WoT vs ASoIaF

[citri]

Which series is better? I am trying to choose which one to read first. I am trying to take in all aspects, including things like time between books, how close the series is to ending etc. I posted the same thing on the GRRM page and I got resounding ASoIaF, I was wondering if that was just a bias from the readers or if it was something else. Say what's good, what's bad etc.

[Humanraindelay]

I enjoyed both series. I would reccomend WoT simply because it only has one more book left to be written as apposed to ASoIaF. Unless of course you like to wait 2 or 3 years for the next book to come out. Either way, you'll enjoy both series.

[dreir]

No it's not bias. The very lack of responses in this thread also doesn't bode well for WoT, does it? I have all the books from both series and like them both for what they are. And speaking from a completely unbiased perspective, I'd still give you a resounding aSoIaF. Sure, you're gonna have to wait a bit for the next book, but you can always go for a one-off filler from another author in the meantime

[Sylvetra_Snake]

I have only read the Wheel Of Time so would side with them having not read the other series. Still, i think credit should go to Jordan for writing so many books. That is often the big problem with some series, you are left wanting more, yet with this one, you find yourself staring at the mountain of ice cream with your appetite ready. Can you eat the moutain?

[Talysia]

The reason I haven't posted in this thread is because I can't compare the two series - I have tried to read ASoIaF but didn't like it, and have no inclination to read further. That's just my personal preference, nothing more.

I have no problem with lengthy books, and whilst I admit that the WoT seemingly meanders further than it should and the level of detail is more than some people care for, the story was enjoyable to read at first, and I'll be interested to see how it ends. That's not to say that I don't have my own complaints about the WoT: there are certain storylines that could have been better dealt with and in fewer books, and some of the characters just don't engage me. Perhaps if the series had been several books shorter, then it might be better received. Who knows?

I'll still read A Memory of Light when it comes out. The Wheel of Time isn't exactly at the top of my list of all-time favourite books, but I still want to see what happens.

[C Of K]

This is a tough one. There are strong pros and cons for each series. Depending on your own preferences, you may not want to start ASoIaF because the fan base eagerly awaits the next installment, and we wait and we wait. It's a fun series to discuss among other fans, and there is sooo much to speculate upon. Still, several years of speculations can even wear down the fans of George RR Martin.

You may not want to start reading The WoT because the ladder four or five thousand pages of the series seem to misplace the plot beneath a pile of filler. Many fans of Robert Jordan admit that his later writings have caused them to show more favor for other writers.

But, if you just want to sit down and enjoy a story, either might suffice. I personally enjoy ASoIaF more than The WoT, but that might be because I involve myself in so many other activities while I await the next release...

[scalem X]

I think it's a hard one too. If you read the wheel of time/asoiaf very early in your fantasy days, you'll look upon a lot of other fantasy things and see similarities, then you'll think it's a weak version. But is it true, or did you just read the other one first?

[Khale]

As a huge fan of both series, I still prefer WoT. A bit long winded in books 7 and 8, but still great. At least not everyone in WoT dies.

[Tansy]

Read WOT first, if you read Martin first WOT will pale in comparison IMO.

[Boaz]

Originally Posted by Khale

At least not everyone in WoT dies.

This is a major selling point for me continuing to buy ASOIAF. As an adult, I find that my tastes have changed. One of the ways an author can keep me on the edge of my seat and still make the story believable is to make me think that anyone could die at any time. Death in ASOIAF is very real.

But upon rereading LOTR, I find that I never seriously doubt that Frodo nor the rest of the Fellowship will die. Yes, Boromir died... but he kind of brought it upon himself. The same thing with Denethor. Gandalf's death was the penultimate noble sacrifice... and he was rewarded with a second life. Theoden was a sacrifice also.

Tolkien's fantasy is different from Martin's. Death in Tolkien comes to the extremely noble in a dramatic setting or it comes to the sinful in ignominy. Death in ASOIAF comes to the good and bad alike. It comes as sacrifice and it comes in humiliation. It does not seem to show partiality to character nor towards setting.

Don't get me wrong, I love Tolkien. He filled my imagination with characters, languages, and lands all through my adolescence. To me, he is the master. And thematically, nothing in fantasy or sci-fi comes close to his works.

As for Death in WOT, I don't know. The only real danger was that one kid found a dagger that tried to possess him.

And I think if WOT had been around when I was fourteen, then I'd love it. But as I said my tastes have changed as I've gotten older. I desire less fairy tale and more realism.