The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
emboss59's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
laughlinesandliterature's review against another edition
4.0
As a history lover, it is interesting to read a fictional history of a fictional world. It was pretty good. I did find myself at times wishing there were more details (Tragedy at Summerhall, I'm looking at you) but overall it was just what a history book normally is. It was nice to get some backstory on different tensions that run through the series.
breje203's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
epipet's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
jolietjane's review against another edition
5.0
Somehow, GRRM managed to get me really into looking at maps and listening to history books. I jammed to WoIAF on Audiobook and it's absolutely worth it. I'm always weary when old George comes out with something that isn't TWOW. Now i'm like TELL ME MORE ABOUT ESSOS. WRITE ME A BOOK ABOUT THE SUMMER ISLES. Honestly, Westeros is the most boring thing in this book, the world GRRM hasn't told us much about is brimming with life and excitement and adventure. That's for letting me know about all of the lands i am never going to hear about I guess?
Seriously though, I adored every moment of this book. Ideal for any ASOIAF fan, it will give you such a well rounded perspective on ASOIAF and even enrich your understanding of the events as they are unfolding.
Seriously though, I adored every moment of this book. Ideal for any ASOIAF fan, it will give you such a well rounded perspective on ASOIAF and even enrich your understanding of the events as they are unfolding.
kellyschmidt55's review against another edition
I'll return to this book when I'm focusing on the GoT world again.
itsyeboy's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
5.0
I FINALLY FINISHED THIS BOOK!!!
It really only took me so long because it's a HEAVY tome (my kitchen scale says it's 3.5lbs), and large, so it not exactly a comfortable book to curl up with for long periods of time.
However, it is still GORGEOUS, and contains a ton of supplementary material to further enrich your knowledge and appreciation of George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Apparently this book is available in audio format. I haven't listened to it, but still couldn't possibly recommended going that route with this book as there are lots of maps and pictures that you really need to see to get the full experience of this book.
It was totally worth the time it took to read.
It really only took me so long because it's a HEAVY tome (my kitchen scale says it's 3.5lbs), and large, so it not exactly a comfortable book to curl up with for long periods of time.
However, it is still GORGEOUS, and contains a ton of supplementary material to further enrich your knowledge and appreciation of George R. R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire saga.
Apparently this book is available in audio format. I haven't listened to it, but still couldn't possibly recommended going that route with this book as there are lots of maps and pictures that you really need to see to get the full experience of this book.
It was totally worth the time it took to read.
sonofatreus's review against another edition
4.0
All around, a lot of fun to read. Written from the perspective of Yandel, a maester of the Citadel, to Tommen, this book really fleshes out the world from and in which the series is set. It does a great job explaining most regions of Westeros; the worst treatment is the Riverlands, and my only complaint is that it was too short of a section. It also helps to understand the differences in culture, both within Westeros but also in Essos, the Southern Isles and beyond. This makes the constant fighting in GRRM's world more understandable.
What I didn't like mostly stems from how it's written — from Yandel's perspective. This means parts of the story can be explicitly glossed over, because someone else (in the world) has written about it; unfortunately for the reader, we don't live in Yandel's world. Also, it means certain sections (the Dance of Dragons) don't get a well-outlined discussion, but an almost abbreviated one, because the stories are so well known in-world.
My last complaint is that some cities are only ever mentioned in passing that play a major part in ASOIAF, namely the slaver cities. These have been a big part of Dany's story and I was looking forward to reading about their histories and cultures only to find they don't ever receive a full treatment and are only ever name dropped.
Still, all in all, a fun read for fans of ASOIAF. It has all the best parts of the series (the world building, the political intrigue, the dragons) with none of the worst (feasting and sex scenes).
What I didn't like mostly stems from how it's written — from Yandel's perspective. This means parts of the story can be explicitly glossed over, because someone else (in the world) has written about it; unfortunately for the reader, we don't live in Yandel's world. Also, it means certain sections (the Dance of Dragons) don't get a well-outlined discussion, but an almost abbreviated one, because the stories are so well known in-world.
My last complaint is that some cities are only ever mentioned in passing that play a major part in ASOIAF, namely the slaver cities. These have been a big part of Dany's story and I was looking forward to reading about their histories and cultures only to find they don't ever receive a full treatment and are only ever name dropped.
Still, all in all, a fun read for fans of ASOIAF. It has all the best parts of the series (the world building, the political intrigue, the dragons) with none of the worst (feasting and sex scenes).