A Dance with Dragons blurb released

[Fallen Seraph]

Well... I have read both, umm... I dunno, they are both excellent writers in their own regard but in different ways.

Martin I feel is better at dramatic-sequences and character-development/characters in general.

While Tolkien as always is best at the describing and creating a vivid world.

Martin does create a intriguing and interesting world (I especially from where I am in the books, like the different religions). But I sometimes feel a disconnect, like the scenes at King's Landing and the scenes in the plains (forgot the actual name) could be two completely different worlds.

 

[lrsach01]

I've always wondered if people who read and enjoy both Martin and Tolkien, among my peers on EN World (rather than the spin doctors from Time magazine), believe this statement to be true to a high degree?

I never thought of Tolkien as British. It wasn't until I'd read the books a few times that I realized he was from England (and dead).

I like Tolkien and Martin both, but yeah...the are different. I don' think it fair to compare them. Besides, I think Marin is more like the American Tolstoy.

 

[Pants]

I won't buy any more of ASoI&F until it's finished.

Sadly, I don't have the willpower to resist...

 

[Steel_Wind]

I can't wait. I'm in the middle of my third time listening (read it thrice already) to Roy Dotrice's audio version of ASoIaF. I just left Tyrion and Tywin in the solar of the King's Hand in a Storm of Swords, easily my fave of the four books so far..

Wait? For more of this? When new Jon, Tyrion and Bran chapters are a mere 9 months away??? Never!

As for The American Tolkien.... Well, JRRT invented his own sub-genre, for which I will always be a great fan and forever grateful. He takes the silver medal.

But for all that, I think GRRM is a better story teller - and a much better writer. George takes the Gold medal on my podium.

True to a high degree? Yes. Absolutely.

If you have not yet read ASoIaF, I truly envy you. You have one of the greatest stories you will ever read unread - and lying before you. Lucky bastard.

 

[Banshee16]

I won't buy any more of ASoI&F until it's finished.

How long have you left to live, in terms of your lifespan?

Banshee

 

[Trickstergod]

I've always wondered if people who read and enjoy both Martin and Tolkien, among my peers on EN World (rather than the spin doctors from Time magazine), believe this statement to be true to a high degree?

Comparing them isn't quite fair - there are a number of differences in storytelling style, the sort of story they're telling, all of that.

But when you get right down to it, I think Martin's a greatly superior writer. Tolkein tends to be very, very dry by comparison. He can spin a good plot, but putting that plot into words is a whole other story.

 

[Thanee]

I've always wondered if people who read and enjoy both Martin and Tolkien, among my peers on EN World (rather than the spin doctors from Time magazine), believe this statement to be true to a high degree?

J.R.R. - G.R.R.



Bye
Thanee

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

I've always wondered if people who read and enjoy both Martin and Tolkien, among my peers on EN World (rather than the spin doctors from Time magazine), believe this statement to be true to a high degree?

Yes. Who is more deserving of the title? Jordan, Goodkind, Brooks, Eddings? Hacks, in comparison.

 

[Eosin the Red]

I think the comparison is more metaphorical than literal. Both carved new paths and set the pace of a genre but J.R.R.T. had an impact on writing that will likely never see a repeat. GRRM is, IMO, a superior writer but he also had half a century of genre development to work with (thanks to Tolkien).

Which is better - chocolate or ice cream? My answer is that both are good but in entirely different manners.

 

[Starman]

Aargh! I want this book right now. Stop teasing, Martin, and just give it to us!