At first I had many doubts at all to follow after 5 years of interruption. The problem is actually even more serious, because the band "A Feast for Crows", the main characters come not at all before practical. I therefore first on the Internet (Tower of the Hand and Wikipedia) again flew over the very complex plot as part of summaries and had to recognize huge memory gaps that made me almost give up. Fortunately, curiosity triumphed, and here I come to the first power of representation of GRR Martin to speak: Unobtrusive, but very effective, he calls the reader at every reunion with the individual hero briefly vorangegangnen action section and the fact the individuals in memory , In this way, the connection was also problem. So if you no longer - as I - recalls Hodor, is in Bran's chapter rapidly with the figure again familiar, etc. Therefore, I dare say almost that the summaries you can save on the Internet itself.
In addition, their exceptional atmosphere density of the band that seemed gone in the meantime lost in "A Feast for Crows". Already the very first chapter (I tell nothing) draws the reader into the book and literally stunned by the dark and fantastic atmosphere, and so it is all about with alternate scenarios throughout the book. Whether the big slavers cities are described, forest, castle dungeons, supernatural beings, villains or heroes: always succeeds Martin extraordinary. He also avoids superficial clichés. Sympathetic appear sometimes figures that you would report immediately on the rogue page at first glance; Counterexamples are also plentiful.
The third strength is the unbroken continuation of the characters. For me it was impressive that Martin can begin the same band with the most appealing in my view Heroes: Tyrion, Daenerys and Jon Snow. I had already forgotten how carefully these characters are drawn. Not at all without contradictions take the reader on the one hand by a disillusioned honesty, on the other hand but also by personal daring and inventiveness immediately for a. This applies in small or large but for practically all individuals occurring. Dialogues, encounters and conflicts therefore "spray" just as before voltage, spirit and drama.
And therefore I must come to the main point: I do not have the impression that the action on the spot occurs and the reader is put off - a phenomenon that so many readers had to jump from Robert Jordan-cycle. Rather, it can be clearly seen that Martin - unlike "A Feast for Crows" - has regained confidence and directs the action in a particular direction. Virtually includes the act of to band 3 and could be the fourth, somewhat unfortunate band almost skip therefore. Where we are heading, seems to suggest to me anyway; but I want nobody here to spoil the fun with speculation, because this would have to be based on the action of the present volume. What is more important: One can enjoy the atmosphere density of the tape, the grandiose characterization and dramatic twists, while still benefiting the fact that the whole spectacle so quickly is not over yet!
Clear recommendation!
