Review 1:
I am fond of Davos, for his honesty & integrity, even tho he is a "smuggler". Both stunned, sad & angry when King Robb was slain...altho we did not know much about him. His family are my heroes/ heroines. Lady Catelyn was admirable so it was unjust to learn of her death too. Did Arya die at the hands of The Hound? Or, will we see her again? Little Bran is so brave for a youngster. Will not miss Joffrey altho Cersei's venemous anger toward her brother led to his imprisonment when [fals
ely?] accused on poisoning Joffrey. Suspect Joffrey, the young arrogant fool., simply choked on his own gluttony. I am rooting for Jon Snow ! And, the queen afar, Danerys.....where will she appear in the SEven Kingdoms with her army?
Review 2:
Despite maps and appendices, Martin's worldbuilding feels somewhat neutered sans those few moments when chapters and storylines cross paths. Those moments, along with a few involving a man and his wench, are the only time this book gave me that zing—a feeling in high fantasy that is only brought about with companionship and the flimsy flames of eros, both sadly missed in this world of carpet pulling and, by this volumes' end, punch-pulling? I don't know what to make of that. I will say only one of the deaths really upset me and it wasn't for a character we've spent much time with, which tells me a little something about Martin's lack of characterization. I will also say that two of my favorite storylines also crossed and that brought me back into it feverishly til I finished the book today. This one ended really well and washed the taste of volume 2 away. Now I can think volume 4 is coming..., but only after I read some comix and relax.
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