One of the best sci-fi / fantasy book series I have EVER read, that’s right, EVER READ EVER, is the “Song of Fire and Ice” series by George R. R. Martin. It is such a well written story that I would (and do) recommend it to non-fantasy readers. I will disect this great work of fiction in an upcoming series, but let me say this to the un-initiated or un-interested: THESE BOOKS ARE LIKE A NIP-TUCK EPISODE. So much sex, betrayal, violence, and politics. They are an easy read, though the books themselves are long. If you’re turned off by magic and wizards and wizard robes, have no fear. The first mention of anything nerdy (gasp!) is in the final chapter, with a little tease in the intro chapter in the first book, “A Game of Thrones”.
Fast foward to now. This was originally going to be a seven book series. It has now turned into eight. The 5th book for release, “A Dance With Dragons” has been perpetually delayed. Why? No clue. Could it be that “Song of Fire and Ice” has been picked up by HBO? Maybe, but not likely. One would think that with major network pressure, Martin would start to finish his magnificent creation. The saga of the release day of “Dance with Dragons” can be read everywhere, from his own blog to the Amazon.com book review page.
The real concern is that Mr. Martin will die before the story is finished. I truely hope that is not the case, but it is a real possibility due to Martin’s age and his apparent health: he is obese.
As an example to the epic frustrations experienced by fans and nerds everywhere, the last formal update on Fire and Ice was January, 2008.
More to follow…