Hey Bibliofriends!
This week’s Biblioshelf Musings are about A Storm of Swords (Game of Thrones #3) by George R.R. Martin.
Book: A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3)
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: First published August 2000 (Audiobook copyrighted 2011)
Publisher: Harper Collins / Audible
Pages: 1177
Audiobook Duration: 47hrs 32mins
Audiobook Narrator: Roy Dotrice
Rating: 📚📚📚📚
I first began reading the Game of Thrones series when the buzz about the upcoming TV adaptation was becoming global. I had found A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings as paperbacks in a second hand book store and started reading them pretty much immediately. The first book was fairly easy to get through, the second one a little less so. Then by the time I had started reading A Storm of Swords Part One (again as a paperback), I found myself struggling a little with some particular character-based chapters (not mentioning any names, Bran…!). I did something I don’t usually do, and DNF’d the book.
At some point during my reading mission, I watched the first couple of series when they came out on TV and got hooked by the characters. Needless to say, without a continuously rolling Sky subscription, I eventually abandoned the TV series as well. Fast forward to end of 2023 and I had still neither finished the TV show or the book series and was getting a little curious as to how the whole saga had progressed. I was also quite pleased that I’d managed to avoid all spoilers as to who finally wins the Iron Throne. Having a tiny stash of Audible credits to spare, I eventually downloaded the A Storm of Swords audiobook and it has definitely reignited my love for this series again!
🚨🚨🚨 Normally, I try not to write spoilers into my reviews and musings, however with the content of this book, I’m not going to be able to stop myself from discussing key events – take this as your spoiler warning if you’re still making your way through the series or you’re yet to reach it! If you haven’t got to it yet, but you love your fantasies on the more ‘epic’ side, you should totally check this series out. Complex world-building, mixed with equally complex characters make for a gripping peregrination through the world of the Seven Kingdoms!
Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King’s Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. . . .
But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others–a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. . . .
My Musings
First and foremost, I think I need to address the issue of audiobook narration by Roy Dotrice. If you read some of the Audible reviews, he comes across as quite a marmite narrator – people either love his style of they hate it. Personally, I absolutely loved Roy’s voice and felt like the intonation and voiceovers he used matched the rural, rugged image I have of Westeros in my head. At times, he comes across as gruff, sometimes incredibly Welsh; other times, he puts on a lighter more feminine lilt to reflect Sansa’s or other ladies’ characters.
The power of Roy’s voice is really the main driver as to why I think I fell in love with this series again. He put entertainment back into character arcs which had dried up a little bit in my head. According to Wikipedia, he holds the Guinness World Record for the most character voices by an individual for an audiobook – a pretty remarkable achievement. His background in Shakespeare and the theatre can be heard through the clarity of these different voices and the expression with which he reads. Obviously, his style will not suit every listener which is where audio samplers are brilliant at helping you know what you’re letting yourself in for.
Now onto the book itself… My mind was blown all over the place throughout this almost two day audiobook journey. Here are some of my favourite parts from the book!
Jon Snow – I was already aware that Jon and Ygritte were a bit of an item from the TV show and that eventually Jon turned his back on her in order to get back to The Wall. I found the descriptions of the fights along The Wall itself to be filled with excellent amounts of tension and an eye for detail. From the battle strategies and details of weapon supplies, especially the contrasts from battling in the dark at different altitudes, these scenes provided an adequate break from the more political/courtly style conversations happening in King’s Landing. I found the part where Jon becomes elected as Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch to be quite poignant and moving. Dotrice’s narration helped to emphasise that this was a major moment in this character’s development to set him up as a key player within the world of Westeros.
The Red Wedding – I felt like Robb Stark’s journey was starting to stagnate and he is one of the characters I was struggling with in the first read around of this book. I mean, yes he’s the King in the North and yes he is amassing a whole host of troops to move towards the Iron Throne, but marrying a bit of a randomner called Jeyne … really? That is where his decision-making went completely downhill! I’m not adverse to a bit of blood and gore, but I have to say that what happened at the Red Wedding was brutal yet brilliant. I feel so sorry for poor Grey Wind, but my mind was reeling that we had essentially lost two main characters in Robb and Catelyn. Martin is forever proving that he isn’t afraid to hold his punches and no character is at all safe! I adored Catelyn’s character so much, although she married into a household with a sigil of the direwolf, Catelyn protected her flock like an absolute lioness. I loved her ferocity, shrewdness and common-sense approach to the power-plays evolving around her.
Tyrion Lannister – I cannot read his parts without thinking of the awesomeness that is Peter Dinklage. He was so made for this role! I’m glad we got some extra depth to his character in this book. I love the fact that he admits he isn’t a hero, but also tries so hard to show everyone that he isn’t a villain either. He doesn’t necessarily treat Sansa kindly, but at least he shows her a little bit of respect and honesty in a world filled with liars and schemers. Major, major kudos points for the showdown with Tywin at the end of the book. I couldn’t help myself but to laugh out loud – Tywin only got the shit that he deserved! 😂
Joffrey’s Wedding – the audiobook definitely brought this particular segment to life with the song elements! I don’t usually have a smile on my face when a character dies (despite what I just said about Tywin above!), but then again some characters don’t really deserve death in the way that Joffrey did – it was giving me major ‘ding, dong the witch is dead’ vibes! And go Olenna Tyrell, having the guts to help organise what countless characters had dreamed about!
Arya and Sandor Clegane – I love this pairing! And not in some weird -ship way (eew!). Arya is such an aggressive little character, she needs someone strong like Clegane to show her the ropes and simmer down that hot temperament of hers. I was mentally screaming in my head when they parted ways, I hope their paths cross again in the future of the series!
Daenerys – For me, Dany’s storyline here was a little bit of character filler before she moves into action again. This is the part of her character arc where she is building bonds, working out who she can trust and figuring out what she really wants from being a Queen. Is that the Iron Throne and conquering the Seven Kingdoms? Is it ruling in one place kingdom filled with loyal followers where everyone can live in freedom and peace? Who will be at her side when she achieves this? Jorah… seriously, what is his game? Obviously, I’m predicting that Daenerys is going to be a major power player when this series comes to a head – I can’t wait to see where that journey takes her – especially as she’s packing in that whole Mother of Dragons vibe!
Return of the dead – OK, I totally did not see that major ending plot twist coming!! I clearly haven’t caught up to this part of the TV show and to be honest, I’m glad! Finding out that Catelyn Stark is actually ALIVE, my eyes were popping out of my head! Imagine the PTSD she must be going through after what she’s witnessed – I mean, whoa! This also blows another part of the storyline wide open again, because she must have been brought back for a reason right?! I can’t wait to find out what that is!
All in all, listening to this audiobook has been the most excited I have been about this series in a long time and I’m so glad I took the plunge! Once I’m done with my current audio read, you can damn well bet that A Feast for Crows will be queued up right away!
Have you read or watched the Game of Thrones series? Have you got any tips for getting through books 4 and 5? Who are your favourite characters? As always, drop me a comment to chat!
T xx
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