A Feast For Crows by George R. R. Martin, Review
A Feast For Crows is the fourth book in George R. R. Martin's epic fantasy saga A Song of Ice and Fire. This series has been (in my eyes at least) a real high point for fantasy in recent years. In a market dominated by The Wheel of Time and its derivatives, Martin's work is no less lengthy but the quality is light years apart.
As A Feast For Crows stars, the kingdoms of Westeros are winding down from a bitter civil war. By this stage the Lannisters have effectively won the crown for Robert Baratheon's "son" Tommen. But there are still many pockets of resistance. I sense that what is portrayed in this book (and most likely in its sequel) is essentially a lull in the war before it starts up again.
Martin uses his vast cast, and in fact introduces several new viewpoint characters, to show us the effect all this warfare has had on the lands of Westeros. And it's not a pretty picture he paints. The people are starving, bands of murderers roam the countryside. A theme repeated throughout the book is the common people's longing for the old kings. This is a kingdom which is on the verge of collapse. And no one seems either able to or indeed interested in saving it.
Martin's writing skills are remarkable. There is a depth to his description here which is rare in fantasy novels. Also unusual is his emphasis on character over the glitter of action. The world which he has been steadily building for A Song of Ice and Fire is quite remarkable in its variety and authenticity.
That said, as a novel in its own right A Feast For Crows suffers badly. As has been widely documented, around half the characters in Martin's story are not featured at all in this book. Instead their tale will be told in the next book, A Dance of Dragons. The absence of major characters like Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen is a major blow certainly and there's no escaping the feeling that you're reading half a novel.
There's a lot of background, a lot of world building and not much actual plot in A Feast For Crows. It feels like an appetizer, because that's exactly what it is. George R. R. Martin is setting up the elements for the second half of his story. Problem is its a damn long appetizer! I can see a number of elements from this book that will most likely play heavily in the future, but in terms of just providing me with a satisfying story now, it doesn't hang together.
There are interesting elements to the book mind you. The steady transformation of Jaime Lannister from the Kingslayer to… is much more pronounced with this outing. The Arya Stark plot line finally feels like it's going somewhere again. Cersei's slow descent is infuriating but very convincing.
But most of it is hints for the future. Brienne doesn't really do or achieve anything in this book despite many chapters devoted to her. Hopefully there will be a payoff to that at some point. Sansa Stark is a character who has evolved greatly, but again there's no real plot to her chapters. She just has some things reported to her. Samwell Tarly doesn't really have much to do in this book either, though clearly he's being set up for a significant role further down the line.
Worst of all though is minor characters who suddenly get viewpoint chapters for no apparent reason other than to tease some obscure development. In the end I'm left thinking that as I said about Robert Jordan, George R. R. Martin needs some editors who will stand up to him. This is a story that could have been told better in less words.
And yet, I still found the book far more satisfying than any book in the Wheel of Time series. Martin is a much more talented writer. His characters are more rounded and his world has far more variety. There are numerous different cultures and religions presented to us in this book and each feels unique.
So a very flawed book then, but viewed as part of the larger masterwork it A Feast For Crows still has considerable merit. A Feast For Crows still stands out from the fantasy crowd. It's earthy language and grittier tone alone make it different from most high fantasy. But it's hard to defend against accusations of padding.
Eoghann Irving is amongst other things the creator and Editor of Solar Flare. He has a life long interest in all forms of science fiction and fantasy and a pressing need to share this interest with anyone who will listen. Find out more at his personal website eoghann.com..| 2.9 |
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