I've Never Read GRRM

[Dirvani]

Well, there is a difference there. Unless you're talking concept albums that are linked by a story, you aren't left waiting on a cliffhanger like with series such as aSoIaF. Even if albums are linked by a story, it's not nearly the same thing as a stalled fantasy series. The wait doesn't really bother me in either case though. I can wait on another Tool album and I can wait on the next GRRM installment. I've got too many other books to read and too much other music to listen to.

[Third Eye]

Well, there is a difference there. Unless you're talking concept albums that are linked by a story, you aren't left waiting on a cliffhanger like with series such as aSoIaF. Even if albums are linked by a story, it's not nearly the same thing as a stalled fantasy series. The wait doesn't really bother me in either case though. I can wait on another Tool album and I can wait on the next GRRM installment. I've got too many other books to read and too much other music to listen to.

I think you nailed it there. For me Martin is stalled. For example a band like Tool chooses to take a 5 year hiatus between albums. I am not sure if Martin chose to take this long with book 5. Hey I could be way off here this may all be part of his grand design and he might rattle off the rest of the series one after another. Book 4 for me just felt out of sorts. It felt like the story was starting to stretch in too many directions for its own good. With all the plot lines he has going one has to wonder how he is going to manage to keep this altogether in a way that keeps the story fresh and on track. I guess the Jordan WOT saga has left a bad taste in my mouth when it comes to these massive epic fantasies. Something to be said for the old fashion trilogy.

[Evil Agent]

I suppose I lack the patience in literature that I have in music. Five years between Tool albums doesn't bother me. Five years between books does. Peace

I've often thought about the similarities between the Martin situation and Tool, myself. As you said, they both average 5 years between releases. To me it doesn't make a difference whether it's literature or music; I've just learned to think about something else in the meantime. There is more good music and literature out there than any of us will ever be able to experience in our lifetimes.

[Third Eye]

I've often thought about the similarities between the Martin situation and Tool, myself. As you said, they both average 5 years between releases. To me it doesn't make a difference whether it's literature or music; I've just learned to think about something else in the meantime. There is more good music and literature out there than any of us will ever be able to experience in our lifetimes.

Very true. I suppose the only difference is that each Tool album is complete. So the wait doesn't feel like a wait. The end product is worth it. With Martin we are waiting 5 years for simply another installment in the series.

A bit off topic but im curious as to what other bands you are into? Top 10?
Outside of Tool my top ten would be as follows:

Isis
A Perfect Circle
Opeth
Meshuggah
Porcupine Tree
Pink Floyd
King Crimson
Sigur Ros
Massive Attack
Gordian Knot

Back on topic... Something obviously has Martin stuck. Originally ADWD was supposed to come out October 2007 or 2008...and the last update was January 2008. When someone announces a release date and then almost 4 years later we still have nothing that points to a problem. I really think as someone aptly put it on another thread that Martin wrote himself into a corner.

[kirk]

Very true. I suppose the only difference is that each Tool album is complete. So the wait doesn't feel like a wait. The end product is worth it. With Martin we are waiting 5 years for simply another installment in the series.

A bit off topic but im curious as to what other bands you are into? Top 10?
Outside of Tool my top ten would be as follows:

Isis
A Perfect Circle
Opeth
Meshuggah
Porcupine Tree
Pink Floyd
King Crimson
Sigur Ros
Massive Attack
Gordian Knot

Back on topic... Something obviously has Martin stuck. Originally ADWD was supposed to come out October 2007 or 2008...and the last update was January 2008. When someone announces a release date and then almost 4 years later we still have nothing that points to a problem. I really think as someone aptly put it on another thread that Martin wrote himself into a corner.

I dislike you a bit less for mentioning Opeth, but it seems to me that mostly what you've been doing on here so far is venting your endless frustration with Martin. Please, do go on. This is very new and exciting.

[upperhi]

Another vote for Fevre Dream. Many books are hard to remember after you finish, but I STILL remember Fevre Dream which I read years ago. Great book, great characters.

[MattNY]

It is indeed. I understand the point you are making though. For me The Name of the Wind is simply that good. That one book in my opinion elevated him to a level that again in my humble (or not so :P) opinion is unmatched in the Fantasy Genre and ranks him among some of the best writers in any genre.

I wish I had read that NOTW. The one I read wasn't nearly as good.

[Seegee]

I wish I had read that NOTW. The one I read wasn't nearly as good.

Have to agree there, Matt. Given the hype around NotW i was disappointed. I'll probably read Wise Man's Fear, but it's way down the list.

[Dirvani]

Isis
A Perfect Circle
Opeth
Meshuggah
Porcupine Tree
Pink Floyd
King Crimson
Sigur Ros
Massive Attack
Gordian Knot

Hate to go off topic, but I love all of those bands with the exception of Massive Attack, which I have heard of but never listened to. I don't think I could make a top 10 though. There's just too much good music. Tool would be one of the few bands that I could put in it though since they've been a long time favorite.

Somewhat back on topic.. I hope The Name of the Wind is good. I'll probably be reading it in the next few months.

[Third Eye]

Hate to go off topic, but I love all of those bands with the exception of Massive Attack, which I have heard of but never listened to. I don't think I could make a top 10 though. There's just too much good music. Tool would be one of the few bands that I could put in it though since they've been a long time favorite.

Somewhat back on topic.. I hope The Name of the Wind is good. I'll probably be reading it in the next few months.

I have spent/wasted (depends on perspective) more time than I care to share buying and reading books in many different genres. Fantasy has always been my favorite. The quality of writing isn't always the best but at the end of the day its an escape from the stresses of the day.

In Rothfuss I experienced something different. Efficient Complexity. Nothing wasted. No filler. Precise cadence. In Kvothe Rothfuss has created a dymanic character. Powerful and fragile and completely human. A man telling his own story and a remarkable one at that. Rothfuss gets it on so many levels. Enjoy the book my friend.

[Third Eye]

I dislike you a bit less for mentioning Opeth, but it seems to me that mostly what you've been doing on here so far is venting your endless frustration with Martin. Please, do go on. This is very new and exciting.

I have to chuckle at "I dislike you a bit less for mentioning Opeth". This is an interwebz forum for christs sake how can you dislike someone because they may not enjoy the same author or have the same opinion as you? *shakes head*

Anyhoo Opeth is the greatest metal band of all time. From Orchid to Watershed there are no weak albums. Meshuggah is a close second. I play guitar and the time signatures and syncopation is remarkable.

As for venting this is a Martin opinion thread. I have presented my opinion. My god there are alot of people in this forum who are in love with Martin as if the man can do no wrong. Hey if you are fine with waiting absurd amounts of time for each installment thats cool. Don't get all pissy because someone else doesn't see it that way.

Breathe In ... Breathe Out ... Its OK

[kirk]

Anyhoo Opeth is the greatest metal band of all time. From Orchid to Watershed there are no weak albums.

I'm sure the rest of the post was also important and such, about Martin and opinions and all that text, but this, although misspelled, is the most noteworthy thing I've seen you post thus far. Keep it right up.
Also, you didn't quite have to put "metal" in there. Mikael Åkerfeldt is the best thing that has happened to music since Chopin. Sincere apologies for deviating from the topic.
Read GRRM.

[Third Eye]

I'm sure the rest of the post was also important and such, about Martin and opinions and all that text, but this, although misspelled, is the most noteworthy thing I've seen you post thus far. Keep it right up.
Also, you didn't quite have to put "metal" in there. Mikael Åkerfeldt is the best thing that has happened to music since Chopin. Sincere apologies for deviating from the topic.
Read GRRM.

Sarcastic much?

Akerfeldt is great although I would have to put him behind Jones, Chancellor, and Carey. On the piano I prefer Rachmaninoff but to each their own.

Back on Topic
Put Martin at the bottom of your list. Bathroom reading.

OK OK I am done don't want to give the Martin worshipers a stroke. Besides just having a little fun while watching football.

[Gary XI]

Just to bring us hurtling back to topic, the A Song of Ice and Fire series so far is now placed on my amazon wish list (not that anyone is going to buy it for me you understand, I’ll be buying it myself, amazon wish lists are just ways I plan my to read pile) therefore I will be soon to join this highly recommended club!

[Lordwalker]

Good for you Gary XI.

Martin IMO is one of the best fantasy writers out there and ASOIAF is by far the best series currently being written. You will have to forgive some of the nay-sayers on this topic. It seems that many readers are "angry" with Martin for taking his time with the next installment. I'm not overjoyed by the wait, but getting mad and spouting off about it won't make it get released any quicker, it might even do the opposite. Several of my fellow Martin fans and the Martin haters are voicing concern over the length of the series as well. I want to see a conclusion of the story, but for now I am just glad the series is continuing.

Be forwarned, however, that once you have read the ASOIAF novels that are available, you may have a hard time ever finding a series you can read again. I have had a very hard time finding authors in the genre that can keep my interest after Martin's series.

Enjoy.