Book Log: A Storm of Swords, by George R. R. Martin

This book pissed me off.

Not because it was a disappointment after the first two awesome books in the series (it wasn't), not because the writing or plot or characterization lacked anything (in fact, I think it's the strongest of the series so far), but because the author kept doing terrible things to characters I love. I kept finding myself writing furious e-mails to mary_wroth and "innocenteexpres that began "THAT MOTHERFUCKER." By about 2/3 through the book I was constantly reminding myself not to get to get too attached because anyone could die, or worse (oh yes, there are worse things than death in these books...) at any moment. It did not make for a restful read. It would not be an exaggeration to say that I dream about these characters and their stories on a fairly regular basis, so every time some awful new catastrophe struck one of my favorite characters I felt a sting of betrayal.

As I wrote to mary_wroth the other day: Hi, my name is Melanie. I get overly involved in novels.

Anyway. There's a lot to be said for the skills of an author who can piss me off that much and still keep me reading. I'm having sort of a hard time getting into the fourth book in the series, partially because there are a bunch of new characters to get to know when all I really want is to find out what became of all the cliffhangers in A Storm of Swords, partially because I'm reluctant to become too attached to the few of my babies who remain alive and relatively unscathed, and partially because this is the last book that's been written of the series (Book 5 is due out sometime in 2008, I think), and I'm reluctant for what I'm sure will be an excruciating waiting period to begin. It's also hardcover, and weighs a ton, so I'll probably only be reading it at home instead of dragging it around everywhere as I did with the first three books. To tide me over, I've got innocenteexpres's copy of Archangel, which is way better than any sci-fi/fantasy romance novel about angels has any right to be.

I really need to learn how to increase and decrease. See also: circular knitting.

Okay, so I've been planning for ages to knit myself a pair of fingerless gloves once I finally finish the Neverending Ravenclaw Scarf, but I think I might want these even more. Granted, I don't actually ever wear pumps, and the Groundhog predicted an early end to the need for leg-warmer-type accessories, but still... how great are they? There's a girl I see in the elevator who has a pair she wears all the time, and I WANT. Plus, how much fun is it to say "Spatterdashes"? Go on, say it to yourself and try to be in a grouchy mood. I dare you.

Other things I want: the shoes in that link.

Other footwear that makes me uncharacteristically excited: These Victorian Hooker Boots, which I just ordered yesterday and around which I plan to basically construct a wardrobe. Hello, tax refund. And hello, three-inch heels. It's about time you and I became acquainted. Please don't kill me, kthxbye.