What A Journey!

***WARNING SPOILERS MAY BE PRESENT***

Wow. George R. R. Martin is a true champion. Not only has this book entertained me, it has placed me in a whole other universe of kings, knights, and dragons. My first throughout after reading this entrancing novel is that I need to get my hands on the next book in the series. Talk about cliffhangers, Martin finishes the novel with the birth of three dragons: creatures that haven't roamed Westeros and Essos in hundreds of years. Martin writes, "…and for the first time in hundreds of years, the night came alive with the music of dragons" (807). Dragons were knocked out of the picture from the beginning of the novel, that when they are introduced at the end it is really surprising. 

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Although 800 pages can provide for a ton of substance, Martin did not follow the standard story line that is taught in school. Although the story did have its minor rising actions and entered a climax towards the end of the book, it never reached a true falling action or conclusion. The story continues into the next installment in the series.


One of my favorite characters in the novel, Tyrion Lannister, the Imp, poses the idea of abstract concepts surpassing the power of a sword. Tyrion comments, ""My mind is my weapon. My brother has his sword, King Robert has his warhammer, and I have my mind... and a mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge" (123/124). This idea of a mind overcoming a sword is so powerful and applies to real life and brains over brawn. Martin addressed this topic again when he writes, "Fear cuts deeper than swords" (541). This quote is spoken by a young girl named Arya, and really stuck with me once again. Martin's abstract ideas versus a sword are prevalent throughout the novel and give more meaning to the story.


Anyway, see you guys soon!