In the month of June I read a total of eight books, and this particular post will focus on my two favourites of the month.
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1. A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R.R. Martin.
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'A Storm of Swords: Blood and Gold' is the third book in George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and continues on from his previous novel, 'A Clash of Kings'.
In the UK, (and maybe other countries, I'm not too sure), the book is cleverly split into two parts, the first being 'Steel and Snow' with the second being 'Blood and Gold'.
This book continues straight off from where the first part finishes and we are plunged right into the action and drama that exists in Martin's mythical world. We again see chapters divided between numerous character's perspectives, those being: Catelyn Stark, Bran Stark, Sansa Stark, Arya Stark, Jon Snow, Jaime Lannister, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, and Samwell Tarly.
Martin's clever dispersal of places and people continues to be a brilliant narrative device that helps to continue to construct the world he's created.
I don't wish to say too much about this book's plot as I don't particularly want to ruin it for those who haven't read it but do follow the series.
What can I say about this book other than I completely adored it and that it is by far the best continuation of a fantastic fantasy series.
What I love about Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series is that he is not afraid to go where other authors wouldn't. He creates a fantasy world that becomes incredibly real, in which the characters aren't animated stereotypes but, however cliché it may sound, they are real people.
There's so much character development that it's a reader's heaven, and don't get me started on the events which take place in this book, Martin could slow it down a bit and I'd be happy but no he rewards his readers with shocking event after shocking event that manages to come full circle from his first book in the series, 'A Game of Thrones'.
All in all, a fantastic book and I can't wait to read 'A Feast for Crows'; Martin better not fail me now!
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
We've all heard of F. Scott Fitzgerald's infamous novel, 'The Great Gatsby' and with the buzz surrounding Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation of the book, I thought there was no better time to read this book.
I opened this book with a clear head; I knew nothing about The Great Gatsby, I daresay I didn't realise Gatsby was a person. Nonetheless, this created, what I found to be a wonderful reading experience.
The novel follows Nick, the protagonist, whose viewpoint the novel is based around. Nick's recently moved to New York and its fictional village of 'West Egg' and there he lives next door to the house known for its lavish and glamourous parties, which a man name Gatsby is responsible for. The novel delves into Gatsby's life more than it does Nick's as Nick stumbles upon Gatsby's world through Gatsby's connection to Nick's cousin, Daisy. After this premise is set up, take a seat, have a brew and enjoy the next two hundred and odd pages of sheer literary fulfilment.
I've never read a book so well written, so well paced, and just so god damn intriguing. The character of Jay Gatsby is mysterious and fabulous, and the book leaves you wanting to know more and live more with this enigmatic human.
This is a book that certainly lived up to the hype, and my goodness, I will probably read it again. A true classic.
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My goodreads account contains my ratings and full reviews of other books that I read in the month of June. These include: The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie, The Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes Investigates by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis, and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.
Thanks for reading and I hope you're having a lovely day!
Robert.
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