Tag: Tea & Books

2012 Challenges, Books

Book 92: A Clash of Kings – George R.R. Martin

Geoff W

Wow. What more can I say? Book two of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire cycle and although this novel wasn’t as captivating as A Game of Thrones, it was still a fascinating and entertaining read. As with A Game of Thrones I am using A Clash of Kings for two challenges – checking in at over 750 pages it is book two in my 2012 Tea & Books Challenge and as I bought it in 2011 with birthday money I’m also tacking it on to my 2012 Mount TBR Challenge.

As with the first novel in the series, so much happens in A Clash of Kings that it is hard to summarize or even review. Suffice to say that enough happens within this one novel that could fill three or four novels. You never know who is going to die or switch allegiances next; you never know where the next chapter will take you; and you can never 100% feel like you know who is who they say they are or where they’re from.

THERE ARE (a few) SPOILERS FROM A GAME OF THRONES. So if you plan on reading the novels scroll down to the recommendation to avoid them.

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2012 Challenges, Books

Book 91: A Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin

Geoff W

A Game of Thrones is the first book in George R. R. Martin’s Epic fantasy cycle A Song of Ice and Fire. Projected at seven novels, the fifth novel was published in 2012. I guess you could say I jumped on the bandwagon with this one, but I don’t feel at all guilty about it as I grew up reading Star Wars and Dragon based fiction, so I like to think I’m returning home after a long break. I’m also very excited to check out the HBO adaptation of the novel having finally read it.

I honestly didn’t think Martin would be able to draw me in as fast as he did, but what can I say, I’m a sucker for pre-modern technology worlds with knights and royalty and assassinations and intrigue. There was not a lack of action or adventure in this novel and it made it a quick read even though it clocks in at just around 675 pages. And as such a tome, it is the first novel I’ve read in the 2012 Tea & Books Challenge. It will also be tacked to my 2012 Mount TBR Challenge list as I purchased it in the last week of 2011 with birthday money, but I’m still hoping to read the other 25 novels on that list. Now on to my reaction (I’ve realized I rarely actually post reviews).

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Books

Tea & Books Reading Challenge 2012

Geoff W

I clearly should not have even looked at the first two challenges I did, because I have found another. Thankfully all three help to clear my to-be-read list and bookshelves. This challenge I found through Grace at Books Without Any Pictures.

This challenge, the Tea & Books Reading Challenge, is hosted by Birgit at The Book Garden. The challenge idea comes from C.S. Lewis’ quote “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”

I am participating at the Earl Grey Aficionado level (six books) even though I’ve already have eight titles I could easily (and probably will) read.

The rules are fairly simple and straight forward, but they are below:

  • The challenge will take place between January 1st and December 31st 2012.
  • You can join any time between now and early 2012.
  • You have to pick a level, though you may “upgrade” to the next one at any time. In this case just drop me a line, so I can change your previous level.
  • You don’t need to list your books ahead of time, though I won’t object if you do. I’m definitely curious about your book choices for these challenges.
  • The books you choose may crossover into other challenges.
  • Both physical and eBooks are allowed, though personally I feel that especially the Tea & Books Reading Challenge is more fun with real books.
  • Reviews of the books read are not mandatory.

You can read the full rules and see who else is participating by clicking the blog link in the picture. The books I’ve decided to read are listed on my 2012 Challenges page.