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Title: Very deftly done
Review: When reading the books of George R.R. Martin, one gets the impression that he planned every detail, every chapter and event from the beginning - how else to explain such absolute genius in plotting and structure? I was left shaking my head many times in disbelief as Martin upped the tension even more, all the while seamlessly resolving loose ends from the first book. Also interesting is the way he uses parallel events in 'A Storm of Swords' -- weddings, trials, betrayals, to name a few. This book is, however, one of the most depressing I have ever read: 'Storm' is relentlessly brutal and almost agonizing to read in places. The reader struggles on, not knowing if his favourite character will survive another chapter. Every character, from nameless inkeeper to prominent protagonist is expendable, it seems, which actually lends the series a sense of danger not to be found in other fantasy. Quite recommended - but be forewarned.
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