Brilliance to Bloat
3 stars
George R.R. Martin's "A Song of Ice and Fire" series starts brilliantly before losing its way. The first three books create a revolutionary fantasy world where political intrigue trumps magic, actions have consequences, and beloved characters face brutal deaths. However, books four and five introduce too many new characters and locations while leaving countless storylines unresolved. As someone who watched the TV adaptation first, I appreciate how the show attempted to provide closure to Martin's sprawling, unfinished saga. If you're considering diving in, prepare for an incredible beginning that unfortunately spirals into narrative chaos.