Katie Runyon

Man, oh man. This book was great, even better than the first one. This book totally changed the way I felt about the characters that I didn’t have too much love for. Arya still remains my favorite though and of course, I thought there was far too little of her in the book. I don’t want to spoil things for those who have not read it, so I will try to keep out key parts.

Let’s see, where to start? Well, I can start with saying that George R. R. Martin does not seem to mind killing his characters. Sadly, a few key characters die in this book but it is still GREAT.

*Spoiler*

I one point, I thought Arya had died, but I looked ahead and was relieved to see it wasn’t so. I can also say, not everyone that dies, stays dead. There are many narrow escapes too; you think someone is going to die, but they end up living.

Wow, I can’t believe that I have forgotten so much of the book already. I had thought up a nice long post about how great it was and specifics and it has all left me. I can say that this books makes you feel more for some of the lesser loved characters and I admit that I chuckled quite a few times. You should definitely buy it and read it as soon as possible. Of course, I also suggest you buy the others and read them too. Of course, I have not gotten too far into the fourth book, so I will have to get back to you on that.

Well, instead of the “big update” I have been promising, there are going to be two “medium” updates. Part of the update is taking longer then I was hoping, so I am leaving a few little things until it is ready. Nevertheless, let’s talk about what I was able to give you for this update.

I got rid of the synopsis I had up and changed it to a more current one. Granted, the synopsis is more of a hook, but I’m not going to be so critical. Almost everything for now, it is still subject to change and change and change. I also threw out (well not exactly) and replaced it with an updated version of the complete first chapter. As I said before, it is about a 1 1/2 draft, but you’ll get the picture. Hopefully, it will help sway some people to sign up as beta readers, which I am in dire need of. A lot is still apt to change, but what can you do.

I also added a few pictures, most are paintings done by my late grandmother. Most are not going to actually show up in the book, but help show the land of Maharan. I wish I could draw or paint myself, but I was skipped over when it came to that skill. My mother and older sister are adequate artists like my grandmother, but that is as far as it goes. I am lucky if I can draw a stick figure or two (you should see my attempts to draw some of Maharan’s creatures, or not). I also added a candid photograph or me and my grandmother when I was a little girl.

Well, that is about it for what I have changed or added. More to come though, I will probably a review of A Storm of Swords tomorrow or the day after.

Well, as I announced on the front page the other day, I am beginning my search for beta readers. This is new to me, so we’ll see how it goes. I have made a short questionnaire to help select people. If you are interested in being a beta reader, GO HERE. Sometime in the next few days, I am going to try and put up the WHOLE first chapter to my novel. This was supposed to be part of the “Big Update” coming…sometime (hey, not my fault), but the time is right. I’ll let you know when it actually is available. Of course, remember that it is still in its editing stages (hence beta readers), but you should at least get a better feel for the writing.

A while ago, I finished A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin, so I guess it is time to finally review it. Overall, I liked the first book a little better. I haven’t come to like some of the characters as much as the others yet, so when it came to their chapters I was a little less excited about reading them. It was a good book though, don’t get me wrong. I am used to wizards, magic and all that, but these books come down to the people, and it doesn’t need to add any embellishments.

The series has so far surprised me the whole way. It has a historic feel to it, which I usually am not interested in, but the story is so compelling that it doesn’t distract you. With the Lannister family, you are always thinking what evil is behind their nicer actions. You feel for the characters and I am sure everyone will have their own favorites. My favorites haven’t really changed (but everything changes in the next book).

Speeding ahead, I am about halfway done with the next book and can tell you that it gets better. Of course, I will give a short review of that one when I am done. I know my reviews are short and simple, but I would hate to give anything away.