The Griffin or the Agate

    Six years. SIX YEARS! That's how long it's been since George R.R. Martin published A Storm of Swords, the third book in his Song of Fire and Ice saga. To say that the next volume has been eagerly awaited by his legions of fans is a gross understatement, but given the sheer number of characters and the tangled web of alliances, back stabbings, and so on, the lengthy pause is understandable. After all, Martin is not following the path of a single hero but rather those of dozens, each with a distinctive voice and their own agenda. Yet there was quite a stir among his fan base when Martin, leery of missing another deadline, instead decided to split the next novel into two separate texts, each one following the trials and tribulations of about half of the main characters. The next book will cover the same time period as the latest release, A Feast for Crows, but will focus on those individuals not covered in that work. An interesting proposal, but will Martin be able to pull it off to the satisfaction of his hordes of readers?
    All signs point to yes. Feast picks up soon after the stunning events of the last book, wherein one of the main strengths of Martin's superlative writing came heavily into play: anyone can die or suffer misfortune at any time. The Seven Kingdoms stand in disarray after the massive battle at King's Landing and the subsequent deaths of King Joffrey and Tywin Lannister. Now Cersei schemes to rule being the veil of being regent for her young son, King Tommen, but finds herself beset on all sides by ambitious, wily foes, as well as the resurrection of a long gone warrior cult, something she doesn't need. The surviving Stark girls are on the run, one for alleged regicide, and both make the best of their odd situations. Brienne of Tarth, the massive warrior-woman shunned by knights and suitors alike, doggedly continues on the quest given her by Jaime Lannister, the Kingslayer now lacking a sword hand, who has concerns of his own. From the Night's Watch Samwell Tarly, who thinks himself craven though he has faced more horrors than any army of men, finds himself given a task by his friend Jon Snow he neither understands nor wants, yet cannot refuse. And what stirs among the ironmen, coastal raiders with the ability to provide even more headaches for King's Landing.
    All these threads and several others intertwine to provide the meat of Crows, a work that should make the reader quickly forgive and forget time since the previous release. With Martin's fluid and engaging style operating at peak form and A Feast for Crows providing the requisite surprises and delights that his readers have come to expect, it won't be long before the clamor goes up for the next entry. After all, what's going on with Dany, Stannis and Melisandre, Davos, Jon Snow, and last but certainly not least, Tyrion? A Dance of Dragons promises answers, and without the six year wait.   §

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Author's website: http://www.georgerrmartin.com/