A Dance With Dragons

A Song of Ice and Fire, book 5
by George R.R. Martin
1016 pages

This book is in many ways more of a companion than a sequel to book 4.  The storyline overlaps quite a bit.  However, this book covers more time than book 4 does and ends at the beginning of winter.  This book covers Tyrion, Jon, Daenerys in great detail.  Bran and Davos also get a few chapters, but we're kind of left hanging about what exactly is going on with them.  Characters from book 4 also re-emerge.  We do find out what happens to Cersei and Arya, and we get a glimpse of Jaime.  However, we are still left hanging as to what happens to Sansa and Brienne of Tarth.

A few other characters reappear or are introduced for the first time.  I had thought Theon was dead, but apparently not.  Unless Martin describes a corpse, you should not assume someone is dead.  Victarion Greyjoy, Quentyn Martell, and Ser Barristan Selmy also contribute.  A new, very important player in the game of thrones is also introduced, but his perspective is not shown.  I'm now not so confident about who is going to win the game.  My bets were on Daenerys, but this new player has definitely thrown a wrench in that plan, especially since Daenerys is barren.

A Feast for Crows

A Song of Ice & Fire, Book 4
by George R.R. Martin
753 pages

This fourth book in the Game of Thrones series is a little thinner than previous volumes.  Many new perspectives appear in this volume, though many are only minor voices.  These voices cover what is happening on the Iron Islands and in Dorne.  I will say that I was intrigued by the Dornish characters and hope to see more of them.  Cersei's and Brienne's perspectives are also shown in this novel.  Cersei proves in this novel that she is not fit to rule because she is short-sighted, impulsive, and stupid.

Many old characters are included as well.  Arya becomes a novice in a Braavosi temple.  Sansa is still posing as Littlefinger's bastard daughter.  Samwell is on his way to Oldtown (with Maester Aemon and Gilly) to become a maester.  Jamie is finally realizing the truth about Cersei and is becoming a better man for it.  All in all, our old favorites are changing and developing.

However, some of our favorites are missing from this novel.  Jon, Bran, Tyrion, Davos, & Daenerys are absent from this novel.  (At the end of the book, Martin explains why they are absent.  However, trying to figure out why all these characters were missing put me through unnecessary stress.)  They will reappear in Book 5.  Apparently, events in Book 4 and Book 5 are happening concurrently because Martin decided to divide the story into two books by character instead of chronologically.

A Storm of Swords

A Song of Ice and Fire, book 3
by George R.R. Martin
973 pages

This continues the story right where book 2 leaves off.  King's Landing is recovering from the battle well, and Stannis is on Dragonstone licking his wounds and regrouping.  Robb is in the west, planning a course to re-take the North.  Lady Catelyn is grieving for her dead sons, Arya is still trying to reach Riverrun, and Sansa is still stuck in King's Landing.  Tyrion is recovering from his wounds and planning his next moves as his father has taken over as the Hand.  Jon is still wandering around with wildlings, and Bran is still trying to find his three-eyed crow.  Daenerys Targaryen is still in the East building up an army and followers.  Many twists and turns occur in this novel.  Some characters die, some reach their goals, and some are suffering from blows they never even imagined.  Nobody ends in quite the same place as where they began. You also begin to understand why this series is called "A Song of Ice and Fire," and it has less to do with dragons than you might imagine.

A new narrator is added to this novel: Jamie Lannister.  Believe it or not, I actually found him likable.  Yes, I know he sleeps with his sister, and threw an innocent boy off a window ledge; however, he's not all evil.  Like the other characters in this book, he is "grey."

I was sorely disappointed by some of the events in this novel.  I can't really say much more because if I do, you'll know who's living and who's dead at the end.  *sigh*

A Clash of Kings

A Song of Ice and Fire, #2
by George R.R. Martin
761 pages

WARNING:  If you have not finished reading A Game of Thrones, and you plan to, do not read this summary.  It's impossible to summarize this book without giving away large parts of what happened in the first book.

There are now four kings who each claim the throne of Westeros.  Joffrey Baratheon is thought to be King Robert's son and the heir apparent.  However, he is really the result of incest between his mother and her twin brother, and he really has no claim to the throne, though he is still unaware of this.  Joffrey's mother's family, the Lannisters, have lots of money and a large army to support Joffrey's claim and hold the western lands.  King Robert's real heir should be Stannis, his brother, and Stannis makes a claim to the throne based on this, but few lords support his claim.  Robert's youngest brother Renly also makes a claim on the throne as King Robert's appointed heir to their family's lands and titles.  Renly is largely supported by those in the south.  The final claimant to the throne is Robb Stark, King of the North, who has been proclaimed king by many supporters in the central and northern regions of Westeros.  Stark did not seek to become king, but many would rather have him as king over the corrupt Lannisters.  Obviously, there cannot be four kings, so there are some battles going on to settle the matter.

Of course we cannot forget our favorite characters.  Tyrion Lannister is Acting Hand and works to keep the throne in Lannister hands, even if it means opposing Queen Regent Cersei and King Joffrey.  The Stark family is still scattered throughout the entire realm, each with his or her own struggles.  The Starks and Winterfell are also in danger as others seek to take the northern lands for their own.  Jon Snow is fighting beyond the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen is still wandering around with her dragons in the lands east of Westeros.

Overall, an enjoyable read.  I've got to say that I think Tyrion Lannister is one of my favorite characters, even though he is fighting on the "wrong" side.  The only complaint I have is that Martin spends too much time following the story of Daenerys Targaryen.  I don't like her, and I don't want her to take over the realm.  So help me, if this is how this whole series ends, I am going to be mad.  However, I definitely have to read the next book because I desperately need to know what's going to happen to the Starks.

A Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1
by George R.R. Martin

674 pages

This novel is set in a fantasy world where the seasons are messed up.  Seasons last for several years instead of a few months.  Fifteen years ago before this book takes place, a war was fought, and the Targaryen king was slain.  The king's heir was slain, and the king's remaining children were exiled.  One of the victors, Robert Baratheon, took the throne.  However, that did not quite settle things.  Robert Baratheon, though an excellent warrior, is a less than perfect king.  Baratheon's wife is a Lannister, and her family has designs on the throne.  Baratheon's Hand, or chief advisor, has recently died under suspicious circumstances, and King Robert wants Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell to take his place.  Ned dreads this task and does not want to leave his home, but he knows that Robert needs him.  Ned must quickly learn the rules of the "Game of Thrones."

I will stop summarizing here.  This is a huge book, and it is hard to know how much to say.  Let's just say that it's a book full of political intrigue, treachery, honor, duty, and devotion with some magical and horrific elements thrown in for good measure.  This book is written differently than many books.  Each chapter focuses on a different character, with a total of eight (if I counted right) characters being followed through the whole book.  Most of the action is seen through the eyes of members of the Stark family.  Some characters depict what is happening at Winterfell while Ned and others are gone.  One character depicts what is happening north of Winterfell at the Wall, where strange things are brewing.  Some characters, including Ned, help depict what is happening at King's Landing and in the regions south of Winterfell.  The final character is one of the Targaryen exiles outside of the Seven Kingdoms.  Most of the action is intertwined, but it's not yet clear exactly what part the Targaryen exile is going to play in the story.

I definitely enjoyed this novel, though there are a lot of characters and relationships to keep track of.  There are a lot of loose ends at the end of this novel, so don't expect to be satisfied when you are finished with this one.  I'm going to have to read the next book, just to figure out what happens.  (I'm definitely hoping Martin answers some questions about the past as well.  He could definitely write a prequel.)  I'm totally invested in some of these characters, but I know I shouldn't get too attached because "winter is coming."

The Story of Saiunkoku: Volume 4

by Kairi Yura (art) and Sai Yukino (story), 190 pages

Ryuki arranges to have dinner with Shurei and her family, but a gang of bandits sent after her houseguest messes up his carefully laid plans.

Hee hee hee. Lots of cute, awkward Ryukiness this volume. With his help, Shurei vows to succeed in breaking down the gender-barriers in the government and fulfill her dream.

For more details, please see my review of volumes 1-4 on NoFlyingNoTights.

The Story of Saiunkoku: Volume 3

by Kairi Yura (art) and Sai Yukino (story), 174 pages

Having accomplished her mission of getting the emperor to accept his responsibilities, Shurei returns home. But she misses occupation and still dreams of entering the civil service, though it is barred to women. When she gets a chance to secretly temporarily fill in at the Ministry of the Treasury, she jumps at it. Meanwhile, naive Ryuki's trying to run the country and come up with ways to win Shurei's heart.

Yay for Shurei for ignoring glass ceilings. Luckily for her, she has friends in (very) high places who appreciate her for her true worth. Now I just want to see the rules change so women won't have to sneak around in order to give back to their country.

The Story of Saiunkoku: Volume 2

by Kairi Yura (art) and Sai Yukino (story), 184 pages

Shurei gets caught up in the power play between old rivals. Secrets are revealed and kept, bonds restored and tested.

It's a little hard to keep these pretty people straight, sometimes, but I'm enjoying getting to know them, regardless. Ryuki, the emperor, is especially loveable as he becomes aware of his knowledge gaps (most of which involve matters of the heart).

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 6

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 216 pages

After much agonizing over the succession, controversial Tsunayoshi's rule comes to an end and the torch is passed to the benevolent, capable Ienobu. But with her frail health, and the three constitutionally weak children she has already brought into the world only to lose, the future of the shogunate is anything but stable.

Oh, so many tears (including mine!) shed this volume! So many losses to mourn: parents, children, friends, lovers. At least there are moments of healing, as well, to temper the melancholy; and with the knowledge that Yoshimune's time is drawing ever closer, we maintain hope for the future even as we regret having to say farewell to so many characters we've come to know and care for from the past. Bittersweet and lovely.

Winter Sea

by Susanna Kearsley, 536 pages

This story has 2 main threads: a novelist who is drawn to the Scottish coast and one castle in particular as she researches a historical novel loosely based on her family history. The other is the historical setting seen through the eyes of the author's characters.

Kearsley does a good job of tying the two stories together, though the patterns are strong enough to give an alert reader clues to where the story is ultimately headed. The historical parts in particular were compelling and well-researched. Kearsley is a talented story teller who has enough faith in her readers to avoid hurrying the intricate setting and plots.

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 5

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 211 pages

Tsunayoshi already has an heir by her doofy but sweet concubine Denbe, but she still finds herself caught in the middle of the influence competition between her doting father and her wimpy consort, who each try to bring into the Ôoku men they believe they can control as potential concubines for her and therefore potential fathers of a future shogun. Tsunayoshi laughs at their ploys, leaving the government of the country to her lackluster privy council while she enjoys her time with her daughter, Matsu. But when fate forces her to change her priorities, the pressure of it all takes its toll.

I used to think I disliked Tsunayoshi, but now it's impossible not to sympathize with her. She loves her daughter, loves her father, loves her scary lady in waiting, loves her silly Denbe; everything she does that seems awful or selfish is mitigated by her experiences and the suffering we see her go through. When she finally breaks down in front of clever, ambitious Emonnosuke, the Senior Chamberlain of the Ôoku finds himself humbled before her strength as he reevaluates Tsunayoshi, himself, and their positions in this world. With that scene, I wanted to forgive her everything and warmed up to Emonnosuke as he proves himself more than just a smart man driven by self-interest.

As long as all these characters show me that they can actually care about another human being, I won't be able to hate on them. And Yoshinaga's skill with character development probably means I won't have the satisfaction of pointing at anybody as the "bad guy" for long. That she manages to seamlessly work in slightly-tweaked historical events, like the Forty-Seven Rônin and the Edicts on Compassion for Living Things, without compromising the world or characters she's so carefully constructed is just more reason to admire her and keep reading.

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 4

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 207 pages

The mantle of shogun passes from Iemitsu (Chie) to her first-born daughter Ietsuna (Chiyo) and thence to the latter's half-sister Tsunayoshi (Tokuko), each bringing her own strengths and weaknesses, competencies and deficiencies to her rule. And all the while the competition for positions of influence within and without the court continues.

I love watching how each shogun makes the title her own (even if not in a positive way), bringing her personality and experiences (or lack thereof) to the role. It's a little frightening to watch the tone of the entire country change with the whims of a single individual at the top who has the power to improve upon or undo the progress of those who've come before and to impact the futures of those who come after. The politics and intrigue here are fascinating, but even more compelling are the psychological profiles of the characters as they are molded by their environments and respond with either capitulation or rebellion.

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 3

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 227 pages

Dead Iemitsu's illegitimate daughter Chie has secretly been the stand-in shogun for several years. When the hard, capable ruler shows no sign of bearing a child to continue the Tokugawa line (and therefore the country's stability) with her current lover--and the double tragedies of the pox and drought show no signs of abating--a series of fateful decisions further builds the framework (for better or for worse) for the world into which Yoshimune will one day be born.

Whether in the fields or behind the shogun's palace walls, no one here knows life without hardship and hateful ultimatums. The only thing that makes these harsh choices bearable is the resolve of those affected to accept what must be done for the good of the country, even if it breaks their own hearts. Such pragmatism is a bitter pill for the soft-hearted reader, however, so she looks forward (rather idealistically) to a warmer, safer, happier future, however many generations down the line it may be. Yoshimune has already succeeded in injecting a little humanity into her rule in the first volume. Hopefully, that will only be the beginning.

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 2

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 235 pages

Dogged Yoshimune's investigation into her shogun predecessors reveals a close-kept, bloody history of greed, lies, obsession, and love as Ôoku's second volume backs up eighty years to uncover the truth of the last male shogun's death and the life-altering, nation-shaping decisions that follow.

A moving, painful read, this. Conscription, murder, rape. Beauty is like a weed, here, stubbornly refusing to be cut down or poisoned or trampled out of existence, despite the ugliness suffocating it. In the face of so much trauma, it's a miracle anything good can survive. And yet it does. I look forward to future volumes tracing the history between these lives, this time of upheaval and transition, and Yoshimune's own--and to see what she does with that knowledge.

Ôoku: The Inner Chambers: Volume 1

by Fumi Yoshinaga, 205 pages

After a strange smallpox-like disease leaves the male population of medieval Japan a mere quarter that of the female, a shift occurs in the culture and politics of the country's traditionally patriarchal society. By the time Mizuno Yunoshin grows into adulthood, he knows nothing but a political system led by women, including the shogun, and a culture in which children--and the limited number of males around to contribute to their existence--are highly sought and deeply cherished. Coming from a poor if respectable family, Yunoshin's marriage prospects do not include the wealthy merchant's daughter O-Nobu with whom he has been mutually in love his entire life. When his parents announce a suitable match has been found for him, he takes the opportunity to make an announcement of his own--he intends to satisfy both his filial and patriotic duties by foregoing marriage and entering the Ôoku, the Shogun's highly restricted harem of servants and concubines, in order to provide a stipend for his family whom he'll never see again and to avoid having to stick around and watch O-Nobu eventually marry someone else. He takes his leave of his loved ones and enters the secretive, sheltered, complicated, and often dangerous world of the shogun's court.

The Ôoku is lifted right from history, only the real one was populated entirely by women instead of men. Yoshinaga flips the gender roles around but without pretending that they were never otherwise. Yoshimune, the Eighth Tokugawa Shogun, takes over when her seven-year-old predecessor passes away and finds that, despite being nominally "in charge," the traditional rules of the court--from naming conventions to greeting foreign dignitaries--all seem to originate from and promote a male-centric agenda. Neither does it escape her attention that her male advisors in the Ôoku and elsewhere in court have a tendency to try to steer her back into those traditions whenever she attempts to exert her authority. This does not sit well with her in the least. I think I'm going to like her.

As Yunoshin and Yoshimune learn about their new roles, the reader learns about their complex society right along with them. In such a rigid, rule-defined environment, the tiniest of oversights can have huge, life-affecting (even life-ending) consequences. The reader finds herself tiptoeing alongside the characters, worrying over who can or cannot be trusted. The history (real and creative) and social commentary are fascinating and the characters intriguing, though visually differentiating between the many, many similarly-uniformed male characters can be a bit of a challenge. Already a fan of Yoshinaga after reading her considerably fluffier but well-regarded Antique Bakery series (just thinking about it is making me hungry for luxurious cake), I am excited to see her exploring such important themes and look forward to following the series.

Ôoku is something different. It was nominated for the Manga Taishô award in 2008, and for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize three years in a row before winning the Grand Prize in 2009. It has also won an Excellence Prize in the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival, a special prize in the Japanese Association of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy's 2005 Sense of Gender Awards, and other honors in Japan. YALSA listed this first English volume on its 2010 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens list and the first two English volumes also won the 2009 James Tiptree, Jr. Award "for science fiction or fantasy that expands or explores our understanding of gender."