[Anomander1]

Hi everyone,

I only read epics which are (or soon are to be) complete. The only exception to this has been Stephen Erikson, as there is at least some closure at the end of the books (and I realy enjoy them!).

I've been been really, really wanting to read GRRM but I was put off as I assume there is a long time to go before the series completes AND that there is no closure at the end of the novels

QUESTIONS

1. When is the series likely to complete? There seem to be some big gaps (see below) so I assume it will be longer than 2 or 3 years?

A Game of Thrones (1996)
A Clash of Kings (1998)
A Storm of Swords (2000)
A Feast for Crows (2005)
A Dance with Dragons (October 2009)
The Winds of Winter (forthcoming) 2011?
A Dream of Spring (forthcoming 2055? :o)

2. Was I correct saying that there is no real closure between the novels?

3. How is the pace in the novels - faster/slower than Erikson? Anything similar out there?


Thanks for any help (i'm due an update!)

[Werthead]

1. When is the series likely to complete? There seem to be some big gaps (see below) so I assume it will be longer than 2 or 3 years?

It could be completed by 2015 at the earliest, but that is optimistic. In the last eight years only one book has been released. ADWD is due in late 2009 (could slip to early 2010) although I hope it doesn't, and the final two are likely to be 3-4 years in the writing each.

2. Was I correct saying that there is no real closure between the novels?

Not quite. There was supposed to be an in-universe five-year pause between Books 3 and 4. So whilst the story is certainly incomplete at the end of Book 3, there is certainly enough closure there that makes it a satisfying point to pause on (and a better place to halt that Book 4, which has actual cliffhangers). As it turns out that plan was abandoned and Book 4 picks up immediaely after the end of Book 3, but certainly you can pause at the end of 3 without any major problems.

3. How is the pace in the novels - faster/slower than Erikson? Anything similar out there?

It's slower to start than Erikson. The series doesn's start in media res like Erikson and takes the first half of the first book to pick up speed, put the characters in place and really get going. Once it does, it's unlikely you'll be able to put the books down.

[SusanRae]

They are lengthy novels with quite a bit of material in them. They'll keep you satisfied for quite awhile. However, they are impossible to put down so don't be surprised if you get through the thousands of pages rather quickly and find yourself aching for more.

I don't think I would have your strength to wait the many years it will take for this series to end. It's one of the best written series of its kind and difficult to resist.

I have re-read nearly the whole series about three times. I tend to do that before a new novel comes out. I imagine I'll read through them again before DWD.

On a similar sentiment, I have pondered the idea of not picking up DWD the moment it is released because I know that the next book will be another long wait. Even so, I doubt I'd be able hold back.