A friend and I went out for sushi on Cinco de Mayo. While wandering around Beverly after a glass of Saki, we discussed "The Fellowship of the Ring," as she, too, was reading the Lord of the Rings series. I let her know I was lost in the Shire. I can not venture past the realm of Tom Bombadil in the Old Forest. For those of you who are not familiar, I am on page 182/1348... in the first book of a three book series. I would love to say it is because he and his beautiful lady friend, Goldberry, entice me and I dread leaving their company. Alas, this is not the case. Each time I pick up my Nook and attempt a page or two, I find myself day dreaming about another fantasy world I have spent much time in as of late: Westeros.
I have two friends at my office who are as nerdy (maybe more so...) as I am. They both recommended the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. Although at least one of these four novels is over 900 pages, I have caught up in just about two months. I am about to start the forth, and the fifth is due out on July 12.
George R.R. Martin, where have you been all my life? For the sake of not spoiling the new HBO series for those of you who are not readers, I will refrain from sharing details. I will, though, mention that the poetic prose of this novel is incredible. The imagery, the details, the love I feel for many of the characters - and hatred for others - are so intense.
When I began this escapade through the top 100 fantasy books ever written, this is what I expected. Wolves that might be men, children that might have green tongues because they might eat frogs, boys that might be crows, families full of deceit, kings who can't rule, knights who are not knightly, battles that may or may not have been won by 'the good guy'.
I promise that one day I will find my way back to the Shire and follow Frodo on his journey, but until then, I'll be in Westeros. Come find me if you can.
No comments:
Post a Comment