This collection of fantasy sagas has very readable and intriguing plots that make them worth buying in themselves. Martin has produced some excellent characterizations but spoilt this with stereotypical characters. Also many of the storylines mainly of political intrigue, magic and supernatural aspects of another world although eminently readable are also confusing. Possibly this perplexity is caused by Martin setting the stories in a pseudo medieval landscape. On balance I much prefer actual historical fiction about the Middle Ages. Try: Viking Sword Saxon Shield