Great review, and I can so relate. It didn't take me all of 8 years (wow!), but it certainly did feel forever to me, too ... and I also agree about the battle scenes. Ugh.

8 years!!?? I am amazed you kept going with it. I would have already forgotten anything I read.

I watched the ZDF production before reading the book. Of course it wasn't complete but it helped a lot in remembering the main stories and who was who because I had a face for lots of characters.

I am reading this in English right now (first time, too). I began around Memorial Day (U.S. holiday at the end of May) and after reading 10-12 pages per day, I should be done by Labor Day (first weekend of September).

I know it sounds crazy, but I really fancy a re-read of this. :) It's been a long, long time since I first read it, tho. I also had an edition with a map of characters.