A Dance With Dragons

                                                     

A Dance With Dragons
Author - George.R.R.Martin

Main Characters - Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Stormborn, Jon Snow, Arya Stark, Jaime Lannister, Cersei Lannister, Brandon Stark, Barristan Selmy, Quentyn Martell, Davos Seaworth, Theon Greyjoy, Jon Connington, Asha Greyjoy, Melisandre, Victarion Greyjoy, Kevan Lannister, Areo Hotah.

‘A Song Of Ice and Fire’ better known to the layman as ‘Game of Thrones’ series can undoubtedly be regarded as one among the best adult-fantasy series of novels. Through his series of books George.R.R.Martin takes you on a ride through a mystical world of dragons, dire-wolves, sorcerers and some characters that are sure to become a part of your life.

The fifth book in ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series takes complications to the next level. If you have not read the first four books of the series then this one is not for you.

There seem to be too many characters and story-lines that even the avid fan might get confused at certain points and will have to turn back a few pages to remember what the writer is talking about. The character list that is put up on top are just those that through which the writer narrates the story in this book alone, that is, many characters who make an integral part of the story-line are left out in that list.

Quite a few characters and narrations are included which makes no sense at all at certain times and we feel that the writer is just trying to prolong the series as much as he can, but often at the expense of the fans. Some might even feel that Martin is trying to be next Ved Vyas or Homer, though the optimist may believe that Martin will put everything into one box by the time he concludes the series.

A Dance With Dragons is still a better book than the previous one – A Feast For Crows – and the story except in some chapters is narrated through the characters who enjoy a huge fan-base. Though as always Martin has managed to end the various story-lines with a jolt and that is sure to leave the fans yearning for more.

The unwanted excesses are neatly trimmed off in the HBO television series and if you are not a voracious reader you may do well to stay away from the book as the television series explains the story with much better composure.

                                                           

Opinion : "It’s safe to say that no work of fantasy has generated such anticipation since Harry Potter's final duel with Voldemort." - The Washington Post

Rating - 4/5