Bloodthirsty, treacherous and cunning, the Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne in the name of the boy-king Tommen. The war in the Seven Kingdoms has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life.
“A false smile and a true one may look alike, but they are as different as dusk from dawn. Can you tell dusk from dawn?” ~The kindly man of Braavos to Arva Stark
A Feast for Crows: A Bitter Disappointment for George R.R. Martin Fans
George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series has captivated readers for decades, with its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and epic world-building. However, the fourth book in the series, A Feast for Crows, has left many fans feeling disappointed and frustrated.
Published in 2005, A Feast for Crows takes place simultaneously with the events of the third book, A Storm of Swords, but focuses on a different set of characters. While this decision allowed Martin to explore the lives of some of the series’ more minor characters, it also meant that many of the series’ most popular characters, such as Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen, were absent from the narrative.
The absence of these beloved characters is certainly felt throughout the book. While the new viewpoints are interesting, they simply cannot compare to the excitement and intrigue of following the exploits of Tyrion, Daenerys, and Jon Snow. Furthermore, the pacing of the book is slow and plodding, with long stretches of time passing between significant events.
Another major issue with A Feast for Crows is the lack of resolution to many of the plotlines introduced in previous books. While it is not uncommon for epic fantasy series to have multiple storylines and subplots, A Feast for Crows seems to lack any sense of forward momentum. Instead, the book feels like a holding pattern, with characters simply treading water until the next book.
Additionally, some of the character arcs in A Feast for Crows are downright frustrating. Cersei Lannister, in particular, is written as increasingly erratic and paranoid, to the point where she becomes almost unrecognizable as the formidable queen we met in earlier books. Similarly, Jamie Lannister’s character arc takes a bizarre turn, with little explanation or justification.
Despite these issues, A Feast for Crows is not without its merits. Martin’s prose is as rich and evocative as ever, and the world-building is as detailed and immersive as always. Furthermore, the new characters introduced in this book, such as Arianne Martell and the Ironborn leader Victarion Greyjoy, are intriguing and well-developed.
However, these strengths are not enough to overcome the book’s many weaknesses. The slow pacing, lack of resolution, and frustrating character arcs make A Feast for Crows a bitter disappointment for fans of the series. While it is not uncommon for epic fantasy series to have weaker entries, “A Feast for Crows” is a particular low point in an otherwise excellent series.
In conclusion, A Feast for Crows is a disappointing entry in George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. While the book has its strengths, such as rich prose and detailed world-building, the slow pacing, lack of resolution, and frustrating character arcs make it a difficult read for fans of the series. Here’s hoping that the next book in the series, A Dance with Dragons, will be a return to form for this once-great series.