I like Martin a lot. He is an excellent writer, but he cannot capture the beauty and heroic character that Tolkien did in Lord of the Rings. He seems to lack that depth.
One of my major gripes with Martin is that he created this incredibly noble man Eddard Stark, kills him off in the first book and still has not been able to replace him with a man of equal honor. Book 5 was my last, the story is just getting drawn out and dull now.
I will say this for Martin, the imp is one of the most fascinating characters ever printed on paper.
I’ve loved Game of Thrones from the beginning. It is a trip into another world of characters with breadth and depth. Part of the enduring attraction of the series and books, is the amazing cast of the HBO shows. A more perfect acting ensemble cannot be imagined — at least by me.
It is not so much a tale to be analysed at every step, but rather one to take you on a flight to lands of ancient Celts and magical places. It is one of the best things HBO has done and I do NOT want it to end.
P.S. I am still saddened by the loss of Eddard Stark, a most noble and engaging character indeed.