Tuesday 19 July 2011

A Dance of Dragons - mid book review



I am walking into lamposts, missing my tube stop, stubbing my toes on doors because of the eponymous Mr Martin or "GRRM" as he is fondly known to us ASOIFers.


A Dance of Dragon picks up the stories of Jon Snow, Danerys Targaryen (Stormborn) and Tyrion Lannister in a parallel to A Feast of Crows. These three are easily the most interesting and captivating characters and were sorely missed in a Feast of Crows. Having managed to get about a quarter of the way through now, the chapters have not disappointed. Tyrion is hitching a ride with Illyrio - but is he to be trusted? Dany - mother to three restless dragons, one of which: Drogon has not been seen since his brothers were taken to the "pit," and Jon Snow now at the Wall and treading a fine balance between keeping Stannis Baratheon appeased and resolving to capture the Iron Throne.


GRRM is more languid in his prose in this book, his attention to detail is unfaltering. His narrative is unyielding and graphic, but given that this is fantasy writing at it's best, the reader needs the incessant pummelling of detail and description to accurately capture the world of Westeros.


It will be interesting to see how the fates of the other Stark children fare compared to the Bastard Jon Snow. Bran and Meera are fending for themselves and we are yet to come across Sansa and Arya. Tyrion is at a disadvantage so far as he is reliant on the goodwill of Illyrio and as fans of Tyrion know, he is not comfortable with being reliant on others.


Dany has grown into her role as Queen and is making astute decisions in her precarious Meereenese location with attacks from the Sons of the Harpy growing ever more bolder.


Another review to follow. Watch this space.






No comments:

Post a Comment