Every bit as shocking and dark, Martin has done an outstanding job with A Storm of Swords and I loved every bit of it. How does he come up with this kind of story? I cannot begin to fathom what must go through his mind when he pens down his words and brews them into a beautiful saga. Every bit as unpredictable, definitely better than the TV series!
If reading A Clash of Kings was as slow as a bullock-cart, this book, on the contrary, is as fast as a bullet train. Every chapter has something in store for us. The second book’s build up was worth reading because things fall into place in the third one. Writing a good review for this book is impossible without spilling a few beans, but worry not, I shall keep the spoilers to myself.
There was so much happening in every chapter, it was hard to keep up. There were moments when I used to close the book and think about what just happened and it made me sad. And then there were moments when a secret was revealed and I was full to the brim with so much hate for that person who I had started liking a few moments ago. Martin played with my emotions in this one. Did I mention that I loved it??
There were certain alterations in my list of hated characters. I don’t hate Jaime Lannister anymore. No, I am not saying I love him, but he isn’t evil. Whatever he did for the realm or in his impulsion, that’s his personality. But, he also has honour in him, a different kind of honour though. It was very refreshing to read the story from his perspective in few of the chapters. There is a chapter about Cersei in the fourth book which I am totally exciting about, but I don’t have many expectations from her. I think she is a vile creature, though it would be interesting to read her.
Tyrion, oh Tyrion! Such a good person, such a kind heart and yet he suffered such brutality! His story almost makes me cry. I can relate to him so well, as if I have known him for years and watched him suffer all along. This book sheds light on some of the most horrifying aspects of Tyrion’s life. If you liked this character before, wait till you love him after finishing this book.
I wasn’t a fan of Jon Snow before. All his fans, please don’t be offended and hear me out! In the previous books, he was a boy, still learning, still coping, trying to find his worthy self. In this book though, he gradually stands out. You know that he is just, honourable, brave and kind-hearted. He did win my heart a few times, but there is a lot he needs to prove still.
Brienne of Tarth! Why are you so stubborn, woman? Your honour will kill you one day.
Samwell Tarly is a craven no more. We see more courage in him than ever before. Such a good soul, he fights his cowardice to save someone he loves, but doesn’t know it yet.
We always knew Arya had a violent streak in her which only seems to grow bolder everyday. She learns new things about herself and the world, she knows what needs to be done to survive, she knows right from wrong, she holds grudges and she learns to fight. She has consistently impressed me through the series and I am rooting for her. You go girl!
I could go on blabbering endlessly about this book, but I need to stop here, so that you can start reading it! I hope you guys can see how much I have enjoyed reading this saga and it will motivate you to pick it up, RIGHT NOW!
RATING: 5/5
Favorite Quotes from the book:
“Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaegar died.”
“Old stories are like old friends, she used to say. You have to visit them from time to time.”
“I crossed a thousand leagues to come to you, and lost the best part of me along the way. Don’t tell me to leave.”
“We look up at the same stars and see such different things.”
“The greatest fools are ofttimes more clever than the men who laugh at them.”
“Sometimes I think everyone is just pretending to be brave, and none of us really are. Maybe pretending is how you get brave, I don’t know.”
“Explain to me why it is more noble to kill ten thousand men in battle than a dozen at dinner.”
“She loved the sea. She liked the sharp salty smell of the air, and the vastness of the horizons bounded only by a vault of azure sky above. It made her feel small, but free as well.”
“Half-truths are worth more than outright lies.”
(Disclaimer: All opinions expressed are strictly my own and in no way influenced.)
The Famished Reader 