A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

This is the third volume in the Game of Thrones series.  Mayhem, war, and plot twists abound; several main characters meet their demise and others take unusual detours in their journeys.  This is a fascinating story, but Martin's method of telling the story from several viewpoints simultaneously is somewhat disruptive, as I would become engrossed in following one character only to be switched to another part of the country in the next chapter.  Overall, the villains are still winning, but other dark forces have risen in the north, and the wars are now not just between men, but with other undead enemies and demons as well.  1177 pages.

A Game of Thrones by George R. Martin

An epic fantasy novel set in 'medieval' times in a landscape somewhat like England and the European continent.  There are kings and queens, lords, ladies, knights and tournaments and plot twists galore as well as threats from giants, ogres, zombie-like creatures and other fantastical beasts.  One of the best lines, from a villainous Queen, is 'In the Game of Thrones, you either win or you die.'  That about sums it up.  Martin sets the scene well, but some of the plot manipulations are obvious, i.e., placing a character in an unusual circumstance just so they can overhear something they shouldn't.  There are several likable characters and plenty of juicy villains. The countryside is also nearing the end of a decades long summer, and preparing for the onslaught of the dreadful winter, which may last for years and unleash strange creatures.  The story shifts from one character to another in nearly every chapter, so there are plenty of cliffhangers. By the end of this first in a five-part series, the warring factions are at a bit of a stalemate. A real page-turner as well as an HBO success.  835 pages.

The Beggar King: a Hangman's Daughter Tale by Oliver Pötzsch

This third book in the 'Hangman's Daughter' series finds Hangman Jacob Kuisl being framed for the murder of his sister and her husband. On a ruse, he is lured to Regensburg, where he finds his sister murdered and is immediately arrested. The Hangman of Regensburg uses the same tortures on him that Jacob inflicts on those arrested in his town of Schongau, in order to get him to confess.

Meantime, his headstrong daughter Magdalena and her lover, Medicus Simon Fronweiser, run away to Regensburg to live with her aunt. When they get there and find her murdered and Jacob in gaol, they set out to find out the real culprit. They are taken in by beggars, helped out by the town head raftsman, and lured into complacency by an Italian nobleman.

This is another riveting tale of 17th century Bavaria, with all the medieval skullduggery any reader could hope for!



514 pages

Book of the Maidservant by Rebecca Barnhouse read by Susan Duerden

Yet another book about a pilgrimage! Joanna is the young servant girl of Margery Kempe, a famous medieval holy woman.  When Dame Margery is divinely inspired to journey to Rome, she demands that Joanna accompany her. Joanna must cook, clean,wash and mend clothes not only for her mistress but for all the other nobles traveling with her.  Will Joanna ever make it back home? Will there be a home for her to return to? Was the real Margery Kempe the hypocrite portrayed in the book?  Unabridged Listening Library audiobook.  223 pages.  6 hrs. 44 mins.

A feast for crows, by George R.R. Martin

King Joffrey was bad enough, but his mother is even worse! There were some horrifying scenes in this installment of the Song of Ice and Fire series that had me almost dreading the next chapter, but I'm enjoying the continuing saga of the Seven Kingdoms. The politics and intrigues are ever more complex (and I'm having some trouble keeping it all straight), but I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
audio: 31 hours
text: 753 pages

Storm of swords, by GRR Martin

This third book in the Song of Fire and Ice series offers plenty of action, mystery, intrigue and political maneuvering to keep everyone on the hop. I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but comely and cruel King Joffrey finally gets what he deserves. That in itself was worth 47 hours of listening. My favorite character, Tyrion, though accused of treason, is by some great fortune still alive. And The Others have come!
Though I never seem to do it justice in these posts, I really enjoy the series, and I can't wait to start the next book: A feast for crows.
audio: 47 hours
text: 1128 pages

A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin

I can't wait for book 2!
I've seen some reviews that compare this to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and I see why they make that comparison: a medieval world with magic and mayhem. But Tolkien tends toward dichotomies of good/evil and white/black, whereas Martin's world is comprised of shades of grey. Events are observed from many different perspectives, and seldom are any of the characters truly good or bad. I do have clear favorites, though. Tyrion Lannister may be small in stature and nearly crippled, but his wit and intelligence more than compensate for any physical shortcomings. A self-proclaimed friend to "misfits and bastards", he was instantly my favorite, though he is not exactly a role model. And plucky little Arya, who couldn't bear learning the petty courtesies and fripperies of court life, but derived such satisfaction in learning to wield a blade. (Actually, where Thrones leaves off, Arya was living in a bad section of town with no guardian. I'm worried for her and must know if she fights her way out all right!) Prince Joffrey, however, is cruel, petulant and petty, and I have yet to find any redeeming qualities in him.
There are plots within plots, rogue agents and enough intrigue to leave you wondering which way is up. It is a long book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The audiobook, narrated by Roy Dotrice, was particularly well done.
Toward the end of the book, a princess who has been meek and scared all her life has found her power... and called forth 3 dragons while she was at it. I wonder what she will do now....
Sorry this post is so long, but I found my self pleasantly lost in the world of Westeros, and was hesitant to leave it. I'm not the only one addicted. See what natejmaster from U City PL has to say about it.
audio: 34 hours
print: 704 pages

Sword Song by Bernard Cornwell

This is the 4th in the 'Saxon Tales' series, which follows the struggle of King Alfred to drive the Danes out of England and establish a unified kingdom, in the late 9th century. The story is told by Uhtred, a Danish warrior and lord, who nonetheless has sworn to serve Alfred. Lots of action and swordplay, but I find the cultural conflicts between the Saxon Christians and Danish pagans most interesting. Well researched; the author gives some explanation in the endnotes of where he has followed history, and where he's added embellishments.
311 pages