A couple of days ago I started reading the second volume of A Song of Ice and Fire series by George RR Martin, A Clash of Kings. I read the first book, A Game of Thrones, a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it, but I hadn’t had time to pick up the second book until this week.
George RR Martin has created a great series and a very well constructed and vivid background world. And that’s what has actually given me a few problems in the last few days. I have had a real struggle to get into it again. Many of the first chapters of A Clash of Kings provide you with a bit of a summary of what happened previously, as well as telling you what’s happening now to the characters. What happens is the characters tend to talk to each other about what the current situation is and their plans. And this has been a steep remembering curve for me, with several glances to the lists (massive lists) at the back of the book, which are immensely helpful.
The world that George RR Martin creates is so detailed that I have had real problems trying to keep up, but slowly I’m getting there!
I respect George RR Martin for not just providing and idiot’s “Previously on A Song of Ice and Fire…” section at the start of A Clash of Kings, but in a way I’m such an idiot for not reading it sooner, that I probably needed it!
But after reading about 70 pages things are slowly coming back to me, and I’m hoping that the rest of the book will be an easier ride. Martin’s writing is amazing and I’m enjoying the bits without too many names a lot!
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Did you read all four books? I am in the middle of A Feast For Crows myself right now…
I’m going to be starting the third soon!
Because I work 10 hours a day and have responsibilities at home, the only way I can find out what happens after “A Game of Thrones” is to listen to the audiobook (hanging head).
I’m already mad about not having the time to actually pick up the book and read it but now after reading this post, I find out that there are lists in the back of the book to help us out? Lists I obviously need as I navigate through what is becoming an increasingly complicated story line with new characters that he’s trying to develop and integrate with those we already know. I wish I could find those lists online. Do they have titles? If so, what are they because I’d sure like to Google them.
Thanks!
I also sometimes listen to Audiobooks, but I was always wonder if there might be extra content I’m missing out on – especially things like maps or character lists.
This might help you: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_characters_in_Game_of_Thrones