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[nitewulf]

so is it actually coming out on july 26 or not?
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...102-1215196-6936122?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

 

[EviLore]

The amazon dates have never been accurate for ASOIAF. Until Martin updates his official site with a 15 page long sigh of relief, consider it to be a work in progress ;b

 

[FnordChan]

Here's the last update from Martin's website:

"I said that I hoped to have the book done by the end of the year. Famous last words. No, it's not done, though I am getting closer. I have more than thirteen hundred pages in final draft form and another hundred or so in roughs or fragments, but there are still some chapters yet to write. I'm telling myself that I'm on the home stretch. As soon as FEAST as done, I will announce it here.

—George R.R. Martin, January 17, 2005"

Martin's last convention appearance was at Boskone in mid-February. Convention reports from Boskone include the following bit of good news:

"He ALSO stated, quite definitively, that 'A Feast For Crows' would be released this summer.

This wasn't an estimate. this wasn't 'Don't even ask.' This was, AFFC will be coming out in the summer."

Also:

"He is still working on the book, though close to the end. He will post it as soon as it is done on his web site. It is only real when you see it there, not what publishers, or booksellers say. He has over a 1000 pages written, and possibly 1300 or is thinking he will end at 1300 -- not sure which, he was rather unclear. He said he had enough to send it in to be published, but he didn't want to end it with: To Be Continued. He wants the book to be something he can be proud of, and not just acceptable for publication. He is struggling with the ending of the book now. He also said he had most of the parts done, but was now trying to string it together into a complete whole that worked."

A lot more recent info about the books awaits you in the con report link. It looks like July 26th is still a placeholder date, but it looks like A Feast for Crows will finally be out this summer. In the meantime, I recommend taking up Harry Potter fandom and looking forward to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, due out July 16th. Ah, it's going to be a good summer for geek event books.

FnordChan

 

[Amneziak]

Can't wait. THE HOUND LIVES!!

 

[Duck of Death]

I haven't been paying much attention, but is A Feast for Crows supposed to be the last book in the series?

I've only read the first two (going to start A Storm of Swords in the summer), but the series has been awesome so far. A Clash of Kings is masterful.

 

[methodman]

a storm of swords is my favorite book in the series so far. AFFC is not the last book in the series, just the fourth. GRRM hasn't said how many books he is going to have for this series either.

 

[calder]

HURRY. UP. ARGH.

At least his snail-like pace allowed me to catch up on some other very-good to excellent epic fantasy series currently going.

 

[Blackie]

I haven't been paying much attention, but is A Feast for Crows supposed to be the last book in the series?

Feast for Crows will not be the last book in the series. I think he has a couple more to go after that one. Which probably equals 10+ years left for completion of series, right?

 

[Optimistic]

a storm of swords is my favorite book in the series so far. AFFC is not the last book in the series, just the fourth. GRRM hasn't said how many books he is going to have for this series either.

Actually I think he said he'd like to round the series off at five books. He doesn't want to pull a Robert 'I'm a hack' Jordan* with this series. So I'd say 7 at the most. And he better bloody hurry up ffs.

*And even if he did it would still be a shitload better than the shite that is the wheel of time. Seriously, read a book in that series and 800 pages later NOTHING HAS HAPPENED

 

[Memles]

I have read all three of the books thus far, after being given A Game of Thrones for Christmas after my mother went to the book store and asked for something "like Lord of the Rings".

I liked them alright, but I honestly couldn't tell you character's names, or anything of the sort...it all ends up very vague with the various crazy ass storylines...I mean, I remember the basics, but none of it really resonated as I would have liked. I might give this a read next summer when it's available at the Library, but I've got no real designs on jumping right into it. How you guys can retain those three books blows my mind.

Really looking forward to Half-Blood Prince though...I am going to try to take my time with this one. I blew through Pheonix and felt like I was missing something.

 

[Forgotten_Taco]

He never actually started writing AFFC, it's all been a horrible prank. When the book finally comes out it will 1,121 pages of "owned" pictures.

 

[FnordChan]

I haven't been paying much attention, but is A Feast for Crows supposed to be the last book in the series?

From the Boskone con reports mentioned above:

"He thinks there are going to be 6 books in the series, but he laughed and said that of the five year gap AFfC has only covered 4 months so far. Others have mentioned 7 or 8. He has a definite end to the series and there will be the number of books needed to get the story there. Then he talked about the next book which is tentatively called Dances With Dragons . It was supposed to be #2, then #3, then #4, and now #5. He said no matter how much he writes it recedes into the future."

The last bit puts the fear in me; let's hope he can manage to get everything wrapped up in six books. Even if he doesn't, I'm sure I'll stick with it, as it looks like Martin has a solid ending in mind as opposed to, say, Jordan. Curse you, Martin! Why do your books have to be so good!

FnordChan

 

[Duck of Death]

Awesome. It's good knowing that there is an intended end, but at the same time I don't want it to end because the characters are so good. Damnit :lol

 

[Dujour]

Whenever I think of the word crow, I can't help but have Shinobi's last boss repeat that line in my head:
THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS. THE CROWS WILL FEAST UPON YOUR CARCASS.

 

[duckroll]

Both Feast for Crows and FFXII are like juicy pieces of meat dangled before me and then someone taking away saying "haha just kidding!"....

 

[Optimistic]

The difference being that Final Fantasy is cookie cutter crap, while the Song of Ice and Fire is the best in its genre since Lord of the Rings. To deviate from the topic a tad Feist, like R. Jordan, is a total hack (only more so). Magician is average at best, and the rest of the shite he's written doesn't even warrant a mention. Further, the fantasy genre is 95% crap. Any novel with Elves other than The Hobbit/LOTR should immediately be dismissed, placed in a paper shredder, bundled up into garbage bags, and shot into outer space. Okay I'll get off my high horse now.

 

[methodman]

Have you read the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams? It's a very, very well written series, the whole thing is already out (in paperback too) and there are no elves!

Anyone got any other fantasy books i should be on the look out for? I actually picked up the Sword of Truth series based on some suggestions on another forum, (BLAH worst choice ever).

 

[Azih]

Lords and Ladies rocked damn you. And it had elves!

 

[duckroll]

The difference being that Final Fantasy is cookie cutter crap, while the Song of Ice and Fire is the best in its genre since Lord of the Rings.

Yeah exactly the reason I mentioned FFXII, maybe you should read up on it before making comments.

 

[7imz]

i have a quick and i don't want to start a whole new thread

i've never actually read any of the books of "A Song of Ice and Fire", anyways, how many books are still left in the series? I don't want to pick it up now then end up pulling my hair out waiting for the next book.

 

[methodman]

Even though the next (4th book) in the series is taking so long to release, I would still reccommend reading A Game of Thrones (book 1); it is just so good. Probably one of the best fantasy series i have ever read.

oh yeah remembered another good one... The Wizard Knight (two books) by Gene Wolfe - Incredible writing

 

[nitewulf]

The difference being that Final Fantasy is cookie cutter crap, while the Song of Ice and Fire is the best in its genre since Lord of the Rings. To deviate from the topic a tad Feist, like R. Jordan, is a total hack (only more so). Magician is average at best, and the rest of the shite he's written doesn't even warrant a mention. Further, the fantasy genre is 95% crap. Any novel with Elves other than The Hobbit/LOTR should immediately be dismissed, placed in a paper shredder, bundled up into garbage bags, and shot into outer space. Okay I'll get off my high horse now.

you should read the farseer trilogy (assassin's apprentice, royal assassin and assassin's quest) by robin hobb. it's really good, though the mood is completely different from ASoIandF.

and i gotta check out the wizard/the knight by gene wolfe...i see it at barnes and noble all the time, just never oicked it up because i dont wanna jump into generic high fantasy stuff. it was a mistake starting the genre with r.r. martin, in some ways.

harry potter - never!

sword of truth - eh, wizard's first rule is good...but he is upto like book 9 now. i wouldn't recommend that series.

 

[nitewulf]

Your taste is questionable, sir. I don't see how anyone could say that Wizard's First Rule is good and swear off Harry Potter in the same post.

However, some of your other recommendations are alright. It's a wash.

well, i guess i didn't read the novel version of Wizard's First Rule, as i read it in a compilation called Legends, it was a short novella and was pretty tight and fast.

as for harry potter, i won't read it on principle. just bugs me that superior material like ice and fire isn't as well known. harry potter is good for children and i'm fine with that, i just don't think it compares to something like ice and fire and isn't really suitable for my taste. mind you i'm not insulting any adults that find it enjoyable, nor do i wanna hear the aruguement that i have lost the ability to enjoy reading for fun. i just preffer more adult oriented fiction, in general.

 

[methodman]

I dunno man, you should really try reading Goblet of Fire, and the Order of the Phoenix. both books are really well written, and towards the end of Goblet of Fire, and all of Order of Phoenix is not directed towards children. It's probably one of the few times a book is not overrated, because it is so good.

A Song of Ice and Fire is one of the best series in fantasy right now, and everyone who is an actual fantasy reader can read it, but some people (after reading just the first couple of chapters of AGOT - the Incense) put it away, because it is too disgusting for them or something. Harry Potter is written in a way where anyone can pick it up and enjoy it. GRRM wrote ASoIF in a way that you would have to read every book, have to remember most all of the plot lines (or else you won't know what's going on)... i guess this last reason is pretty dumb, but ah well.

Word cyan... Wheel of Time is not that bad of a series at all: But sometimes it seems like some of the books don't really accomplish anything, just 800 pages of Elayne taking a shower, getting dressed, or Egwene with those borrrrrrring chapters (god they are so boring). Mat is probably one of my most favorite Fantasy Characters ever, i love reading his chapters, always so interesting. If Jordan ever writes a story solely about a character like Mat, it would probably be my favorite book ever (lol - probably not, A Storm of Swords is kinda hard to beat). Beats two guys at once.. with a staff? Awesome.

 

[Ferd]

Steven Brust!

 

[Optimistic]

Have you read the Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn series by Tad Williams? It's a very, very well written series, the whole thing is already out (in paperback too) and there are no elves!

I'll look into it. I think I've had Williams recommended to me on a number of occasions, so I really should give his books a go. Thanks.

Anyone got any other fantasy books i should be on the look out for?

I'd recommend the His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman (the books are - Northern Lights, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass). It's...well in my opinion it's overrated...not from a design/plot standpoint, but simply because I didn't find his writing style to be particularly gripping (many others did though so). Still, it's an excellent read, and the theological/philosophical underpinnings add to its richness. Actually maybe it's not overrated, I'll have to read it again. Here's a link to it on amazon btw - http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0439994799/026-7109726-0976460

you should read the farseer trilogy (assassin's apprentice, royal assassin and assassin's quest) by robin hobb. it's really good, though the mood is completely different from ASoIandF.

I've been recommened Hobb before but I don't think I've ever gotten 'round to reading any of his stuff...thanks for reminding me.

 

[gollumsluvslave]

Optimistic:-

To deviate from the topic a tad Feist, like R. Jordan, is a total hack (only more so). Magician is average at best, and the rest of the shite he's written doesn't even warrant a mention.

The Empire Trilogy (with Janny Wurts) lays the smackdown upon thee :lol :lol :lol

 

[brooklyngooner]

I work in publishing, and my friend at Spectra says he hasn't turned the book in yet. Almost no chance for this summer unless they do a crash job like the Clinton book.

Oh and Potter = derivative Tory idealogy-driven nonsense

 

[FnordChan]

I work in publishing, and my friend at Spectra says he hasn't turned the book in yet. Almost no chance for this summer unless they do a crash job like the Clinton book.

Thanks for the heads up. In this case I reckon they might well go for a crash. Otherwise, I'm resigned to early fall, with the hope that, if nothing else, Martin manages to get it out the door in time for Christmas.

Oh and Potter = derivative Tory idealogy-driven nonsense

I'll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, for an adult fantasy recommendation that everyone can dig on:

FnordChan

 

[Limedust]

Two best fantasy series I've had the pleasure to read:

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin
1) A Game of Thrones
2) A Clash of Kings
3) A Storm of Swords
4) A Feast for Crows - Not Yet Released

The Malazan Book of the Fallen - Steven Erikson
1) Gardens of the Moon
2) Deadhouse Gates
3) Memories of Ice
4) House of Chains
5) Midnight Tides - Not Yet Released

 

[DarkAngyl]

I'll go ahead and second the Robin Hobb reccomendation. I've only read the Farseer trilogy so far, but it is really is fantastic stuff. Can't wait to get into the rest of her books.

During the long...long...LONG wait for 'Crows I've also discovered Steven Erikson. I've heard about his Malazan, Book of the Fallen series for awhile now, but it's never been availiable in the states. Finally they have brought out the first two books here. I just finished Gardens of the Moon, and it is wonderful. It's a severe head trip though. I'm done with it, and there are still things that I'm not sure about. He doesn't give away any information and can leave you scratching your head, but the story is so compelling that I just couldn't stop reading. Some of the characters are paper thin, but the plot is fascinating.

Of course I still enjoy Jordan and Goodkind so YMMV. In Goodkinds favor, he seems to have stopped preaching a bit and is actually trying new things. This is a relief as the forumala he was using was getting a bit stale. With Jordan...shit I just have too much time invested to quit now. I do love some of his characters and the world he's built, but for fuck's sake, lets move things on a bit.

 

[7imz]

damn it bastards, answer my questionn please

i have a quick and i don't want to start a whole new thread

i've never actually read any of the books of "A Song of Ice and Fire", anyways, how many books are still left in the series? I don't want to pick it up now then end up pulling my hair out waiting for the next book.

 

[Limedust]

DarkAngyl: If you want to get ahead in the series without waiting for them to hit State-side, you can order from Amazon.uk if you don't mind spending a few bucks for shipping. That's how I got a hold of them.

 

[methodman]

Even though the next (4th book) in the series is taking so long to release, I would still reccommend reading A Game of Thrones (book 1); it is just so good. Probably one of the best fantasy series/books i have ever read.

oh yeah remembered another good one... The Wizard Knight (two books) by Gene Wolfe - Incredible writing

I answered your question earlier 7imz

 

[brooklyngooner]

Yeah, also avoid the Wizard of Oz, it's actually about Commies. Those bastards.

Sorry if you like Potter. It sucks.

 

[7imz]

I answered your question earlier 7imz

is "a feast for crows" the last one?

 

[Blatz]

This is good stuff.....I was wondering when this would come out. But since I'm only halfway through book 2 I should be in no hurry for book 4 to get released. Oh but I'm happy for the rest of you....

 

[nitewulf]

is "a feast for crows" the last one?

there are to be 6 books, at least as of now.
3 are out.
feast for crows is the 4th.
with 2 more novels finishing up the saga.

 

[bigfurb]

Two best fantasy series I've had the pleasure to read:

A Song of Ice and Fire - George R. R. Martin
1) A Game of Thrones
2) A Clash of Kings
3) A Storm of Swords
4) A Feast for Crows - Not Yet Released

The Malazan Book of the Fallen - Steven Erikson
1) Gardens of the Moon
2) Deadhouse Gates
3) Memories of Ice
4) House of Chains
5) Midnight Tides - Not Yet Released

Is this an old thread or something because I've had a copy of Midnight Tides for a while now (great book, Erikson is a god among fantasy writers. Right up there with Martin)

 

[FnordChan]

is "a feast for crows" the last one?

For god's sake, man, read the entire thread.

FnordChan

 

[Diomedeskun]

Lords and Ladies rocked damn you. And it had elves!

That was the first Discworld I read. I almost stopped reading them there, but I read Mort next, and since went on to buy all the books in the series that my friend who hooked me didn't own. Night Watch and Monstrous Regiment were particularly good, as were Small Gods and Sourcery.

I still have yet to read Storm of Swords, although I greatly enjoyed the first two books. Neddard Stark and Jonathan Snow as well as the Hound were all amazing characters.

I don't like to see the series compared to Lord of the Rings, because it is such harsh, stark, realistic fantasy, while Lord of the Rings had a great deal of charm and levity to counter its darker side and was neither as brutal nor as complex.

Martin is the only serious fantasy author I still intend to read from among those I once liked. I loved the first 6 books of Wheel of Time, but I lost all interest because nothing really happened in the later books. Sword of Truth had some great characters, but I hated Richard because he was so obviously the author's empowerment fantasy and he was getting kidnapped by kinky women almost eery single book. Neither author seems to plan to finish either series in their lifetime.

David Eddings Belgariad/Mallorean and Elenium/Tamuli series were great, and The Redemption of Althalus was fun, but ever story was the same and the characters all were carbon copies in each series. His latest series, The Elder Gods, kept most of his repeating elemnts that were getting old, such as child gods who were friendly with mortals and many of his repeated characters types, but discarded such plot elements as characterization, conflict, and plot.

That said, I picked up Cecilia Dart Thornton's Bitterbynde Book series as I was getting fed up with these others and, despite some rough spots and overuse of characters telling unrelated stories to show off her love of folklore, they have been quite good. I still need to finish the final book.

 

[nitewulf]

by the way, someone recommended a terri pratchet novel along the lines of hitchhiker's in another thread, i believe co-authored with someone else...i couldnt remember what it was so i couldnt buy it. anyone recall?

 

[7imz]

For god's sake, man, read the entire thread.

FnordChan

I would've but I was afraid I'd run into spoilers

 

[nitewulf]

thanx, cyan.

 

[DarkAngyl]

Good Omens is such a wonderful book. You're gonna love it. When you pick that one up, pick up Gaiman's American Gods too, if you haven't read it already.

 

[brooklyngooner]

Well shit, you sure showed me.

Relax, guy. I was being facetious with the Potter comment and the one after it. You're the one who is getting your nuts in a twist over it.

 

[hiryu]

Just wanted to add the Hobb, Wolfe, Martin, and Erikson are all excellent authors and their stuff is definently worth reading.