The
fifth book in the ‘A Song of Ice and Fire’ series, ‘A Dance with Dragons’ is
every bit as compelling and vivid as ever. With this latest installment of the
seven book series, the author, George R R Martin has certainly defied all
critics who had declared that continuing from where he left off would be
impossible.
Once
again following the point of views of several characters in an elaborate number
of plots and sub plots, the series has already won the acclaim of reading
enthusiasts round the globe. Every bit as solid and well-constructed as the
legendary Tolkien’s ‘LOTR’, ‘A song of Ice and Fire’ perhaps tops even the tale
of the ‘War of the Ring’, with its realism.
The
book witnesses the possible demise of one of the most loved characters of the
series so far in its final chapters, leaving readers to hope for some manner of
miraculous revival of the charismatic new Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch,
Jon Snow.
Across
the narrow sea, the imp with a king’s personality, Tyrion Lannister has now
become an outlaw, and meets another surviving Targaryen heir who prepares to
join forces with his older sister.
Cersei’s
scheming and plotting has ruined King’s Landing, crippled the realm and reduced
the Kingsguard to a bunch of ruffians. And ironically, she herself falls prey
to one of her ill-advised decisions as the High Septon begins to seize power.
An
action packed book with only one slight drawback if we are forced to find one.
A reader who has not read the four preceding books might flounder in the tide
of events that color every page of Martin’s latest work.
If
it is mind boggling to merely follow the intertwining storylines… then hats off
to the author for actually writing them in the first place.
An appeal to everyone who has not started reading the series yet... don't miss this one folks. You'll regret it if you do.
ReplyDelete