This, and the next book in the series (A Dance With Dragons) were originally meant as one book, but at some point while George R. R. Martin was writing it, he realized that it was becoming too big for its own good. He decided on something quite radical and split up the book, but he didn't just split it up in the middle as is the usual route. Instead, he split the book on the character level. So, a Feast For Crows follows about half the characters of the previous books, adds a few more for good measure and takes them through the whole plot. I'm not going to meniton names, in case you haven't read the book yet.
This decision proves to be an interesting challenge. I really missed the "missing" characters, but on the other hand, it was possible to focus on a select few and really get under their skin. The previous books had the challenge of handling so many characters at the same time. Here the focus is on a smaller group, which is given room to breathe and develop at a different pace. This will surely be a challenge for those expecting an action adventure thrill-ride, since the book slows down and takes its time to get to the points with massive amounts of plotting and intrigue. In fact it doesn't really get to all its points in this book. Several characters are left on cliffhangers, which will leave the reader writhing in agony, waiting for the conclusion.
In spite of the change in pace and the yearning for more of the breathless action that ruled "A Storm of Swords", I still found "A Feast For Crows" entertaining and on some level pleasing, that characters were given time to breathe and just live. I trust that all this build-up will lead to something quite magnificent, even if I have to go through another book of only half the characters, so be it.
Overall, a slight disappointment compared to the first three books, but at this point, and seen as a whole, the first four books of the "A Song of Ice And Fire" provide a fascinating and enthralling reading experience, unique and unlike anything else out there in fantasy land.
Now, onto A Dance With Dragons.
Written By Steen
Online: Friday, November 30, 2012