Book 5...another one?!

A Dance with Dragons by George R.R. Martin

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Honestly...i've thought real hard about giving 2 stars instead of 3 but the characters and the deep plot in this book still save the story...but the writing...

Martin disappointed me. I didn't wait long for this book, and perhaps that removed some of its 'sparkle' to me but just like its predecessor, A Feast for Crows, i feel this book doesn't stand up for the 3 first books.

(anger mode on)

It has parts which, well, are unreadable! There is no patience that can stand the long long long descriptions about the family this, and house that, and the long names and the past battles and fears and what the hell Martin though he could put to fill out pages!! Without those parts, this book would be probably half the size, and probably a much more enjoyable read! I don't like skipping parts, but i add to do it so that i didn't gave up on the book!

Mr. Martin, on another note, i don't quite believe any of us cares about the east, and their traditions and people... We... I care about Westeros! That was the success of your first books, why the hell increase it?! It's too much!!

(anger mode off)

Had to get that off my chest...

Now, while the pace is slow, it still 'forced' me to continue and find out the fate of characters such as Jon, Tyrion, Theon (for me, Theon's story was awesome) and Daenerys. I've also enjoyed the introduction of Ser Barristan and Melisandre. We still don't know much about the past of Jon or the role the Others will play...but that's the normal 'cliff-hangers' that still linger in these books (i've felt that Mr. Martin has put another few of them...)

I just hope that the next book can return the impressions i had on books 1,2 and 3 because honestly, if the next one persists on this trend i'll just wait for the TV series.


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A great saga...

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest by Stieg Larsson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I've finished this book with a bittersweet taste in my mouth... For one, i've really really liked these books, for the other, i know that the story will never continue and the fate of Lisbeth and Mikael will never be known to us...

In summary, its an amazing saga. What can i say more? I'm not much of a fan of the criminal type of books but these books are beyond the mere criminal type. It's more of a 'special' tale about two amazing characters, with very different lifes which develop a deep friendship between each other against all odds.

Lisbeth is probably the most original character i've ever came across in a book. Eccentric and extremely intelligent. Resourcefull but the most anti-social you can find. But utterly amazing.

Mikael is the typical 'never-give-up' kind of guy. Above average, but with a distinctive charm and personality that captivates the readers throughout the entire 3 books.

They create a link between them that makes up most of the events on the books. A very thick plot, with dark stuff and envolving the higher upps in Swedish politics.

In the end, i choose to give 5 starts not to this final book, but to the saga itself. It really deserves it. Thank you Mr. Larsson.

PS - On this final book, a special note to the final part, the argument between Giannini and Dr. Teleborian at court. It's just awesome :P


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