City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

I love how this series has progressed so far. The change of setting in this third book was really nice. So much happens, secrets are revealed and relationships changed. Though not as action packed at the second book, there is a good amount of action and adventure in this one.

I love how the relationships between different characters evolved and grew. While the first half of the book was slow going, and dragged a bit, the second half was spectacular. Betrayals, plot twists and secrets abound. The characters continue to be a driving force to the stories. The humor is really great and realistic. The emotion is so raw at points.

Had the first half gone by quicker, I would give this book a higher rating, but both halves kind of equal each other out. I feel like this could have been the last book in the series, as it ends very nicely. However, I’m glad it’s not because I want to keep reading about these awesome characters.

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

A fun, smart read, Seraphina gave a unique take on dragons that was both unexpected and interesting. It was a fantasy book unlike others, adding many original aspects to it that showed the intricacy of the world building. The characters were all wonderful, adding so much to the story, even if they were only mentioned a few times. With a beautifully flowing plot, Seraphina was a book I could not put down.

Although the writing had a great pace, there were some things I found difficult about it. There were quite a few unusually complex words, that made the writing hard to understand at times. Along with many made up words, which are explained in the back of the book, there were quite a few words relating to music and clothing that were difficult to figure out without further research. Also, some of the made up words and names had an uncomfortable sound to them, making them sound almost childish.

The main character, Seraphina, was a lovely, interesting girl to read about. Learning about her and the things that set her apart from everyone else was really exciting. However, I found I couldn’t quite connect with her because of the writing. I felt more like I was simply watching her life happen, instead of feeling like I was in her shoes.

The friends (and enemies) Seraphina makes along the course of this book were all great characters. The prince and princess were surprisingly very wise and good-hearted, becoming friends with the main character. Every relationship in this book was hearty and full, each so important to the story. Rachel did an amazing job at making each and every character in this book vital to the story, something that is hard to come by, and honestly I’m really impressed. The romance aspect was left on the sidelines, which I think was also a good move, in that it will be able to develop in the next book.

One of the most well done parts of this book was its original take on dragons. Instead of simply being evil lizard-like creatures, these dragons have the ability to take human form. They have several key personality characteristics, which become a huge part of the book’s premise. The dragons’ inability to feel emotion in their true form is what becomes a big aspect of the story’s conflict. Because for dragons, having emotions is a sickness, a disease that many try to rid themselves of. It is questioned throughout the story, opening many ideas that dabble in philosophy. This was a huge and amazing aspect to the book.

Music was also a large part of the book. Although I have minimal knowledge about music, I loved its role in the story. Every time Seraphina played, the music she made was described in such a beautiful, emotional way. It linked her with her mother, and is ever-present in the story.

The plot twist in this story was so unexpected. It is rare that I have no clue of the plot twist before it happens. That being said, it wasn’t so unbelievable that it didn’t fit. All of a sudden, things started fitting into place as the twist was revealed. I was so surprised and excited to find out who the bad guy really was.

With its few flaws, like its occasionally confusing words, Seraphina was a beautifully executed story, with so much to offer. The world building was so believable and realistic, without the need for excess info-dumping. The characters were all amazing, and the philosophical aspects really made me think. I very much enjoyed this book, and look forward to see what comes next.

The Spiderwick Chronicles series by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi

This middle-grade fantasy series wove together a beautiful story of magic and adventure. Split into five short chapter books, each book was its own little adventure, that combined into one whole story. This was a great series for both younger readers and adults alike.

Both the writing and the illustrations in these books were fantastic. The illustrations were honestly some of the best I’ve seen. They combined with the descriptions of the writing, to create gorgeous, nature-inspired creatures. The physical books themselves were lovely, and look beautiful on the shelf.

The world and creatures created were beautiful and realistic. The three main characters were great siblings, always working together and compromising, despite their major differences. Throughout the series, they find their strengths in order to defeat the evil creatures they are faced with.

Though each book was very short, and could have easily been made into one single novel, the stories were each satisfying to read. Although I flew through them, they are a great length for the younger readers they were created for. Some dark aspects were present in this series, making it unlike many middle-grade books, and adding a great deal to the world building. The settings and descriptions were very real and believable. The old book pages and paintings added to that.

Overall, this is a series that makes me want to go look for faeries in the woods, as silly as it sounds. It was a beautifully crafted set of books, one I’m so glad to have finally read, even though I didn’t get the chance to as a kid. It was fun, exciting and thrilling all at once, a series I will be glad to read to my future children.

Individual Ratings:

The Field Guide- Book 1

The Seeing Stone- Book 2

Lucinda's Secret- Book 3

The Ironwood Tree- Book 4

The Wrath of Mulgarath- Book 5

Series Rating:

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Having finally read City of Bones, I only wish I had picked it up sooner. For a while I was hesitant to read it, knowing it was about angels and demons, which I’m not usually interested in. However, this book was so, so good, truly engaging and enjoyable. With its unique twist on angels and demons, and the addition of faeries, it was exactly the type of book that I can’t help but fall for.

The action and adventure in this book was ongoing, while still leaving room for relationships to develop and a dash of humor to be thrown in. The plot was so intriguing, from beginning to end, making this a thrilling and fun read. There were many plot twists, betrayals, and moments of shock, most of which were not at all predictable. Because of its continuing excitement, I flew through this book, despite its size.

The writing was very nice, with beautiful descriptions and a mood that fit the story perfectly. I loved the settings, the combination of grimy abandoned places, and beautifully antiqued architecture. The writing was also very similar to author Holly Black’s, who I’ve heard is good friends with Cassandra Clare. Along with the writing style, the subject matter was also very similar Holly’s books. However, I honestly can’t complain, being that I love Holly’s books as well, and there are some clear differences between the two. If anything, their similar writing style was comforting and very enjoyable.

Something I found Clare does extremely well, is her characters and their relationships with one another. The relationship between Clary and Jace was a perfect example of a pair who doesn’t necessarily get along, but does have romantic interest in one another. The banter between them was funny and refreshing, without going over the top, like some awful book couples I’ve recently read (*cough* Obsidian *cough*). Not just those two, but all of the characters and their regards toward each other was genuine and real. The unrequited love was achingly good, and the friendship between unlikely people grew with this story. I truly loved all of the main characters.

While the world building was great, and many things were left open to continue to the next book, I was still slightly annoyed by the lack of resolution when it came to Valentine. After so many plot twists and secrets revealed, I felt like it lacked just one thing- Valentine’s side of the story. I’m sure this was a writing tactic, in order to continue with the series, so I hope it will be discovered in the next book.

City of Bones was an exciting, funny, and action-filled book. Its characters, setting and plot were all executed beautifully. I am so happy to have finally read it, and I cannot wait to keep reading this series. I highly recommend City of Bones to everyone. So good.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

With its mix of fantasy and dystopian elements, Red Queen was a fun and thrilling read, full of moments that left me in shock. Though parts of it were a bit predictable, the plot twists were executed nicely, and still surprised me even though I knew what was coming. The main character, Mare, made this book that much better. She was such an amazing, strong character that I fully loved reading about, and I cannot wait to see where she goes from here.

The premise of this book seemed simple at first, but it grew into a great weaving of conflicts and lies. It was exciting to see the plot grow, and to find out each little twist to the story. Certain elements of it kept reminding me of other books, which didn’t take away from the plot, but did lack originality in places. For example, right from the beginning I was reminded of the Hunger Games, with Mare’s village and her best friend Kilorn, not to mention the arena. Also the training, and the way the book ended reminded me of Divergent. However, they were relatively subtle similarities that didn’t hurt the story.

I loved the feeling of the setting throughout the book, but especially in Mare’s village. I could really feel the grime and mud, as well as the fragility of the whole village, which is called the Stilts for obvious reasons. That feeling clung on throughout the book, because the whole time, Mare never loses who she is or where she’s come from. She’s a thief, but she’s true and honest, and makes all of her decisions out of the love she has for her people. Through her character, you’re able to truly experience the corrupt system she lives in. You really feel for her, as she makes so many sacrifices in her life.

Cal confused me a bit, but I think that’s only because we couldn’t see directly into his head. He is a strong, complex character, who is faced with so many decisions and challenges. Though he makes mistakes, he always does what he thinks is right, like Mare. Maven continuously seemed younger than his true age. Although he is clearly clever, he definitely has an immaturity to him.
   
While parts of this book hinted a being a dystopian, the fantasy kingdom element of it came out stronger. As Mare is forced into this new world, we watch as she goes through the processes of getting used to it. Toward the beginning of this transition, there were parts that got boring, even though they were necessary. The Houses and the government system, as well as several characters, were very similar to A Game of Thrones, but in a more YA version. Again, while that lacked originality, it was still a welcomed aspect that I enjoyed reading.

The way Mare discovered her power was very unexpected, unlike anything I’ve read before. The romance aspect was subtle, as the book focused more on Mare’s growth and the world’s power struggles. The sudden twist at the very end was so good, as were the small ones toward the beginning of the book.

I highly enjoyed Red Queen. Although it wasn’t perfect, and I wish it didn’t remind me so much of other books, there were a lot of unique, unexpected aspects to it that made it so much fun and exciting to read. Mare was an amazing main character. I understand the all the hype this book has, and I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out.

3 Books That Do Alternating Point of Views Right

Alternating POVs can either help or hurt a story. If done right, they can enhance the message, characters and/or plot of the novel. If done wrong, they can leave the reader confused or unfulfilled. It’s important that all of the characters are vital to the story, and that each of them produce a strong voice, which distinguishes them from the others.
Here are three examples of novels that I think do alternating POVs right:


1. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami-
    In 1Q84, the long chapters are split between two main characters, Tengo and Aomame, a man and woman who haven’t seen each other since they were in grade school, but have held onto their feelings for each other. Despite how it sounds, the story is so complex, and indescribable really. Between the alternating POVs, the characters experience strange but important things, which have a great impact on the story. The two characters are very strongly shown, and I found both of them to be likable. Towards the end of the story, it breaks off into a third, unlikely POV, a character introduced earlier in the story. Although the story is rich and complex, the three POVs fit together like links, creating a strong plot and amazing character development.

2. The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi-
    Although other aspects of this book bothered me, the various POVs proved to be very impressive in this sci-fi read. Expressing characters from all different backgrounds, the alternating POVs in this book wove together a beautiful setting. The Windup Girl holds a heavy, rich culture, the most important thing to the story, which made up for some of the things I didn’t like about it.




 3. A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin-
    Lastly, we have the best example of alternating POVs that I have read so far, A Game of Thrones (and the rest of the series). There are a lot of characters in this book, and a total of 8 different POVs. Regardless of the number, it does not make the story confusing. Each of the characters adds something important to the story, and each of them have strong, distinguishable personalities. Though you can easily pick favorites, none of them were unenjoyable to read about. It is refreshing to read the heavy topics of death and war through so many different eyes, varying from lords to children. Overall, the usage of multiple POVs made this book exciting and interesting.

So those are the three adult books that I think do alternating POVs well. I may follow this post up with one of 3 YA books that do it well also (once I start reading more YA books with alt. POVs.)

Let me know what you think of my recommendations. I tried to give a good variety of genres- contemporary (with magical realism??),  sci-fi, and fantasy. I quite enjoy reading books with alternating POVs, so let me know if you've read any good ones recently.

Blythewood by Carol Goodman

 (Somehow I forgot to post this review on here after I put it on Goodreads. Anyway, here it is.)

She tilted her head, looking at me. “That’s one bit about Blythewood you’ll have to get used to-- all the bells. They can drive you mad sometimes. They say there was a girl a few years back who fell from the belfry while trying to muffle the bells.” Then she smiled and hurried away, leaving me with the thought that the bells inside my head were already driving me mad.

Although not amazing, this book was quite good, and enjoyable. At no point did it get boring, but there were a few times where I did get annoyed with the main character. The writing, although pleasant and understandable was woven together with imagery and period words and sayings, which sometimes fit and sometimes didn’t. 

Blythewood is set in 1911, to which there is no mention of in the book. It takes place between two significant events in history, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and the sinking of the Titanic. I think incorporating the two events added to the intrigue of the story, and it made it that much more interesting. Despite being unaware that the fire was real at first, I was able to guess the time in which the story took place, because of certain words and phrases used. However, some of these phrases seemed out of place, at times. It seemed like some of them were thrown in simply to remind the reader of the time period, even though it wasn’t difficult to forget. Instead, they were unnecessary and sometimes comical, especially when used in dialogue.

From the start, we are bombarded with bird imagery. Anything and everything is compared to birds, specifically crows. This ‘rings true’ through the rest of the book, although luckily the amount of it subsides a bit once the main character, Avaline, arrives at the boarding school, Blythewood. Along with the unnerving amount of bird imagery, there is also an overabundance of bells. From the bell that Ava hears ringing in her head, to the story of the seven bells from which Blythewood was founded. While both are highly significant to the story, they are both way overused, which became quite annoying at times.

Ava’s character was overall okay. She could be brave and kind-hearted at times, but other times she became impulsive and illogical in her thinking. She so easily would start putting herself down if something went wrong, constantly calling herself a freak, despite the gift she had. She also seemed quite a bit paranoid in her way of thinking. However, she was still a decent, believable character. Also, she often thought of her old life and referred to her friends at the Triangle Factory, which was nice, rather than having her forget about it.

The other characters were okay, as well. You could see them progress and change through the story, ever so slightly, but in a natural way; Helen, Daisy and Nathan, especially. Raven was the stereotypical protector guy, who, although pleasant, didn’t have much of a personality at first. The insta-love between himself and Ava was expected and predictable, but luckily the entire story was not solely focussed on that.

The story started off kind of iffy for me. Although the fire was exciting, what came before and after it was a little bit bland. If the book had continued at that pace, I wouldn’t have liked it so much. But, then the fairies and magics were introduced. The initiation in the woods was not very believable, nor was the girls’s quick acceptance of this new information. However, after that, the whole story became so much better. I am very fond of fairies and other creatures, and this book did a wonderful job at incorporating them. The classes the girls went to were really neat, and the entire atmosphere of the boarding school was perfect. 

Although some of the major events in the story were predictable, it was still a fun read. I enjoyed learning about Ava and her friends, and the Darklings and fairies. I was even more intrigued by the fact that I know where the story takes place in real life. It did have quite a few flaws that I couldn’t get over, but it was an entertaining story, with a cool atmosphere to it. The ending, although predictable, could have ended on a higher note. It only would have added to the excitement for the sequel, if we were able to see Ava’s new discovery, instead of just being told about it. Though I originally bought this book because of its gorgeous cover, I was very surprised to find it exciting and well-written. I look forward to the release of the sequel.

“There are other ways to disappear here than to go missing in the woods.”

Frey by Melissa Wright

This is the worst book I’ve ever read. The only thing it has going for it is the fact that I was able to get through it, but even so, I had to force myself. I was originally drawn to the elf/fairy aspect of it, and being that it was free, I figured I’d try it out. Unfortunately, I soon discovered why it was free- because it’s absolutely terrible! 

The writing is so disconnected and all over the place. Sentences do not flow at all. A lot of parts don’t even make sense because they aren’t explained enough. Often, we’re told what Frey is thinking, without any explanation or logical reasoning as to why she’s feeling that way. There’s no sense of time. One moment it’s day, and the next, it’s night. And during the day that there is, very little seems to happen. Aside from the usage of magic, the fantasy aspect is minimal and unconvincing. 

I couldn’t even tell what the plot is supposed to be. It’s about Frey, whose magic is bound, and is being hunted by the elf Council. But aside from running, and training, there’s really no solid plot. What is supposed to happen? What are the characters goals? What is all of this crappy writing leading up to? I have no idea because as far as I could see, there were no goals for the majority of the story.

The main character, Frey, is overly clumsy, and clueless. Despite ‘training’ for the entire book, she remains weak and helpless. She spends a lot of time tripping on roots, running, and sleeping. She laughs inappropriately, and is shocked by obvious things. She cannot focus on anything for any amount of time. She faint and falls a lot. She kills a bird because its singing annoys her...yeah. Overall, her character, like the writing, was just all over the place. She is not likable or believable. Surely she has some kind of untreated mental disorder.

As soon as Chevelle is introduced, Frey becomes strangely obsessed with him. Immediately after seeing him for the first time, she goes to the library to research his family! What?? After that, he is always there around every corner, waiting for her. And later on, when Frey’s running away, trying to avoid capture, Chevelle catches up to her and she gives in in an instant. She could even run away again, yet she doesn’t. 

Chevelle’s character is equally confusing. For the majority of the book he is hard and distant, angry all the time, for no obvious reason. Except for the weird lust between himself and Frey, he conveys no emotions. And despite the fact that Frey thinks he hates her, she still has a crush on him.

The diary Frey reads toward the end, which ties into the ending, was at least a tiny bit enjoyable, and unlike the rest of the book, made some sense. However, having it broken up by single sentences to tell us what Frey was doing, as if to remind us that we’re reading a story within a story, was unnecessary, and shows the author’s immature writing abilities. Having forced my way through this goalless story, the ending was at least somewhat satisfying, despite remaining confusing like the rest of the book.

The entire story is disconnected, and anti-climactic. Frey’s inability to think coherently, and the fact that she is blatantly left out from knowing where they’re going for the entire book, made the narrative cloudy and confusing. The whole book seems to be cloaked in the fairy dust that Ruby uses on Frey in order to keep her from thinking for herself.

The fact that there are two more books in this series is comical, especially the fact that they cost money. This one was not even worth being free. The author should have to pay you to read it. I can only imagine what kind of plotless stories will succeed this one. 

I recommend this book to no-one. I wrote better than this when I was in middle school. God, it was so bad.

The Thirteenth Unicorn by W. D. Newman

“The next morning dawned bright and clear. Hundreds of birds greeted the rising sun with song, each one trying to out-sing the other. Circling the patch of ground where the party slept were tracks. A visitor in the night had watched over them while they slept. The tracks were hoof prints.”

I got this book free for my Kindle on Amazon, so I went into it being quite critical, expecting it to be not nearly as good as it was. The Thirteenth Unicorn is a really nice fantasy story, full of adventure and magical creatures. Although clearly a middle grade book, the writing was surprisingly decent. However, there are a number of grammar and spellings errors, including the author never putting a comma before the word ’too’ at the end of a sentence, which bugged me a lot.

“And yet the most striking features about these men was their eyes; keen and stern, chips of blue ice burning like lamps in the gray morning light. These were elves from the Twilight.”

The length and pace of the story is perfect, not too fast, nor did it drag at any point. Aside from a quick chapter near the end, I did not get bored with the plot or its pace. It remained consistent for the most part. The ending, although predictable, was spoiled by a very sudden reveal, which I think should have been incorporated into the story, which would have made it more satisfying. 

“The sky was beginning to darken to a deep purple and a couple of stars had opened their eyes to catch a glimpse of the final minutes of this last day of May, as Ben and Casey, with their two new friends, made their way back up the trail to the Langston’s backyard. New friendships had been forged this day and as the sunlight faded, so too did all thoughts of Camelot and the mysterious Merlin Tree.”

The characters, both major and minor, were enjoyable to read about. Ben and Casey, who the story is first about, are well fleshed out, unlike some of the others. Ben is a cool and quirky kid, up for anything, but always level-headed. Casey is his caring, though sometimes annoying, older sister. Their grandparents are very stereotypical county folk; although their grandmother, Louise, also reveals an adventurous side when she embarks on this story’s awesome adventure with the kids. Ben and Casey’s companions, Joey and Jenny, unfortunately have little to no voice in this story. They are simply there in the adventure. They are barely described and show no signs of personality. Aside from saying that she wants to go home, Jenny has virtually no lines. The group was always regarded as a whole, which gave no room to showcase either of them. The dwarf characters, Hob, Nob and Gob, were entertaining and comical, making the book that much more enjoyable. The world itself was also exciting to read about. The Twilight, which is the magical, forbidden wood in which the elves live, is described as being able to make itself smaller and bigger, constantly changing itself, which is a unique magical attribute.

“Home,” Ben whispered. There was more magic in that one word than existed in all of Camelot; Home.”

Although the cover and the writing errors are a bit of a turn-off, getting this story for free was an absolute steal. It was very enjoyable, and I’m tempted to buy the next book in this series. It was a great adventure, with a sweet ending, and I am glad to have taken my time to check it out.

Into the Land of the Unicorns by Bruce Coville

"The sound of his hooves against the stony floor of the cave was like distant silver bells."

Though not quite as magical as when I read it as a child, it was nevertheless a sweet and simple story. The action begins immediately and continues at a fast pace, making it a very quick read. The main character, Cara, has an adventurous personality, making it easy for young readers to relate to her. And her trustworthy friend, Lightfoot, is the unicorn equivalent to a typical, slightly sarcastic, teenager.

"It was like drinking diamonds. She drank more, dipping her hands greedily into the stream."

The writing was surprisingly good, creating the enchanting atmosphere that I had adored my first time reading it. I feel like with just a bit more focus on the setting, the story could have been that much more believable. With its quick moving plot and a back story only told through Cara, I found it unrealistic at first, even as a fantasy story. The only thing about the writing that I didn’t like were all the questions that Cara constantly thought out loud, though I suppose as a kid’s novel they were appropriate enough.

""There’s lots of kinds of chains," he continued, "You can’t see most of them, the ones that bind folks together. But people build them, link by link. Sometimes the links are weak, snap like this one did. That’s another funny thing, now that I think about it. Sometimes when you mend a chain, the place where you fix it is strongest of all.""

The ending went by quicker that I would have liked. It came immediately after the main action of the story and was almost rushed through. It would have been nice to be able to relish in the conclusion a bit more, which, after all, was the result of the story’s great journey. Overall, I think this was a fine little story, which I’m glad to have re-read, if only to be reminded of reading it as a child. It was clearly written for kids, yet the writing maintained a smart, fluid style. I’m not sure if I will re-read the second book in this series yet or not. However, I will always remember them warmly, as one of my first unicorn (and fantasy) books.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

This book was absolutely amazing- my first true taste of the adult fantasy genre. The story is intriguing and complex, weaving effortlessly between its eight different character perspectives. I found it to be much easier to read than I expected. Even with the large amount of characters mentioned, I was able to follow along quite fluidly as I progressed through the book. Its size, one of the things that made me hesitate to start this book, did not hinder my progress at all. It only made me look forward to what lay ahead in the forthcoming pages.

George R.R. Martin’s writing was highly enjoyable. It had a sort of elegance to it that urged me to keep reading. His descriptions are rich and powerful, without being overdone. Things like food, clothing and setting became so real and imaginable. Martin’s excellent use of language, and ingenious storytelling created an exciting and believable story. 

The characters, though some of them a bit cliched, all had strong voices. The character development differed for each of them, almost naturally, as people change in real life. My favorites were Tyrion, Jon and Arya, all of which are outcasts in the story. Tyrion’s wit and wisdom captured me instantly as he was introduced to the story. His strong personality was emphasized by the harsh misadventures he goes through. Jon’s character was the most likable and natural to me. He is forced to grow up and make important decisions in the story, and like in real life, they are not all clearcut. Arya, the stereotypical tomboy, was mostly fun to read about. She is strong-willed and defiant, while holding onto the innocence of being a child.

Eddard is the neutral voice in the story. He is kind but fair, which unfortunately is his downfall. He also holds together the mystery throughout most of the story, which the other characters help support. Although Catelyn is not a bad character, she didn’t stand out very much to me. Her growth is obvious in the story, but she was the only main character that lacked personality to me. I enjoyed reading about Bran, mostly toward the beginning of the story, and the end. Sansa, although very dislikable, was an important perspective to the story, in my opinion. Her fairytale-like way of thinking showed her ignorance and naivety, as she tried to hold onto the innocence of being a child while also becoming a woman, something which proved to be impossible by the end of the story. 

Even after finishing the book, I am still confused as to how I feel about Daenerys. From the start, her situation bothered me- being forced to marry and have sex with Khal Drogo, at the age of 13. While this was at first disturbing, what confused me was that she was able to fall in love with him. I suppose that was understandable, as she had to deal with it, and Drogo is not necessarily bad. She is a strong character, for that, and everything else she went through. However, I wish we could have seen her transition a bit more clearly. 

Another thing I was hesitant about with reading this book were the sex scenes. Though they were not nearly as bad as expected, there was a lot of rape, and sexism. But being that we live in a world where it exists, it wasn’t entirely out of place, unfortunately. Other taboo topics, which I was warned about, included incest and arranged marriage, which surprisingly fit into the book. Only one part in the story was predictable, which luckily didn’t take away from the mystery. 

Though the main plot didn’t start off very strong, the beginning of the story was still very enjoyable and did not lack in content. It was simply another string along with the various sub-plots, waiting to take shape. However, it slowly starts to distinguish itself, and a little more than halfway through the book, it takes off at full speed. The last half of the book went by very quickly and ended strong, making me more than excited to read the next book in this (so far) amazing series. 

Martin’s stunning ability to create effective drama, adventure, mystery, romance and fantasy, all in one book, as well as his ability to make strong, believable characters is truly admirable. A Game of Thrones has definitely become one of my favorite books, and a perfect entry into the world of fantasy.