Title: Slow start, but captivating characters
Product review: A terrific beginning to a series (but then I said the same thing about The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan. But as long as Mr. Martin takes the high road and puts out sequels that continue to advance the plot or develop his characters, he should safely avoid the quagmire in which Jordan is sinking).Mr. Martin's ability to draw up characters who are unique and distinguishable, who stir up and spur on the plot, helps to deflect attention from the fact that the book is nearly 800 pages long. Very hard to do and very commendable.I am disappointed to hear that Martin plans to write 6 volumes in this series because I fear Jordan-itis setting in, with volumes of filler meted out over the course of a decade (or more) before reaching catharsis. I'm willing to give Martin the benefit of the doubt, hoping the remaining books will be as engaging as this one. If they are, I welcome him to write sequels until the Day of Reckoning.
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