Title: A Dream of Spring
Author: George R.R. Martin
Hardcover
Rating: 4.36
Overview
Previously known as A Time For Wolves, A Dream of Spring is the epic conclusion to George R.R. Martin’s beloved series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the Seven Kingdoms as the remaining characters fight to secure their place in the new world order.
The fate of Westeros rests on the shoulders of those who have survived the brutal wars and political machinations of the previous books. With unexpected twists and turns at every corner, A Dream of Spring is a gripping tale of love, loss, and redemption that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
About the Author
George Raymond Richard Martin, known as “R.R.” Martin, was born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His mother was Margaret Brady Martin and his father, Raymond Collins Martin, worked as a longshoreman.
Martin has two sisters named Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin began writing at a very young age and sold his monster stories to the other children in his neighborhood for just pennies. He attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School.
In high school, he became a comic book fan and collector and began writing fiction for comic fanzines. He sold his first professional story at the age of 21, which was published in Galaxy’s February 1971 issue.
Martin graduated from Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, with a B.S. in Journalism in 1970, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service from 1972-1974 with VISTA, where he was attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976 and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978.
Throughout the 1970s, he wrote part-time while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
Martin married Gale Burnick in 1975, but they divorced in 1979 with no children. In 1979, he became a full-time writer, and from 1978-79, he was a writer-in-residence at Clarke College.
Later on, Martin moved to Hollywood, where he signed on as a story editor for CBS Television in 1986. He then became an Executive Story Consultant for CBS in 1987, a Producer for Beauty and the Beast in 1988, and Co-Supervising Producer in 1989.
He wrote the pilot for Doorways for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin currently resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America and was South-Central Regional Director from 1977-1979 and Vice President from 1996-1998.
Martin is also a member of the Writers’ Guild of America, West.
Editoral Review
A Dream of Spring by George R.R. Martin has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the Song of Ice and Fire series as the epic conclusion to the story that began with A Game of Thrones in 1996. Martin is a highly acclaimed, award-winning writer known for his masterful world-building, complex characters, and intricate plotlines.
His work has gained a wide following in both the fantasy and mainstream fiction genres. A Dream of Spring is a complex story set in a richly imagined world full of magic and political intrigue.
Martin skillfully weaves together a large cast of characters, each with their own hopes and fears, loves and hates, as they struggle to survive in a world torn apart by war and betrayal. The novel is told from multiple perspectives, switching between different characters and locations, making for a highly engaging and immersive read.
The story is set in a world of knights, lords, and ladies, with politics and warfare at the forefront of the action. The main conflict revolves around the struggle for the Iron Throne, the seat of power in the Seven Kingdoms.
The characters are all caught up in this struggle, each with their own motives and agendas. Some seek power and glory, while others fight to protect their families and friends.
Martin’s writing is highly descriptive and evocative, bringing to life the sights, sounds, and smells of his fictional world. His prose is often poetic, and he has a keen eye for detail.
His characters are vividly drawn, with complex personalities and motivations that are revealed over time. Despite the number of characters and plotlines, Martin manages to keep the story moving at a brisk pace, never losing the reader’s interest.
One of the strengths of A Dream of Spring is its exploration of wide-ranging themes such as power, loyalty, duty, sacrifice, and redemption. The characters face difficult moral choices and often have to confront the consequences of their actions.
Martin also delves into the impact of war on civilians and the need for compassion and empathy in times of conflict. The book is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
However, the book is not without its flaws. The sheer size of the cast of characters can be overwhelming, and some readers may find it difficult to keep track of everyone.
Martin’s intricate plotting occasionally results in uneven pacing, with some sections feeling slow or bogged down by exposition. Some readers may also find the book’s gritty realism and bleak tone difficult to stomach.
Overall, A Dream of Spring is a worthy conclusion to a monumental series that has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions of readers. Martin’s writing is both compelling and thought-provoking, and his characters are complex and engaging.
While the book has its share of flaws, it is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and for those who appreciate a good story well-told. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.