Did you know that NBC News features a clip of you reviewing an Elana Ferrante book as part of its piece on the NY Times best novels of the 21st century?!? It's at the 00:52-second mark.
A Storm of Swords is probably my favorite of the series, so I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it next year! Another fantastic review. You're making me want to reread the series when I've sworn not to until The Winds of Winter has a definite release date!
@@alanaestelle2076 I have to keep believing. I need a proper end to the story (because the TV show sure wasn't it). If I manifest it hard enough, the book will be released haha.
Alana, I haven't read the Game of Thrones series, but it does sound juicy. I liked your analysis using words and swords. It sounds like Mr. Martin took a page from the current American political system. I'm looking forward to your review of A Fine Balance, I finished it Thursday. Have you given any thought to disclosing what reviews you have planned in the near future to perhaps giving some of us a chance to jump ahead and read them before your reviews? Food for thought. As always, well done. Thanks...Mark.
@@marksheneman6506 oh they are juicy haha. I think Martin was inspired why the War of Roses, politically. Or that’s what I’ve seen. I tend to review books in the order that I finish them, though some take me longer to review due to the content and analysis. It’ll be at least a few weeks before A Fine Balance. I don’t typically give people a heads up when certain reviews will go live because I often don’t know. I’m winging it 🤣 Thanks Mark!! :)
I can’t wait to see what you think of the Red Woman. I’ve discussed this with others as to who she really is. I’ve read four I think. It’s been years ago, back when it was just another fantasy series and not GAME of THRONES. Lol
Awesome review. Strom of Swords is my favorite of this series and even if this one doesn't get wrapped up, it's still one of the best fantasy series ever written.
I finished A Storm of Swords. Then I read A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It's 3 prequel novelas that take place 90 years before A Game of Thrones. It's a great pallet cleanser after the 3rd book.
@alanaestelle2076 I'd say check them out before the 4th and 5th books. There are a lot of thematic parallels and they are 3 short novelas, so they're easy to get into. BTW, the main character is confirmed to be Brienne's great grandfather.
I lost about 2 months of my life engrossed in the GOT tv series and loved every bit of it…due to the epic story/characters etc I promised I would read the series to get even more!
Corruption plays a major role in how power shifts- good stuff Alana! I mean ... I hate the idea but it doesn't make it untrue. "Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less." I believe that quote summarizes the whole Self-help industry. Of course, due to corruption it's a multi-billion dollar industry (just like the beauty industry). P.S.- "JUST KEEP CALM AND CARRY A WAND." I hope you chuckled. I thought it was cute.
This is such a great fantasy world. I read the series years ago and have given up on ever seeing another book. The TV series was excellent also (except for how it ended).
@@alanaestelle2076 Ok. I tried getting into A Gentleman In Moscow and for some reason, I couldn't. I'm going to revisit that at some time. I always wonder if people like Steinback and Dickens were viewed in much the same ways our contemporary writers are, or if they had so much notoriety even in their times. I'm sure they were still loved, but time gives certain names more mythical life after the authors have died. I wonder who is the Dickens, or Steinback, or Melville of this time that we can't see as clearly because time has not permitted it. I don't know if that makes sense to you, but it makes me wonder. Like do we create these great writers in our minds to make life and art more meaningful? How many great writers weren't recognized, but were just as good? Your comment in the video about Martin being a good writer, but not a great one made me think about our perception of writers in general.
I think the first 3 books are the most direct with the plot moving relatively fast with overt conflicts. Books 4 and 5 are way more slow, a lot of minor characters are introduced and the plot moves at a snail's pace. Many people nowdays like the last books because the show didnt really adapt them at all but they are basically unfinished which also leaves tons of room for speculation and theories. Clash is my 2nd favorite book after Storm of Swords which is the best. Clash is great due to how many of the storylines intersect and parallel eachother with Stannis(my fav character and the One True King), Tyrion and Cat. Daeneryus sounds like a real gangster.
Game of Kings! I love ASOIAF but you had it right first time. Delightful that Dunnett is delving in the depths! I know I've ranted about the Lymond Chronicles before, but please give it another try. Yes, the first book is dense and convoluted, hard to get into, but it improves dramatically and the overall series is breathtaking. One of the best verdicts I've ever come across on it is from the writer Alaya Johnson, who in an NPR article ("All the writers you love probably love Dorothy Dunnett"), wrote: "I've come to think of Dunnett as the literary equivalent of the Velvet Underground: not many people bought the books, but everyone who did wrote a novel." Included in that number is Diana Gabaldon. To your questions, A Storm of Swords is my favourite - mindblowing. Unfortunately no, I don't thing GRRM will complete ASOIAF. It needs at least two more books and each one seems to take him longer to write. George grew his garden into a jungle and now lacks the drive and focus to prune it back into a satisfying conclusion.
I really struggled with Game of Kings but I kept it on my shelf because I feel like one day I’ll get the urge to read it again and it’s gonna be the right time.
I know martin has been one of the most popular writers in the world for a long time but I've never read him or watched the tv series the reason being I rarely read these kinds of medieval fantasy type novels and I NEVER read anything that has dragons in it⚛
Did you know that NBC News features a clip of you reviewing an Elana Ferrante book as part of its piece on the NY Times best novels of the 21st century?!? It's at the 00:52-second mark.
@@NelsonWu-z8c I did! Very surreal! 🤯
@@alanaestelle2076 That's amazing. Congrats!
A Storm of Swords is probably my favorite of the series, so I'll be looking forward to your thoughts on it next year! Another fantastic review. You're making me want to reread the series when I've sworn not to until The Winds of Winter has a definite release date!
I’ve heard Storm of Swords is the best one 👀
Do you think we’ll get the next one though?! 😩
@@alanaestelle2076 I have to keep believing. I need a proper end to the story (because the TV show sure wasn't it). If I manifest it hard enough, the book will be released haha.
I think the first 3 seconds of every video are my favorite parts
@@kurtfox4944 LOOOOOOL! 🤣🤣🤣 I hit record and those opening seconds are a free for all 🤣
Great review 🤗 I’ll definitely need to read ASOIF hoping for the last two installments 🤞
@@sandy23stories40 thank you!! Wait are we owed one more book or two?! Either way …. Martin needs to hop to it! 🤣
Alana,
I haven't read the Game of Thrones series, but it does sound juicy. I liked your analysis using words and swords. It sounds like Mr. Martin took a page from the current American political system. I'm looking forward to your review of A Fine Balance, I finished it Thursday. Have you given any thought to disclosing what reviews you have planned in the near future to perhaps giving some of us a chance to jump ahead and read them before your reviews? Food for thought. As always, well done. Thanks...Mark.
@@marksheneman6506 oh they are juicy haha.
I think Martin was inspired why the War of Roses, politically. Or that’s what I’ve seen. I tend to review books in the order that I finish them, though some take me longer to review due to the content and analysis. It’ll be at least a few weeks before A Fine Balance. I don’t typically give people a heads up when certain reviews will go live because I often don’t know. I’m winging it 🤣 Thanks Mark!! :)
I can’t wait to see what you think of the Red Woman. I’ve discussed this with others as to who she really is.
I’ve read four I think. It’s been years ago, back when it was just another fantasy series and not GAME of THRONES. Lol
The Red Woman CREEPS ME OUT 🤣
Awesome review. Strom of Swords is my favorite of this series and even if this one doesn't get wrapped up, it's still one of the best fantasy series ever written.
People keep saying Storm of Swords is the best one! 👀
I finished A Storm of Swords. Then I read A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. It's 3 prequel novelas that take place 90 years before A Game of Thrones. It's a great pallet cleanser after the 3rd book.
I’ve heard of the prequel! One day I’ll get to it perhaps after I finish the series.
@alanaestelle2076 I'd say check them out before the 4th and 5th books. There are a lot of thematic parallels and they are 3 short novelas, so they're easy to get into. BTW, the main character is confirmed to be Brienne's great grandfather.
May you please review Amy and the Faith Scouts The Diamond of Dandasterton?
Can’t make any guarantees 😅
Alana is by far the most elegant, smart, witty, and interesting book reviewer out there. Always a pleasure!
Thank you!
@@alanaestelle2076 My pleasure. Did you study English or American Lit? Or have you always had a mad passion for books? (Or both?)
I lost about 2 months of my life engrossed in the GOT tv series and loved every bit of it…due to the epic story/characters etc I promised I would read the series to get even more!
Corruption plays a major role in how power shifts- good stuff Alana! I mean ... I hate the idea but it doesn't make it untrue. "Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less." I believe that quote summarizes the whole Self-help industry. Of course, due to corruption it's a multi-billion dollar industry (just like the beauty industry). P.S.- "JUST KEEP CALM AND CARRY A WAND." I hope you chuckled. I thought it was cute.
Omg don’t get me started on the self-help industry 😩😩😩🤣
Bottom right corner is giving Brat Summer 💅
@@strawhatxr402 LOL! Omg I love it 🤣
Okuuurrrrr!!!! Facts! I’m on the third book. 😂
@@paigebrewton2185 🤣🙌🏼
This is such a great fantasy world. I read the series years ago and have given up on ever seeing another book. The TV series was excellent also (except for how it ended).
I haven’t watched the show, other than the first season 👀
Who would you say is a great current contemporary writer?
@@ErnieCT1987 good question. There are a few, I think: Amor Towles comes to my mind first, at the moment.
@@alanaestelle2076 Ok. I tried getting into A Gentleman In Moscow and for some reason, I couldn't. I'm going to revisit that at some time. I always wonder if people like Steinback and Dickens were viewed in much the same ways our contemporary writers are, or if they had so much notoriety even in their times. I'm sure they were still loved, but time gives certain names more mythical life after the authors have died. I wonder who is the Dickens, or Steinback, or Melville of this time that we can't see as clearly because time has not permitted it. I don't know if that makes sense to you, but it makes me wonder. Like do we create these great writers in our minds to make life and art more meaningful? How many great writers weren't recognized, but were just as good? Your comment in the video about Martin being a good writer, but not a great one made me think about our perception of writers in general.
I think the first 3 books are the most direct with the plot moving relatively fast with overt conflicts. Books 4 and 5 are way more slow, a lot of minor characters are introduced and the plot moves at a snail's pace. Many people nowdays like the last books because the show didnt really adapt them at all but they are basically unfinished which also leaves tons of room for speculation and theories. Clash is my 2nd favorite book after Storm of Swords which is the best. Clash is great due to how many of the storylines intersect and parallel eachother with Stannis(my fav character and the One True King), Tyrion and Cat. Daeneryus sounds like a real gangster.
@@croweye1453 I’ve heard that books 4 and 5 get slow and that the third one is the best! Daenerys is definitely a gangsta 🤣
Game of Kings!
I love ASOIAF but you had it right first time. Delightful that Dunnett is delving in the depths!
I know I've ranted about the Lymond Chronicles before, but please give it another try. Yes, the first book is dense and convoluted, hard to get into, but it improves dramatically and the overall series is breathtaking. One of the best verdicts I've ever come across on it is from the writer Alaya Johnson, who in an NPR article ("All the writers you love probably love Dorothy Dunnett"), wrote:
"I've come to think of Dunnett as the literary equivalent of the Velvet Underground: not many people bought the books, but everyone who did wrote a novel."
Included in that number is Diana Gabaldon.
To your questions, A Storm of Swords is my favourite - mindblowing. Unfortunately no, I don't thing GRRM will complete ASOIAF. It needs at least two more books and each one seems to take him longer to write. George grew his garden into a jungle and now lacks the drive and focus to prune it back into a satisfying conclusion.
I really struggled with Game of Kings but I kept it on my shelf because I feel like one day I’ll get the urge to read it again and it’s gonna be the right time.
I don’t think we’re ever gonna get the last two books. That TV money is too good and George is DISTRACTED!! 😂
Maaaaaan, George better stop playing us 🤣
Give it up for A Game of Kings y’all.
@@billyalarie929 🤣🤣🤣🤌🏼
3:54 LOL
🤣🤣🤣
I know martin has been one of the most popular writers in the world for a long time but I've never read him or watched the tv series the reason being I rarely read these kinds of medieval fantasy type novels and I NEVER read anything that has dragons in it⚛
Thank you Alana!
@@stephenn3727 thanks for watching!
Unfortunately, I don’t think GRRM has any intention of finishing the series…
I know. I don’t think so either 😭
@@alanaestelle2076 I so wish that wasn’t the case but it’s not looking good for us fans!
@@Rizzo2185 😭😭😭
JRR Martin 😂😂😂😂
(EDIT: Or at very least that’s what the caption said)
@@billyalarie929 LOOOOOOOL I definitely said JRR! This is what happens when I’m currently rewatching LOTR 🤣🤣🤣
@@alanaestelle2076I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I’m gonna start saying this 🙂↕️
At least you didn’t say GUUURRRRRMMMM 😵
@@billyalarie929 🤣