Book Review: A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a delightful read

This review is for a book I read some time ago. It also takes place in Westeros, but it follows different characters. That story is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
This book is actually three books merged into one. Taking place a century before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire, the story follows Ser Duncan, a man who was recently knighted before his master passed away. While traveling to a tourney, he meets a bald boy named Egg who, despite Duncan's efforts to have it otherwise, becomes his squire. Duncan learns some surprising things while at the tourney, but ends up making a name for himself in front of the Targaryans, who are the family of kings and queens in Westeros. Afterwards, he and Egg have several adventures, including trying to help a disgraced lord save his lands and his smallfolk (peasants) from a drought while a rival house is taking all the resources, and participating in a tourney while looking for a performer that is hinted that Duncan might have feelings for. Underneath it all is the threat of the embers of a rebellion that had been beaten years ago, but is struggling to rise to power again. Will Duncan and Egg be able to help the Seven Kingdoms?
I was pleased to see another story that takes place in Westeros, and isn't part of the main series. It helps add to the world's history, and allows us to see characters we read about in The World of Ice and Fire to get some attention. While not as intense as the series A Song of Ice and Fire, it still has that flare of Martin's to explore real people facing real medieval problems. The illustrations done by Gary Gianni also help bring this world and time period to life. It's definitely worth reading.
Caution:
Some swearing, including some uses of the F-word. Some violence and gore. Some people are seen naked in some of the illustrations (though one is the result of a dream and another is part of a marriage ceremony in Westeros).
Lessons:
Honor and nobility are found in the heart. You can find good people in unexpected places. The Devil will try to strike us when we are not expecting it.

Book review: A Storm of Swords is a must-read

Hello everyone. I'm back after a long absence. I've got some books to review with all of you. The first one today is A Storm of Swords.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
War continues to rage across the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Tyron Lannister has managed to repel the forces of Stannis Baratheon, and is left with nothing after his father and nephew take all the credit. Robb Stark continues to work to avenge his father, but his actions are causing problems in the ranks of his own men. Meanwhile, beyond the Wall, Jon Snow is trying to learn the plans of Mance Rayder, the King-Beyond-The-Wall, while he ends up getting too close to the wildling Ygritte. Arya Stark is still trying to get back to her mother and brother, but ends up having to deal with outlaws and bandits who have their own plans for her. Meanwhile, across the sea, Daenerys Targaryan is building an army of slaves and sellswords to sail to Westeros to take back the Iron Throne. In amongst all this conflict there is betrayal, conspiracies, schemes, and assassinations around every corner. Every man is looking out for himself while all around them the Storm of Swords rages on.
This book took me over a month to read, but it was worth every second. George R. R. Martin is a modern-day master of fantasy, stepping on the foundation that both J. R. R. Tolkien and history itself has laid, and combined the two of them to create one of the most realistic worlds in the realm of fantasy. In Westeros things are not black and white. There is a lot of grey in there, and you can see that in the people and the reasons they give for doing what they do. Characters you care about are not safe from the ravages of war and evil, and we see that even good people do bad things. His descriptions are very detailed and he really explores the psychological processes in each of his characters. So pick up a copy and be sure to join the adventure.
Caution:
Heavily language, including multiple use of the F-word. There is explicit sex and nudity, and often you'll have to skip entire pages before you can continue again. There is a lot of gore and violence, which would probably shock your parents if they could see the images your imagination projects with this book. Some terrifying moments.
Lessons:
As soon as men get a little power, they will exercise unrighteous dominion. Be careful of who you trust. Doing what is right sometimes means telling others no, and getting scorned for it.