and just don't see why everyone thinks they are all that.

I will admit that GRRM is technically just about perfect, but the plot just doesn't resonate with me. I don't like any of the characters, other than that one little girl (Arya is it?). I get bored reading about all the battles. I can't keep track of all the knights and their rankings. I have read many books with graphic sex and violence, but I just don't like it. In a book I like I can tolerate it, but in a book I don't like. . well.. it just adds to the list of reasons not to like the book.

Am I the only dissenter? Am I going to get flayed now? Should I put on some flame-proof gear?

Caleyna www.fantasyfreaks.org (http://www.fantasyfreaks.org)

[Cadfael]

I like the books, however if there is one critisism I can find with the books is just how complex the politial situation is to follow. I did get lost a few times, and found it hard to remember who the 'bad guys' are, especially if they are minor players.

The explicit sex scenes... I can stand this if it is an integral part of the plot, but I can't make my mind up if this is the case with Martin... however they do not detract from my enjoyment of the books.

[Bardos]

Martin?
Hm...
The only fault I ('cause others don't) find about him is the small ages of some of his heroes (see Robb, Arya), who act like they are at least five years older.
But, at some point, "Jaime Lannister sends his regards", so one problem is solved... http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif
The sex scenes I don't mind, and I like the way the plot unravels. It's not clear what is really happening, but in the SoS many things start to clear, and it's fascinating. Also the world seem alive, as the writer adds more detail as he goes.

"The night is dark, and full of terrors." http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[FitzChivalry]

Actually, the complex political situation is what interests me the most, and it's realistic too.
When you read history of our own world, you find out that a case when there was only 2 sides fighting for something rarely existed.
Usually there were more than 2 sides and even if there were only 2 sides, enemies were waiting to take advantage of the situation when possible (Byzantine-Persian empires wars exhausted both empires so much that when the Arabs emerged from Arabia they defeated both easily).

Caly, you are not the first one i met that doesn't like GRRM, but you are probably the first on this board, so at least you bring some refreshing view.
Most people won't agree with you, but we had enough books wars i think to understand that each person has their own tastes, you won't be flayed.
Well, mostly won't.

[wastra]

I certainly enjoy the complex politics of the books-they show a great deal of preparation on GRRM's part. Of course, when reading the new book of the series, it always takes a few chapters to refresh my memory...

The age situation is far more realistic than if they were all "5 years older" with the exception, I think, of arya, who's only about 6-8 if I remember correctly. In medeval Europe, men reached manhod around the age of 15-17, often younger. Women were usually married and bearing children before 18 as well. It is only our ocddled society that has upped-the-ante, so to speak, wishing our children ot remain children longer.

Keep in mind the average lifespan for a man in such a setting was around 40 due to disease, war, etc. They had to get started a lot earlier.

[Barbarossa]

I personally have no problem with the ages whatsoever, and that has nothing to do with people maturing faster in the middle ages.
Poeple mature faster in crises, too.
My father was only 4 when he and his sister (age nine) were parted from their mother on the flight from the red army at the end of WW II.
You should hear their stories, while my aunt didn't kill anyone like Arya (at least she doesn't admit it *snicker*) she proved as resourcefull in every other aspect:
Begging and stealing food, breaking out of a Russian fugitive train, breaking into a pharmacy to get medicine for my father, breaking through a Russian border check point.
We never no what is inside a person thill he/she is put to a real test. You would never beleive what my aunt did if you look at her now: A elderly fat American suburb lady (she emigrated after the war).

[Rupert Avery]

I love Martin and I am one of thoses people that call him one of the Masters of Fantasy.

[tamlyn]

Who's GRRM?

[Jemany]

I agree that GRRM is the outstanding fantasy writer at the moment, but the plot can get very convoluted, with a gap of 2yrs between each book, I tend to forget about the little details that might prove crucial to the plot. But I do understand why Caly might not enjoy the series....Stome of Swords was awfully heavy tome to read!!

[Rhaegar]

I have given copies of A GAME OF THRONES to many people who have never even considered reading a fantasy book. After having a difficult time with the first hundred pages or so (GRRM throws alot of characters in your face) everyone quickly finishes the book. A few of my friends often found themselves reading the book until 3:00 AM, unable to put it down. After finishing, they always approach me with stunned looks on their faces. They can't believe they just finished a fantasy book, and they are even more surprised that they loved it. Now they all wan't a copy of A CLASH OF KINGS.

Too me, this is just another example of GRRM's greatness. There are very few fantasy books that I would give to a non-fantasy reader, but I felt that Martin's books could be enjoyed anyone who appreciated good writing. I've created alot of Martin fans lately.