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Name something better, GP... and it better not be Tolkien. |
Originally Posted by Grey Pilgrim
Blech, begging to differ in so many different ways. There are interesting things to the series, of course, but greatest? No, sir.
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Agua Man lvl 48 Water/Electric Blaster
"To die hating NCSoft for shutting down City of Heroes, that was Freedom."
Quote:
the sad part is, we're still not out of the woods yet, fine we may see book 5 this year, but will we have another 6 until the book after that? he is a great writer and it is a great series, but...
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Originally Posted by Willowpaw
I'm just relieved that he didn't pull a Zelazny/Jordan on us.
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I got to sit in on a panel that Mr. Martin was at. He described his writing method, wherein he doesn't really plan things out, but rather writes one day. The next morning he goes over what he wrote and if it works, he edits, some days he has to start all over again.
He said it was like building a house without any blue prints. If that's true of his entire series, than should anything ever happen, we may never see its completion. Let's hope that he's a little more dedicated to it that he continues to be healthy and stay around a long time and that he can bring us even more joy with other writings once this series is done 
Feast of Crows came out in 2005
Since then
Brandon Sanderson
Elantris
three books of his Mistborn series
two books of the WoT series
his Way of Kings book
Warbreaker
8 books total
David Weber
2 Honor Harrington Books
3 Honor Harrington related books
4 Safehold Books
4 other books
co-wrote 4 books
including just the books he went solo on thats 15 books since 2005
Eric Flint
8 1632 books, granted some of these he co-wrote with, but with him its hard to seperate
Time Spike
Mankind Witch
2 River of Time Books
total 12 books since 2005
SM Stirling
Emberverse Books 6
Taint of Blood
7 books total
To be fair to GRR Martin, he has contributed and edited 4 Wild Card books since 2005
By comparing his output to the rest, even if you assumed he wrote those 4 Wild Card books solo, is pretty low to compariable writers since 2005( really hoping he picks up a decent co-writer to help him finish the series in a decent pace)
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Quality, son. Not quantity. Most of those writers are hacks. Entertaining hacks but hacks non the less. While I hesitate to call GRRM a great writer he is considerably better than those above that are cranking out book after book every year for each of their franchises.
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Originally Posted by Wooden_Replica
Feast of Crows came out in 2005
By comparing his output to the rest, even if you assumed he wrote those 4 Wild Card books solo, is pretty low to compariable writers since 2005( really hoping he picks up a decent co-writer to help him finish the series in a decent pace) |
Something witty and profound
So awesome. For those who haven't read this series yet: don't start, because the wait for new books is physically painful because they're so awesome. Wait until the series ends, then enjoy them.
Quote:
I would also recommend:|
Originally Posted by Plasma
So awesome. For those who haven't read this series yet: don't start, because the wait for new books is physically painful because they're so awesome. Wait until the series ends, then enjoy them.
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the Wheel of Time - Sanderson will have the last book out next year, and he has done a nice job of wrapping up the series, and there are currently 13 books( and all of them very decent in size), warning books 6-11 things will be a bit slow
Dune
only Frank Herbert's orginal 6 books, Brian Herbert/ Kevin Anderson's books are basically are hack jobs, for really interesting reading find a copy of the Dune Encyclopedia if you can,
I saw this the other day. I love the first 3 books and I have the 4th just didn't read it yet. I didn't want to read the 4th till I knew this one was out and I won't believe it till I have the book on my Kindle 
"All right, they're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time"- Chesty Puller US Marine Corps
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He said "quality." Heh.|
Originally Posted by Fista
Quality, son. Not quantity. Most of those writers are hacks. Entertaining hacks but hacks non the less. While I hesitate to call GRRM a great writer he is considerably better than those above that are cranking out book after book every year for each of their franchises.
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All kidding aside, I think the second book was one of the best Fantasy novels I've ever read. The 4th was easily one of the worst. Speaking of quantity over quality, Martin really needs someone to smack him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper and say, "No! Bad writer! Take the unnecessary 722 pages out!"
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
I'm sure he'll avoid that if he can. |
Originally Posted by Willowpaw
I'm just relieved that he didn't pull a Zelazny/Jordan on us.
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Jeez.
Global name: @k26dp
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I haven't read anything in any of the books that I'd define as "unnecessary". After all, it's Martin's story to tell, not mine.
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Originally Posted by Ironik
He said "quality." Heh.
All kidding aside, I think the second book was one of the best Fantasy novels I've ever read. The 4th was easily one of the worst. Speaking of quantity over quality, Martin really needs someone to smack him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper and say, "No! Bad writer! Take the unnecessary 722 pages out!" |
Global name: @k26dp
Quote:
I think I have seen you state this opinion before, and I can't agree. The 4th book, while not the best of the 4 so far, is still far better than the majority of fantasy novels. If you really think it was one of the worst, then you probably haven't read all that many fantasy novels -- and it really can't be looked at as a "novel," since it is a middle chapter in a larger story. It took the story in some interesting directions and expanded the world substantially with new complications from new areas. I thought Martin went on a bit too long with the "Drowned god" stuff, but I really enjoyed many of the plot twists.
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Originally Posted by Ironik
He said "quality." Heh.
All kidding aside, I think the second book was one of the best Fantasy novels I've ever read. The 4th was easily one of the worst. Speaking of quantity over quality, Martin really needs someone to smack him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper and say, "No! Bad writer! Take the unnecessary 722 pages out!" |
LOCAL MAN! The most famous hero of all. There are more newspaper stories about me than anyone else. "Local Man wins Medal of Honor." "Local Man opens Animal Shelter." "Local Man Charged with..." (Um, forget about that one.)
Guide Links: Earth/Rad Guide, Illusion/Rad Guide, Electric Control
SIDE NOTE -- I believe I made it all the way thru book 9 of the Jordan WoT series, but after reading the words "dry washed his hands" at least 40,000 times in the series....... and having to trudge through books 7, 8 & 9 with very little info gained on the overall story line.. I gave up. Books 1-5 did indeed set the WoT series up to be in the top tier of fantasy books/series ever written, but after that... blah
ps - TRUDGE
verb (used without object)
1. to walk, especially laboriously or wearily: to trudge up a long flight of steps.
–verb (used with object)
2. to walk laboriously or wearily along or over: He trudged the deserted road for hours.
–noun
3. a laborious or tiring walk; tramp.
And thats exactly how I felt reading most of the 3000+ pages of 7 8 & 9
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Pure White Lightning - Level 50 Electric Brute
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Blue Icefall - Level 50 Ice Tank
@Blue Lava
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Actually he released 4 books in his Alcatraz YA series as well. |
Originally Posted by Wooden_Replica
Feast of Crows came out in 2005
Since then Brandon Sanderson Elantris three books of his Mistborn series two books of the WoT series his Way of Kings book Warbreaker 8 books total |
For this year there is a novella set in the Mistborn world that he wrote during his 'break' between the 2 last WoT novels.
@True Metal
Co-leader of Callous Crew SG. Based on Union server.
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This is my plan. After Robert Jordan I'm apprehensive to start any longrunning series that aren't finished yet. |
Originally Posted by Plasma
So awesome. For those who haven't read this series yet: don't start, because the wait for new books is physically painful because they're so awesome. Wait until the series ends, then enjoy them.
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Patrick Rothfuss tricked me (not really) into starting his Kingkiller Chronicle series because at the time I mistakenly believed that the Name of the Wind was a stand alone. I'm not regretting it though. I'm currently enjoying the hell out of Wise Man's Fear.
I'm also glad Steven Erikson finished the main body of his Malazan Book of the Fallen series. I plan to read that in one go next year when the last book is out on paperback.
I did start in Brandon Sandersons The Way of Kings ... his Mistborn series impressed me so much that I couldn't resist. Ah well. I'm sure those 15 years it'll take him to finish the whole thing will fly by in no time. Right?
@True Metal
Co-leader of Callous Crew SG. Based on Union server.
Quote:
I've read entirely too much EFP.* All I recall from the last book was that he seemed to keep writing the same chapter over and over again. By the third time with the "Palace intrigue" of the female half of the Incest Twins (are they twins? does it matter, really?) I was just paging by it. Then the brand-new characters whose stories just seem to drag and drag (something with a boat, a warrior chick gets killed in a glade) and then he would come back around to them yet again. Been there, done that, got the soiled leather jerkin.|
Originally Posted by Local_Man
I think I have seen you state this opinion before, and I can't agree. The 4th book, while not the best of the 4 so far, is still far better than the majority of fantasy novels. If you really think it was one of the worst, then you probably haven't read all that many fantasy novels -- and it really can't be looked at as a "novel," since it is a middle chapter in a larger story. It took the story in some interesting directions and expanded the world substantially with new complications from new areas. I thought Martin went on a bit too long with the "Drowned god" stuff, but I really enjoyed many of the plot twists.
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Compare the dragging fourth novel to the snappy second one. It's like a different person wrote them. Or at least someone who had an editor holding his feet to the fire.
* Extruded Fantasy Product
The Alt Alphabet ~ OPC: Other People's Characters ~ Terrific Screenshots of Cool ~ Superhero Fiction
Quote:
*rolls eyes* Please, son. Even if a particular writer's style ain't your cup of tea (or movie or band, etc.), you still have to give props to where it's due.|
Originally Posted by Mental_Giant
Name something better, GP... and it better not be Tolkien.
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I don't particularly care for Martin's approach with his books (there was some weird stuff, to my mind), but I did note the first one was an interesting and different approach for a fantasy series. I can understand how people like them.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Fista
Quality, son. Not quantity. Most of those writers are hacks. Entertaining hacks but hacks non the less. While I hesitate to call GRRM a great writer he is considerably better than those above that are cranking out book after book every year for each of their franchises.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by RosaQuartz
I haven't read anything in any of the books that I'd define as "unnecessary". After all, it's Martin's story to tell, not mine.
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Sure, it's Martin's story to tell. But that doesn't mean he's above criticism about how he write that story. Not meaning to come down on this too much, it's just a pet peeve of mine after many years of hearing people talk about how their style is above criticism. Aesthetics is always an area of much debate, both for and against artists of all stripes and caliber. You do have to make sure you're in the realm of aesthetics and not simple clarity or unity of writing.
Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory
Just started the first book reread... aghast at the terrible things that occur right off even though (or perhaps because) I know it gets worse... and remembering just how much I like Tyrion.
Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart's the memory
And there you'll always be
-- The Fox and the Hound
Quote:
Really reminds me of The War of the Roses or something like that. It was an interesting approach for a fantasy book, since some of them only dabble (or ignore) political intrigue. I'm not usually as interested in that, but I did see how people would like that.|
Originally Posted by Tenzhi
Just started the first book reread... aghast at the terrible things that occur right off even though (or perhaps because) I know it gets worse... and remembering just how much I like Tyrion.
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What was the father's name from the northern kingdom again? I do recall being surprised at what happened to him, as Martin did seem to be setting him up as a major character. Quite sneaky, that move.
Guide: Tanking, Wall of Fire Style (Updated for I19!), and the Four Rules of Tanking
Story Arc: Belated Justice, #88003
Synopsis: Explore the fine line between justice and vengeance as you help a hero of Talos Island bring his friend's murderer to justice.
Grey Pilgrim: Fire/Fire Tanker (50), Victory
Quote:
It was Eddard. Alas, I knew he wouldn't live through the first book because Sean Bean would be playing him.
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Originally Posted by Grey Pilgrim
Really reminds me of The War of the Roses or something like that. It was an interesting approach for a fantasy book, since some of them only dabble (or ignore) political intrigue. I'm not usually as interested in that, but I did see how people would like that.
What was the father's name from the northern kingdom again? I do recall being surprised at what happened to him, as Martin did seem to be setting him up as a major character. Quite sneaky, that move. |
@Demobot
Also on Steam
Quote:
Oh, I give props when they're due. Tolkien is the greatest world-builder in fantasy, and I loved The Hobbit & LOTR (never did read The Silmarillion or the other ancillary books), but he had problems with his characters. Martin's an adequate world-builder, but he has so many characters that I love and feel like I actually know, and there's a moral complexity that usually isn't done well, if it's present at all.
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Originally Posted by Grey Pilgrim
*rolls eyes* Please, son. Even if a particular writer's style ain't your cup of tea (or movie or band, etc.), you still have to give props to where it's due.
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Agua Man lvl 48 Water/Electric Blaster
"To die hating NCSoft for shutting down City of Heroes, that was Freedom."
Quote:
Another reason GRRM rules... no one is safe! |
Originally Posted by Grey Pilgrim
What was the father's name from the northern kingdom again? I do recall being surprised at what happened to him, as Martin did seem to be setting him up as a major character. Quite sneaky, that move.
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Except Dolorous Edd; he will be the sole survivor and will take the Iron Throne... only to die of infection a week later because of scratches caused by the throne.
Agua Man lvl 48 Water/Electric Blaster
"To die hating NCSoft for shutting down City of Heroes, that was Freedom."
Quote:
There is certainly room to trim the fat in the latest book, but he doesn't even approach the Jordanian rule of 99% fat, 1% plot advancement that we saw in the later, pre-Sanderson Wheel of Time books.|
Originally Posted by Ironik
All kidding aside, I think the second book was one of the best Fantasy novels I've ever read. The 4th was easily one of the worst. Speaking of quantity over quality, Martin really needs someone to smack him on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper and say, "No! Bad writer! Take the unnecessary 722 pages out!"
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Reading The Gathering Storm and The Towers of Midnight is reminding me of why I loved the WoT series in the first place. Sanderson has a laser-like focus on getting to the Last Battle and winding down side-plots. True, sometimes it feels like things are forced, but I let it slide because I want the story to get back on track.
Agua Man lvl 48 Water/Electric Blaster
"To die hating NCSoft for shutting down City of Heroes, that was Freedom."
Quote:
Am I the only one who loves the WoT just the way it is? I never got the impression that it was bloated and 'filler'. I agree that it is slow and meandering in places, but I don't consider that in itself as a bad thing. |
Originally Posted by Mental_Giant
There is certainly room to trim the fat in the latest book, but he doesn't even approach the Jordanian rule of 99% fat, 1% plot advancement that we saw in the later, pre-Sanderson Wheel of Time books.
Reading The Gathering Storm and The Towers of Midnight is reminding me of why I loved the WoT series in the first place. Sanderson has a laser-like focus on getting to the Last Battle and winding down side-plots. True, sometimes it feels like things are forced, but I let it slide because I want the story to get back on track. |
The latest Robin Hobb duology (Dragon Keeper) and Justin Cronin's The Passage are recent books that I also see a lot of people complaining about their pacing and content. And again I couldn't disagree more.
@True Metal
Co-leader of Callous Crew SG. Based on Union server.
I'm just relieved that he didn't pull a Zelazny/Jordan on us.