re: Crackpot ASOIAF Theories SPOILERS

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tell me this wont be a repeat of my tolkien experience

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(a) I don't think GRRM has much of the same tone as Tolkien.

(b) GRRM is much more concerned with the geo-political struggles and backstabbing. His focus on religion is secondary and is largely focused on how religion is a mechanism for control. Tolkien is more concerned with the meta-physical, spiritual, and Christian aspects of his stories. The Hobbit is, in many ways, a drawn out David v. Goliath story.

(c) LOTR is filled with the fantastical. As ASOIAF continues, more fantasy based elements are introduced (dragons, magic, zombies), but the focus remains on the characters and the mystical supplements, rather than drives, the story. LOTR and the Hobbit uses the mystical as allegories to the Bible and other Christian writings that influenced Tolkien.

(d) ASOIAF is generally more exciting. The pacing is faster, the use of multiple character POVs keeps things interesting by allowing GRRM the use of cliffhanger endings to each chapter that won't get resolved until 5 chapters later, and the violence and sex are described in more detail.

In sum, GRRM is a much more modern author and it shows. Tolkien is from a different era and it shows. I, for one, love both Tolkien and GRRM, but I don't think disliking Tolkien will equate to you disliking GRRM. My wife is the same way. Not a fantasy person, but has enjoyed ASOIAF.