Reviews with content warning for Bullying - Királyok csatája

Reviews tagging 'Bullying'

Királyok csatája by George R.R. Martin

8 reviews

josiah17's review against another edition

challenging dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

"Power resides where men believe it resides. No more and no less."

"So power is a mummer's trick?"

"A shadow on the wall," Varys murmured, " yet shadows can kill and ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow."

I believe A Clash of Kings is a slight step up from A Game of Thrones (lowered to 3.75), the first half of the book being great. But I would be lying if I didn't say my time with ASOIAF has remained somewhat underwhelming thus far.

Though this is certainly a good book, same as the first one, I still had the same struggles, but to a bit of a lesser extent. To me, the way POV's are structured still presents this sense of disconnect throughout most of the narrative. I felt this was improved in the first half of the book, but became prevalent again in the second half. I also continued to feel a lack of tension and suspense due to knowing the fates of many of these characters and their general archs. However, I did manage to get over this with a few characters, likely due to their chapters simply being the most engaging to me. Those would be Tyrion, Jon, and Arya. At times Catelyn as well. These were by far the most captivating character perspectives to read from. I think Martin's strongest character is Tyrion as of right now. His inner monologue is fantastic, and most of the intriguing politicking happens through his perspective as he takes charge in King's Landing. His perspective is one of the few where I did actually feel the intended tension because it's so well written. As for Jon and Arya, I loved Jon in book one so no surprise I love him here and everything about the looming threat in the North. And it was nice to watch Arya come into her own and navigate her perilous situation while keeping her identity hidden. I quite enjoyed her relationship with Jaqen H'ghar as well. Qhorin Halfhand was another side character I loved too, and his relationship with Jon.

Unfortunate that this review probably feels mostly negative again, but I did enjoy most of the book. Especially the first half like I mentioned previously. My own mental health and mood also played a part in my enjoyment of this book. There were many days where I really struggled to pick this up, mostly because I simply didn't have the energy to read. And sadly that bleeds into the overall reading experience.

Rating this at 4 stars (might be a 3.75—now is after a couple days)...I guess I really just set my expectations that high for these books based on the way everyone gushes about them. I should've known better by now. Not as excited for A Storm of Swords now, but still looking forward to it.

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sebeth76's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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cas_voogt's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Good book

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sav_22's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This book is not for the faint of heart, but it is a very good read. Massive trigger warnings!! George RR Martin is fantastic at writing deeply flawed, disturbed, and fascinating characters. He does not shy away from ANY taboo subjects or content. If you loved the show, the books are insanely good at world-building and the balance of political drama vs fantasy themes. Very long, sometimes boring but overall deeply interesting and worth it for the character deep dives.

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samflowerv6's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love GRRM more than words. The battle on the black water seemed to go on forever. I loved Tyrion in the show but in the book… I honestly hate his POV. But I love these books and will be thinking about them forever!!

“People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it's served up.”

“I will hurt you for this. I don't know how yet, but give me time. A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid.”

“When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say.”

“He who hurries through life hurries to his grave.”

I want to weep, she thought. I want to be comforted. I’m so tired of being strong. I want to be foolish and frightened for once. Just for a small while, that’s all …a day … an hour ...
...One day, she promised herself as she lay abed, one day she would allow herself to be less than strong.
But not today. It could not be today.”