A couple of months ago, a kind poster gave be a great summary of the problems (timing of new books) of the series. This issue has caused me to stay away from starting the series (RJ/WoT syndrome).
However, I was told that reading the first 3 books is satisfying and has a pretty clear ending.....is this true? If yes, maybe I give them a shot!
However, I was told that reading the first 3 books is satisfying and has a pretty clear ending.....is this true? If yes, maybe I give them a shot!
The series was originally planned to be two trilogies separated by a five-year narrative gap, and Book 3 was written and ended with that in mind. It was only after Book 3 was on the shelves that GRRM decided he needed to insert a 'bridging' book between the two, which resulted in lots of writing problems.
I would say that the first three books do stand alone to a certain extent. Characters are left 'plateaued' at the end of Book 3 (in stable situations, not in imminent danger of death) and there are no immediate cliffhangers. That's why people bore five-year wait for Book 4 quite stoically, whilst they're moaning a lot more now, as Book 4 ended on a ton of cliffhangers (most of which won't actually be resolved until Book 6).
So... A Game of Thrones
- 04/09/2009 03:52:25 PM
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Re: Meh. *NM*
- 04/09/2009 03:54:32 PM
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What a scintillating contribution you've made 
- 04/09/2009 03:58:55 PM
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- 04/09/2009 03:58:55 PM
984 Views
*NM*
Re: It was an excellent summation of my feelings on the matter!
- 04/09/2009 04:50:15 PM
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I've missed you, Mr Darcy. <3
- 04/09/2009 05:21:05 PM
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Re: I love you, Sir Lucas whose first name I have forgotten. (William?)
- 05/09/2009 12:31:20 PM
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'Game' was good. The rest go downhill fast, though.
- 04/09/2009 04:53:57 PM
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I always like it when people post this.
- 04/09/2009 05:52:50 PM
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Oh alright, so there was a bit of exaggeration. (very slight real spoilers)
- 04/09/2009 06:18:13 PM
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(very slight real spoilers)
- 04/09/2009 06:18:13 PM
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If you keep up the 15-year delay, you may not have to wait to read the fifth book...
- 05/09/2009 01:28:52 AM
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Just to ask.....are the first 3 books essentially a trilogy?
- 05/09/2009 05:47:14 PM
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More or less
- 05/09/2009 06:59:53 PM
622 Views
You were that "kind poster!" 
- 06/09/2009 04:09:53 AM
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- 06/09/2009 04:09:53 AM
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A few moments like that, yes.
- 06/09/2009 01:16:06 PM
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Very cool, after Warbreaker, I may give GRRM a shot.....thanks! *NM*
- 06/09/2009 07:37:47 PM
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