Song of Ice and Fire

Probably, like me, you have read your fair share of fantasy novels. If you're like me, you find yourself disappointed more often than than you find yorself inspired. Every now and then, however, you come across a gem amongst the dross which makes all the effort and perseverence worth while; authors like Steven Erikson (Malazan Book of the Fallen), for example. In my view, though, there is one name which stands head and shoulders above te others ( and even a hair;s breadth above Tolkien, if that's not heresy !). That auther is Geoge R. R. Martin. I've been waiting since 2006 for the 5th installment of the Song of Ice and Fire. It came in July this year with A Dance With Dragons. This is the 5th volume in the saga which begins with A Game of Thrones. HBO are doing a superb job of turning the books into a mini series on Sky Atlantic, but the sheer sweep and number of characters in the books necessarily makes any television adaptation, however well done(and HBO's is very well done) a shadow of the majesty of the books.

Do yourselves a favour and read them !!!!