You can read the Dunk and Egg novellas if you haven't yet: "The Hedge Knight", "The Sworn Sword", and "The Mystery Knight." There are also 2 novellas that came out recently that occur around the time of the Dance of Dragons. They are called "The Princess and the Queen" and "The Rogue Prince."
I'd say that these two series and authors are very, very different. The Malazan books were staged in a world created by two authors, Stephen Erikson and Ian Esslemont. This world is insanely detailed and crafted. Both of these guys are archaeologists and anthropologists, meaning their entire careers were devoted to society and cultures. I would go so far as to say it's the most intricately crafted and detailed fictional world, ever. So if you like world-building and books with huge scope and cultures, this is your bag. However, I find that Erikson, the author of the first several books, writes his characters a bit flat. Their personalities all tend to be similar outside of superficial characteristics. That's not to say that the books aren't great, which they are. Ian Esslemont, the other co-creator who started writing books that compliment the main Malazan series later, tends to write more dynamic characters. Joe Abercrombie's books are very different. While his world-building is fairly large, it doesn't compare to the Malazan stuff. Abercrombie's writing tends to be very down-in-the-trenches stuff, with great battles and fight scenes. His characters are very well written as well. I also have a stong hunch that he has been tagged to be the backup author to GRRM should he croak before the series is complete, something that every fan worries about. Other great authors in the top-tier Fantasy genre include Patrick Rothfuss and Scott Lynch. Whatever you do, steer clear of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. WoT is really good until around book six when RJ realizes he can milk the series and he starts to slow it way, way, way down with page-long descriptions of curtains and tablecloths (his wife was his editor). Sword of Truth is absolute tripe and a waste of time. I really enjoyed the Runelords books by David Farland as well as the Demon Cycle books by Peter Brett for their sheer creativity.
I have not yet read Mazalan or Runelords but The First Law series is probably a great choice for someone looking for a fix after finishing ASOIAF to this point. I would also recommend The Mistborn Series and the Raven's Shadow series (book three, the final book, will be out next summer). The Stormlight Archive has been the ish so far but only two of the expected ten books have been published so prepare to wait fifteen years to conclude that series.
You Should check my thread out about Fantasy series, there are many recommendations there. http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=246100&highlight=fantasy&page=4 I agree that MBotF is a bit different. It is much more a high fantasy series, were the world is much more important. However the things that are similar to me are: 1: Both more realistic, as in almost anyone can die 2: Not standard stories 3: extensive lore behind the story 4: Cool characters I specifically mentioned MBotF because I like Erikson, but I am not a fan of Esslemont (that being said I do read his books, and am looking forward to Assail next month). I disagree that Esslemont Characters are more dynamic. The biggest problem I have with Esslemont are the way he writes his Character (he destroyed the character of Spoiler Iron Bars IMHO). I do agree that the variation between the Characters of Erikson is either bad ass, or extermely bad ass. But I think many of his characters are dynamic enough. I am a huge fan of MBotF, it is the only fantasy series I actually re-read (Normally I just get bored when I read a book for the second time). For me it is important that when you read this you accept that you miss most hints and clues aduring the story and that especially at the beginning you do not understand everything. Joe Abercrombie's books are much more character oriented, the story really is secundair to the characters (which is similar to SoIaF).The story overall is underwhelming, however the brilliance of the Characters make up for that. I actually liked Wheel of time, but I agree that it went downhill fast in a couple of books. But still it was a nice enough series. Overall it still ranks pretty high on my all time favorite series (if only he would have had a more positive view on woman, man the woman in his books are annoying). Sword of truth was a bit simplistic, but when I was younger I kind of liked it, it is a nice series to get introduced into fantasy. However if you are used to SoIaF this series will be a dissapointment.
OK since I finished the book and read about some of the things George has said about the next book, I have predictions to share and would like to hear predictions of other book readers. I. Westeros A. Jon being stabbed will lead to an absolute destruction of his enemies, who underestimate how much Tormund and other free people like Jon. Jon has friends and they won't take kindly to him being stabbed. That said, Jon wasn't dead at the end of the book and I think it is likely he will survive his wounds via healing/Kiss of R'holor. B. Melisandre will change as a character. I believe she will doubt her faith. Mainly because George shifts all of his characters some and I could see her trying, failing and finally doubting it. This will lead to more truth and indepth knowledge of the blood magic cult I suspect is behind the "Fire God" religion. C. Battle for Kings Landing- George hinted at two major battles to open up the next book. I believe there will be a major fight for Kings Landing between the current power and the Rainbow Cloaks who will have the people riot against the powers of the Lannisters and the Tyrells. D. Jon Snow will take wildlings and nightswatch to Winterfell and sack the city if Stannis falls. I predict this because he has the power to unite the two and quite honestly has the numbers. Him being betrayed by nights watch could lead to its end, or at least the end of his relationship with it. Then the troops will be able to take on the Boltons who have openly challenged him in a letter that was laced with half truth. I could see Stannis dying by this time, and Jon taking up light bringer. Meanwhile I think Davos could rally more troops to this cause. E. Dorne will unite with Aegon and Griffen, and unite the angry families of the South to their cause and the Lannisters and High Garden will struggle to keep any influence. F. The Iron Born in the west will sack a major city during the chaos. G. We will learn more of Varys. H. Sansa will not like Jon Stark taking Winterfell. Little Finger will use the conflict created to push toward it, in an effort to take over the Starks' lands. Little Finger wanted nothing more than to take everything, especially what belonged to Ned. If not, then he will make for Kingslanding and step over the dead bodies that remain after the Rainbow cloaks and people revolt. This will put him and Varys up against each other, as the natural foils George created them to be. Sansa will be Little Finger's undoing. I. Jaime Lannister is with a fake Brienne, who already died. Likely a face changer. Her character does not act like Brienne at all. II. Essos A. Dany is currently facing off with Dothraki who only follow the strongest rider. Currently she is riding Drogon. That would make her the strongest rider. I believe they will submit to her and she will take them to do battle in Mereen which lays under siege. B. Victarion will have a glorious battle and meet Tyrion, who is the only one smart enough, and diplomatic enough, to get the horn he possesses in working order. Either way, it must be used to tame the dragons. C. Dany will march for Westeros but that won't happen for awhile. Perhaps by book seven, which is the ending George is setting up. Meanwhile she will have to deal with the aftermath of a hard fought battle. I believe she will leave mereen to the Brazen Beasts and take her unsullied and Dothraki west. Ships will still be an asset she lacks unless she sacks the free cities or makes friends. Or if Dorne/Ilyrio is able to provide aid. D. Someone, perhaps Tyrion will venture to old Valyria where the ruins are. Where men are afraid to go. This was hinted at during Victarion's passing by. E. The Green Grace is the Harpy
Good thoughts as for the two battles it will be the Battle of Mereen between Danaerys and the Ironborn against the invaders and the other battle is between Stannis and Bolton outside of Winterfell. I am curious to see how ANYONE survives the impending cold and snowfall considering all the crops and buildings are decimated.
The Bolton/Stannis Battle seems more clumsy than anything. Has George confirmed this will be a battle scene? It is more than likely. However at some point, the trouble brewing in Kingslanding will overflow. Perhaps after the trials.
I have no idea whether these are all right or wrong. I think I can see almost all of them happening, but this one gave me pause. It might play out that way, but I haven't really seen enough support of it so far. Maybe I just missed some things.
"I'm going to open with the two big battles that I was building up to, the battle in the ice and the battle at Meereen—the battle of Slaver's Bay. And then take it from there." http://www.smartertravel.com/blogs/...ces-for-song-of-ice-and-fire.html?id=10593041
Except he wasn't building up to a battle at the wall or to the north of the wall, he was building up to a battle at Winterfell.
This one I had never thought of, but it is interesting. I would hate to see any Starks against each other. That also makes me hope that Bran is on the same side of Jon and the forces fighting the Others. Oh and the two battles are Winterfell and Mereen.
Not really a spoiler, but he's released about seven chapters from The Winds of Winter. I'll let you Google on it if you're curious what's in them, but it does shed light on that subject as far as the Battle of Ice and the Battle of Fire at least. No cliffhangers from the last book are addressed in them so it doesn't really spoil anything.
More Essos predictions/speculation: A. Danny/Tyrion may go to Asshai... a mysterious place where Mel is from. This could be key to unlocking the story of the fire cult. Also The fire cult members appear to be fire wights, like many speculate. So this could lead to more information regarding that and their potential clash with the ice wights. Resurrection appears to be a major part of the world of thrones and its religions, as shown with Stoneheart, Thoros, any red priest, the wights, etc. Westeros: A. Sam will be key to figuring out the puzzle of who really runs the world. I suspect it's old magic controlled by the few and powerful. He will may also find that dragon fire is needed to stop the wights. This would give Jon or him, or both, reason to unite with Dany. I can't help but wonder when or if these characters will diverge.
So far only read the Barristan chapter. I'll look the others up later today. Thanks for tipping me off.
Really interesting theory here. The poster links A Song of Ice and Fire to the Ragnarök, a piece of Norse mythology that describes a great war between humanity and otherworldly enemies. I don't agree with everything he says, and he does make some questionable speculative leaps, but there is actually a surprising number of connections between the two stories. The entire thing could be completely wrong, but it's pretty intriguing and definitely worth the read.
