G.R.R. Martin

[Vilya]

Has anyone been reading the "Fire and Ice Series"? If so I was wondering what the opinions are/were? It has been a popular topic of discussion with some friends of mine.

[Melko Belcha]

Love it, next to Tolkien's work and Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire is one of my favorite reads, fantasy or otherwise. I can not wait for A Feast for Crows.

[Vilya]

Speaking of " A Feast for Crows" have you heard a relese date other than Spring 2004? I am dying for it to come out.

[Melko Belcha]

His website still says Spring 2004. But there is a sample chapter at hiis sight.

[Vilya]

Coool, thanks for the info. I really can't wait for it to come out. I want to know where Jon goes from here. Do you think Rob's efforts to have him legitimized will have worked?

[Arcala]

I just finished A Storm of Swords, and really have to agree with Melko Belcha about the series. Er, Vilya, what do you mean about Jon and Rob getting him legitimized?

[Vilya]

Originally posted by Arcala
I just finished A Storm of Swords, and really have to agree with Melko Belcha about the series. Er, Vilya, what do you mean about Jon and Rob getting him legitimized?

Oops, bad form on my part. I can't tell you or I have to kill you. But in all seriousness I can't tell you because I'll ruin the other books for you. However I will say that they are very interesting, and that I enjoyed them very much.

[Millane]

i am loving this series it is ****ing incredible, it wont touch Tolkien in my mind (but nothing will) definately the second best world ever... ive got about 150 pages to go in Blood and Gold and im about to go finish it soon. Gregor just killed the Red Viper:eek: :mad: im hoping Gregor wont die so he will have to face Doran:evil: sorry i wont be able to put spoilers everywhere im just too lazy, firstly Lysa is a whore much like Sansa but Arya is sick, prefer Tyrion to Jaime and Sandor to Gregor unlike my friend... Martin is a genius and his characters just rock, i love the way the book is set out with Character chapters, i could go on and on. We bought my friend the Game of Thrones board game which also rocks (mainly coz i always get the Starks:p ) and where gunna order some cards this weekend (i also get the Stark deck yay)
enough for now but im sure ill have plenty more to say for later;)

[Vilya]

Nothing is as good as Tolkien in my mind. But this is some of the best stuff written that I have read in the past few years. What's this boardgame? Where did you get it? etc....

[Falagar]

I've been considering reading that series for some time now, a lot of people have reccomended it..

[Vilya]

Originally posted by Falagar
I've been considering reading that series for some time now, a lot of people have reccomended it..

Everyone I know really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.

[Falagar]

Originally posted by Vilya
Everyone I know really enjoyed it and I would definitely recommend giving it a try.
Then you can be the person that finally convinced me to try. ;)

[Mark of Cenla]

I am reading the third one right now. I really like his style and am really enjoying the story. Peace.

[Arcala]

Well, I've finished all three and I still don't understand your meaning, so if you could explain? Sorry, I'm a little dense. :D

[Vilya]

Originally posted by Arcala
Well, I've finished all three and I still don't understand your meaning, so if you could explain? Sorry, I'm a little dense. :D

There is a part right before the Frey "incident" where Rob approaches his mother about legitimizing Jon in case of his own death because at the time no one knows if Ned's two younger son's are still alive. Of course, Caitlyn discouraged the idea due to her personal feelings about Jon and his parentage, but you never really find out if the document exists.

Someone borrowed my copy, but if I can find the chapter # I will get it to you incase you want to reread it.

[Falagar]

Just bought "A Game of Thrones". :)

[Melko Belcha]

Martin also has two short stories based in A Song of Ice and Fire. They can be found in Legends and Legends II Edited by Robert Silverberg. The Hedge Knight is in Legends and I believe the one in Legends II is called The Sworn Sword (have not read it yet). Both stories take place around 100 years before A Game of Thrones. The first part of The Hedge Knight has also been made into a comic book, but I have yet to see it other then some of the artwork, which was great.

Legends contains short stories from various fantasy authors in their best selling worlds, Stephen King (Dark Tower), Terry Pratchett (Discworld), Terry Goodkind (The Sword of Truth), George RR Martin (A Song of Ice and Fire), Tad Williams (Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn), Orson Scott Card (The Tales of Avlin Maker), Ursula Le Guin (EarthSea), Robert Silverberg (Majipoor), Anne McCaphery (The Dragon Riders of Pern), Raymond E Feist (Rift War), and Robert Jordan (The Wheel of Time).

Legends II I do not have yet, and not all the authors in one appear in two, but I do know it has stories by Martin, Tad Williams (Otherland), Elizabeth Haydon, Terry Brooks, and many more.

Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn I like even better the A Song of Ice and Fire and I feel it is a must read for any Tolkien fan, check it out.

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams
The Dragonbone Chair
Stone of Farewell
To Green Angel Tower (paperback is in two volumes)

[Millane]

Originally posted by Vilya
There is a part right before the Frey "incident" where Rob approaches his mother about legitimizing Jon in case of his own death because at the time no one knows if Ned's two younger son's are still alive. Of course, Caitlyn discouraged the idea due to her personal feelings about Jon and his parentage, but you never really find out if the document exists.

Someone borrowed my copy, but if I can find the chapter # I will get it to you incase you want to reread it. hmmm not sure what your meaning, you think Robb might have done something about Jon before that old bastard Frey, well the incident??? i thought the end of it with Stannis' offer made it pretty sure that Jon has found his place (geez i hate talking so cryptic)... oooooh the Epilogue just makes me drool at how the Greatjon will come back into the story (he better come back), im hoping he will meet Jon and destroy the Freys:evil: damn wishful thinking:(

[Arcala]

Oh, now I remember, thanks. :D I think that Jon will stay at the Wall in his New Post as Lord Commander even if he does get legitimized, though.

[Vilya]

Originally posted by Melko Belcha


Tad Williams Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn I like even better the A Song of Ice and Fire and I feel it is a must read for any Tolkien fan, check it out.

Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn by Tad Williams
The Dragonbone Chair
Stone of Farewell
To Green Angel Tower (paperback is in two volumes)

Well...you got me curious so now I have to pick up a copy of your Tad Williams recommendation. I guess I'll add it to the stack of books that other people bought me for Christmas that I wish I had time to read.

Arcala , I agree I think he will stay at the Wall also, but it could be an interesting plot twist. A friend of mine told me his website said the manuscript for A Feast for Crows is still incomplete as of now.

[BeardofPants]

I'm reading Tad Williams first book on the Otherland series. Very enjoyable so far. How does that compare to his fantasy series?

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
I'm reading Tad Williams first book on the Otherland series. Very enjoyable so far. How does that compare to his fantasy series?

I have not read the Otherland series yet, but from the people I know that have it is about 50/50. Some think Otherland is his best work, while others feel Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn is his best. The Otherland series is on my to read list .

[Falagar]

Haven't read the Otherland Series so can't comment on that...

Finished A Game of Thrones in three-two days. Loved it. Amazing book. A Clash of Kings not available. Ordered through Amazon. Getting harder to breath. Must..get my hands on...it. Addi...ction...

Think I'll have to re-read A Game of Thrones to avoid suffocation or other damages caused by abstinence.

[Millane]

Originally posted by Falagar
Haven't read the Otherland Series so can't comment on that...

Finished A Game of Thrones in three-two days. Loved it. Amazing book. A Clash of Kings not available. Ordered through Amazon. Getting harder to breath. Must..get my hands on...it. Addi...ction...

Think I'll have to re-read A Game of Thrones to avoid suffocation or other damages caused by abstinence. oooooh dont i know your feeling:eek: i dont wanna read all the little feast for crows excerpts but i dont think ill be able to stop myself, might be best for me to start them again. unfortunately we didnt order the cards yet but ill probably be able to quench my game thirst with a game of the boardgame this weekend, you never know i might go a treacherous bunch of indbred ****s (translation Lannisters:rolleyes: )... im really anticipating Littlefinger and Varys' roles in the next books, we got a hint of Littlefingers extreme power at the end of Storm of Swords but no idea whatsoever what the 'spider' is up to.

[Melko Belcha]

I don't know if you have ever been to The Citadel site, but check it out. http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/ (It can take awhile to load).
It has the Heraldry for all the families, history, info on the characters, it is a great site and approved by Martin.

[Falagar]

Originally posted by Millane
oooooh dont i know your feeling:eek: i dont wanna read all the little feast for crows excerpts but i dont think ill be able to stop myself, might be best for me to start them again. unfortunately we didnt order the cards yet but ill probably be able to quench my game thirst with a game of the boardgame this weekend, you never know i might go a treacherous bunch of indbred ****s (translation Lannisters:rolleyes: )... im really anticipating Littlefinger and Varys' roles in the next books, we got a hint of Littlefingers extreme power at the end of Storm of Swords but no idea whatsoever what the 'spider' is up to.
Just found ACoK in some shop, and though waiting for it coming through Amazon may all be well and good I couldn't do it.
Originally posted by Melko
I don't know if you have ever been to The Citadel site, but check it out. http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/ (It can take awhile to load).
It has the Heraldry for all the families, history, info on the characters, it is a great site and approved by Martin.
Have visited that page a few times, very interesting (hard to avoid spoilers though).

[Vilya]

Thanks for the link I will check it out as soon as I get home from this stupid business trip.

Sorry for the addiction and withdrawal Falagar . I've been waiting for the next book for months so I am sure you can imagine my pain.

[Millane]

has anyone heard anything about a prequel to Game of Thrones? a friend said he read somewhere that Martin was going to write a prequel once he finished the rest of the books... im already excited (ahhhh Rhaegar:p )
anyway we got the cards this week and although i havent played yet, it is supposed to be awesome (i got a stark deck:D )

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by Millane
has anyone heard anything about a prequel to Game of Thrones? a friend said he read somewhere that Martin was going to write a prequel once he finished the rest of the books... im already excited (ahhhh Rhaegar:p )
anyway we got the cards this week and although i havent played yet, it is supposed to be awesome (i got a stark deck:D )

The two short stories I mentioned earlier, The Hedge Knight in Legends and The Sworn Sword in Legends II, are both prequels that take place around 100 years before A Game of Thrones. They are about a knight, Sir Duncan, and his squire, Egg. Martin said after he finishes ASoIaF he wants to write more about Sir Duncan and Egg. That must be what your friend heard. I have only read The Hedge Knight, but I really do hope he writes more about Duncan.

Legends - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0765300354/ref=pd_sbs_b_1/103-3115643-9301434?v=glance&s=books

Legends II - http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0345456440/ref=pd_sim_books_3/103-3115643-9301434?v=glance&s=books

Here is a review of The Hedge Knight from the website link I put above.
An original novella set approximately 90 years before A Song of Ice and Fire, "The Hedge Knight" tells the tale of Ser Duncan the Tall (more often known as "Dunk") and his trusty, bald squire Egg. While the story does not in any way tie directly to the events of the series, it's a wonderful glimpse of a peaceful Westeros in the times of the Targaryens. And indeed, quite a few Targaryens appear in the story, ranging from the mad to the great. Well-written, with the fully-fleshed characters GRRM is known for, this is definently something any fan of the series should read.

(Those with a sharp eye for detail will no doubt recall a reference to the titular hero of the story in A Storm of Swords.)

[Millane]

Originally posted by Melko Belcha
The two short stories I mentioned earlier, The Hedge Knight in Legends and The Sworn Sword in Legends II, are both prequels that take place around 100 years before A Game of Thrones. They are about a knight, Sir Duncan, and his squire, Egg. Martin said after he finishes ASoIaF he wants to write more about Sir Duncan and Egg. That must be what your friend heard. I have only read The Hedge Knight, but I really do hope he writes more about Duncan. ohhh damn i was hoping for something written exactly the same as a Game of Thrones just earlier on, he said it was supposed to be the lead up to A Game of Thrones, basically a bit of the Targaryen rule then Robert claiming the crown, the possibility of Rhaegar being in the story made my day, so it better be true:(

[Falagar]

You know, ASoS is the first book I've managed to hate and love on the same time...

[Arcala]

How so? Have you finished reading the whole thing yet?

[Millane]

Originally posted by Falagar
You know, ASoS is the first book I've managed to hate and love on the same time... WHAT:eek: A Storm of Swords rocked, have you read both parts or just started or where are you up to? Most of the stuff that i hate in Game of thrones i really love because it is so good to the story eg. Robb and Greywinds roles at Edmure's wedding :mad: :mad: :mad: it makes me so angry yet it is just so great at the same time, if thats what your meaning i fully understand.. Whats not to love about ASoS, Barristan, the Unsullied, Jorah hahhahahha Strong Belwas, and thats just about Dany...

[Falagar]

That's what I meant. :) Finished it on sunday. Really loved that book, lots of moments...and yet...
When I read about the red Wedding and the death of the Red Viper I wanted very much to fling the book against the wall; but just couldn't do it and kept up reading. He's a cruel man, that Martin...;)

[Arcala]

Hey, that's exactly what I thought! Well, with some variations, but the same main idea.:D

I think that no one in that book was actually happy.
Do you think it was right to bring Catelyn back?

[Falagar]

Well, it certainly complicated the matter (especially for the Freys :evil: ), though it may seem a bit like some cheap device to revive Cat...we'll see how he handles it in the next, I've heard Cat won't have any POVs anymore.

[Millane]

Originally posted by Falagar
That's what I meant. :) Finished it on sunday. Really loved that book, lots of moments...and yet...
When I read about the red Wedding and the death of the Red Viper I wanted very much to fling the book against the wall; but just couldn't do it and kept up reading. He's a cruel man, that Martin...;) yeah i know, but i still love the scene between the red viper and Gregor, do you think Gregor's going to die just like that? coz as much as i always wished for him to die by Sandors sword now i want Doran to come out and **** him up Ohhhhhh i just cant stand the wedding chapter, i just get so frustrated and i want to make walder suffer so much, yet then i think how cool it is, Catelyn killing the fool just like that ohhhh so harsh... I loved cat coming back for that moment where she nods to have Merret hung, while never blinking... hahahahah walder feel Cats wrath :evil: :mad: i cant really comment on if it was a good choice until i see how she is in the next books, i thought it was a great little addition to the epilogue, i have full trust in Martin (or God as he should rightly be called) and i dont believe he will **** anything up

[Falagar]

Yeah, the Cat-situation will be interesting (and probably well-handled, it's Martin we're talking about).

It will be delightful to see Cat killing Walder Frey, if it comes to pass. I want that Frey down!

Perhaps they'll both take him? A bit far off perhaps...I have a feeling Sandor will have his revenge, yet I really want the Martell's to have theirs as well. We'll see.

By the way, look what I found! Ordered my copy!
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553801503/qid=1080801973/sr=8-1/ref=pd_ka_1/002-8864648-8752019?v=glance&s=books&n=507846 (http://www.hottoddy.net/amazonexec/qid=1080785887.htm)






Happy april the 1st!

[Falagar]

And while we're waiting for AFFC: My favorite quotes! ;)

Maester (can't remember the name): "There will be pain"
Jaime: "I'll scream."
Maester: "A great deal of pain."
Jaime: "I'll scream very loudly."

Robert: "I vowed to kill Rhaegar for what he did"
Ned: "You did."
Robert: "Only once"

Jaime: "I seldom fling children from towers to improve their health. Yes, I meant for him to die."

Ned: "We're outside the castle."
Littlefinger: "You're a hard man to fool, Stark."

"Winer is coming"
-The Starks

And the best one last:
Jora Mormont: "Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaegar died."

[Arcala]

:D :p :D I loved those quotes too!

Another thing we can do while waiting for AFFC is name favorites! Mine would be either Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen. (Stormborn, Unburnt, Mother of Dragons, etc., etc.)

[Millane]

what character would you be in Westeros if you could be anyone?
i chose Rhaegar (the others said Robert, Jaime and Tyrion)
And the best one last:
Jora Mormont: "Rhaegar fought valiantly, Rhaegar fought nobly, Rhaegar fought honorably. And Rhaegar died." ahh i believe Jorah forgot to add in RHAEGAR ROCKS:D
ooooh theres so many good parts in it, but because ive got Greatjon on my mind it will have to be the part were Rickard Karstark says something like "didnt your father teach you anything of war, boy" to Robb, the Greatjon just says "Boy?" and beats Rickard down with a mailed fist, WOOOOO! UP WITH GREATJON!!!! also "telling the Greatjon not to drink was like telling him not to breathe for a few hours":D classy
i still want to read more about Rhaegar and Neds Sister (whos name has slipped my mind), it just doesnt seem very Rhaegar like to rape her:confused:

[Falagar]

The L+R=Jseems to be one of the most overhyped theories in Westeros, IMO. The hints I've seen so far do indeed point in that direction but it's Martin we're talking about here! :p Unpredictable is his middle-name. Oh, and I think Lyanna was in love with Rhaegar but I'm not sure (at least he loved her)...
Another thing we can do while waiting for AFFC is name favorites! Mine would be either Jon Snow or Daenerys Targaryen. (Stormborn, Unburnt, Mother of Dragons, etc., etc.)
Jon, Davos, Tyrion, Sansa and Jaime are my favorite view-points (used to be Eddard and Arya as well but Arya's been a bit psychopathic lately ;) and Eddard..you know...), though my favorite characters are perhaps Arthur Dayne, Sword of the Morning and Rhaegar...

[Vilya]

I would be Arya, I'm a tomboy anyway and she's got guts. I also loved Rob Stark and Jon Snow.

[Arcala]

I thought it was rather interesting watching Jaime progress from "Why should I care" attitude to "Maybe I'll do something" attitude. Cersei drives me nuts though.

[Vilya]

Originally posted by Arcala
I thought it was rather interesting watching Jaime progress from "Why should I care" attitude to "Maybe I'll do something" attitude. Cersei drives me nuts though.

I agree, I was surprised that Jaime evolved so much. Certsei on the other hand makes me want to slap her silly, but I feel really bad for poor Tyrion. Just goes to show that appearances are decieving, and that some people aren't worth trying to please. (His father for instance).

[Jabberwock]

Martin's series is great so far. I really hope he doesn't screw it up like Jordan did. I hear its going 7 books now. Martin's strengths are his characters and his ability to keep the reader guessing. I love how he can just kill off or hideously maim a character you thought was a keeper. You can never get comfortable reading his books and that discomfort is the kind that feels great and drives you on to read more. I like the John Snow and Arya sections most. I have to agree with a few others on this thread that Tad William's Memory Sorrow and Thorn was a better read, but that is because none of us have finished Martin's books yet. The two stories are quite different though. I read somewhere (pardon me if I missed someone else mentioning this) that Martin said that Williams inspired him to write Song of Ice and Fire after reading Memory Sorrow and Thorn. He said something about Williams showing him that the fantasy epic hadn't actually died as he had thought based on the mass of fantasy being produced today.

[Vilya]

Well, I guess tomorrow I am going to have to go and buy Memory Sorrow and Thorn, too many of you really loved it for me not to give it a read.:)

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by Jabberwock
I read somewhere (pardon me if I missed someone else mentioning this) that Martin said that Williams inspired him to write Song of Ice and Fire after reading Memory Sorrow and Thorn. He said something about Williams showing him that the fantasy epic hadn't actually died as he had thought based on the mass of fantasy being produced today.

That is true, the comet in A Clash of Kings is a dedication to the Conqueror Star in Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn. And in A Storm of Swords there are two brothers named Josua and Elias, Josua and Elias are the name of the two princes at war in M,S,&T.

[Jabberwock]

I hadn't really noticed those. That's cool though. I was referring to an interview with Martin that I read on Amazon where he specifically stated he owed a debt to Williams. I think it's great when writers give little nods to other writers.

[BeardofPants]

Just thought I'd make a note that I'm reading the series... I'm on the second book now. Good so far. It has that political shenanigans that I so loved about Dune. :p

[Millane]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Just thought I'd make a note that I'm reading the series... I'm on the second book now. Good so far. It has that political shenanigans that I so loved about Dune. :p haha so youve read enough to make some character judgements, who's your favorite?, i love talking about peoples favorite characters as they are reading because there is a high probability that they are going to die (like staunch Eddard :( )
anyway if you are into the political side of stories i think you will end up liking characters like Tyrion and Varys (deviant ****:p )
anyway happy to see another mooter has embraced the literary demi-gods, now we wait for the rest:rolleyes:

[BeardofPants]

Funnily enough, my favourite character so far IS Tyrion. Scheming little bastard. :D I also suspect that Jon Snow isn't Eddard Stark's bastard - I think maybe he is Rhaegar's son. Eddard seems too honourable to father a bastard, and he made some sort of promise to his sister. I think they're somehow connected.

Okay, now tell me how wrong I am. :o :p

[Millane]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Funnily enough, my favourite character so far IS Tyrion. Scheming little bastard. :D I also suspect that Jon Snow isn't Eddard Stark's bastard - I think maybe he is Rhaegar's son. Eddard seems too honourable to father a bastard, and he made some sort of promise to his sister. I think they're somehow connected.

Okay, now tell me how wrong I am. :o :p :p wrong...
i sort of wish Jon was Rhaegars son because that would mean Martin could incorporate Rhaegar into the story a lot, but no Jon must be Eddards son i think it will somehow become vital to the house of Stark...
on another not i was just thinking about the incredibly cool Greatjon (BoP better not read this because it will spoil probably one of the biggest moments in the series:eek: )
i was just talking to a friend who had just been reading the Red Wedding and we were talking about Greatjons role in the next books. i think that he is very likely to have some sort of role because if Martin has no more use for him then he would have killed him off, what could be a better ending for the Greatjon than to die alongside his king as his most loyal supporter, so now im really interested to see what he does, the north is in a pretty ****ed situation so could Greatjon be the one to continue in Robbs stead... now saying that it will just be like Martin to have him killed off in some uneventful way like being killed by a warden or something :rolleyes:
Ohhh BoP do you like Sandor and Jaime at the moment? (sorry not sure where your up to)

[BeardofPants]

Originally posted by Millane
:p wrong...
Ohhh BoP do you like Sandor and Jaime at the moment? (sorry not sure where your up to)


Aaaahhh!! Quoting lets you see the spoilers!! *covers eyes*

Really? So, you later find out that Jon is definitely the son of Ned? Cos, you know, I'm absolutely dying to find out what he promised to Lyanna.... Seems to me that Ned taking a mistress goes completely against the grain as well. Hmmm... *is torn between not wanting to read spoilers, and searching for theories on Rhaegar being the father of Jon*.....

I'm not sure what I think of the Hound at the moment. Part of me is sympathetic to him, because of what his brother did to him. And part of me dislikes him for being a Joffrey minion. However, he treats Sansa gentley, so I think he's probably got a bigger story to play. As for Jaime, well, I haven't really read too much about him.

A question: Bran is prophesied to die according to the green dream: does this mean that he loses his broken body, and somehow becomes a warg? As in wolf-form? Okay, maybe you'd better not tell me that one... I'll just finish reading the book. :rolleyes:

Btw: I don't believe you about me being wrong about Jon's heritage. :p *is probably setting herself up for a big fall, but oh well.....* :rolleyes: :p

[BeardofPants]

^BoP has now read the whole thread, and realised that there are several mentions of the (questionable) parentage of Jon. BoP feels like a dopey moron. BoP will now go read the book some more:rolleyes:

[Millane]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Aaaahhh!! Quoting lets you see the spoilers!! *covers eyes*
:eek: sorry:eek: hahaha im prone to spoiling parts of Game, one of my friends brothers and i get really into talking about it, and we forget that he (my friend) is in the process of reading them we've spoilt quite a lot of the books, i was the unfortunate one to spoil Eddards death and numerous other bad things that you wont have read but his brother spoilt stuff about the Hound and Tyrion, his two favorite characters, so it was him that took the beating:p
Really? So, you later find out that Jon is definitely the son of Ned? Cos, you know, I'm absolutely dying to find out what he promised to Lyanna.... Seems to me that Ned taking a mistress goes completely against the grain as well. Hmmm... *is torn between not wanting to read spoilers, and searching for theories on Rhaegar being the father of Jon*..... i never actually doubted that Jon was the son of Eddard, but thinking about it i guess someone else (Rhaegar is probably the best guess) could be his father, it would certainly tie up a few loose ends concerning Rhaegar and his alleged raping of Lyanna, wow it actually sounds like it could happen. knowing Robert would try and kill their son, Eddard claimed him as his own bastard, and it would mean Jon could still have the Stark look about him. the only real "evidence" of him being Neds son is something about his mother later on and it wasnt that great...
I'm not sure what I think of the Hound at the moment. Part of me is sympathetic to him, because of what his brother did to him. And part of me dislikes him for being a Joffrey minion. However, he treats Sansa gentley, so I think he's probably got a bigger story to play. As for Jaime, well, I haven't really read too much about him. hahaha i was just wondering because everyone starts off not thinking that much of the Hound and then somewhere in the 2nd and 3rd book he becomes awesome, as long as you like him more than that monstrosity of a brother (hahaha Red Viper:D ). Jaime also starts out being a character most people dislike but once he gets his chapters and he starts coming into the story he gets a bit better (tyrion will always be the best lannister though;) )
^BoP has now read the whole thread, and realised that there are several mentions of the (questionable) parentage of Jon. BoP feels like a dopey moron. BoP will now go read the book some more haahhahahaha fine you can disown your theory and i will claim it:p i still think there is enough doubt for something else to happen with Jons background, it hasnt been explained in any great way... and i would just love to read more Rhaegar;)

[BeardofPants]

Ah shaddap Millicent. *thwaks him over the head*


I found this (http://groups.google.com/groups?q=parentage+of+jon+snow&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=32925418.0309031246.7a6f21b6%40posting.google .com&rnum=3) on theories on Jon's parentage. Seems like I might've been onto something there with Lyanna and Rhaegar. ;) (Now who's the dope?:p) What started me wondering about Jon's heritage was actually that line he said to Cat about Jon being of his blood, and not being his heir/son. And then I remembered that Lyanna had made him promise something, and yeah, things just started clicking. Of course, if GRR Martin is as 'twisty' as you say, then it may well be one huge red herring. Err.... okay, I really am going back to read the book now.... :o No more internet research. (haven't managed to spoil any plot lines so far, but if I keep looking, I'm sure I will! :rolleyes: )

[Millane]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Ah shaddap Millicent. *thwaks him over the head*


I found this (http://groups.google.com/groups?q=parentage+of+jon+snow&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&selm=32925418.0309031246.7a6f21b6%40posting.google .com&rnum=3) on theories on Jon's parentage. Seems like I might've been onto something there with Lyanna and Rhaegar. ;) (Now who's the dope?:p) What started me wondering about Jon's heritage was actually that line he said to Cat about Jon being of his blood, and not being his heir/son. And then I remembered that Lyanna had made him promise something, and yeah, things just started clicking. Of course, if GRR Martin is as 'twisty' as you say, then it may well be one huge red herring. Err.... okay, I really am going back to read the book now.... :o No more internet research. (haven't managed to spoil any plot lines so far, but if I keep looking, I'm sure I will! :rolleyes: ) oooh so now it comes out, your original idea is actually just ripped straight from a google search, yeah real smart BoP:evil: (just ****ing with you)
well in the words of Budds boss "youve just ****ing convinced me":p
hahah and if i keep talking im bound to spoil more of the story for you aswell:rolleyes:

[Falagar]

Don't worry, I'll take the spoiling from here. ;)

How far have you come now, BoP? (just to know what to discuss and what not to :D )

[BeardofPants]

I'm now up to ASoS: Part I. Will kindly expect you two to NOT spoil any surprises, or your pants will get it. :mad: :p Seriously, please use those wonderful lil' spoiler tags if yer gonna be meanies and laugh at some of my theories. :p

[Millane]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
I'm now up to ASoS: Part I. Will kindly expect you two to NOT spoil any surprises, or your pants will get it. :mad: :p Seriously, please use those wonderful lil' spoiler tags if yer gonna be meanies and laugh at some of my theories. :p Who's laughing, i told you im convinced:p it makes so much sense now. Also i had a look around on the net and read somewhere that Martin said Jons background will be cleared up in the upcoming books, so as far as i can tell that could really only mean Rhaegar (goody) and Lyanna... have you read anything of the unsillied:confused: i know they were in Storm but im not really sure where, one of Martins coolest creations (and no before you start bitching that was in no way a spoiler:rolleyes: :p )
Falagar, any thoughts on Jons real parents?

[Falagar]

I'm not sure about that. It may very well be that Rhaegar and Lyanna are the parents, but after having seen all the evidence around it seems a bit too obvious...Actually, I think he may actually be the bastard-son of Ned.

If you visit the Song of Ice and Fire-board on ezBoards you'll find a whole lot of wacky theories. For example, one of the most frequent I've seen is that Tyrion, Dany and Jon will be the riders of the three dragons...

[BeardofPants]

Originally posted by Falagar
...Actually, I think he may actually be the bastard-son of Ned.


Honestly, if it is true, I'll be really surprised, since Ned was so... honourable. Of course, it could be, that he just couldn't fight 'fate', or whatever GRR's talking about.

...one of the most frequent I've seen is that Tyrion, Dany and Jon will be the riders of the three dragons...

Well, it's not so wacky really. Aren't they all descendants, or in Jon's case, theorised descendants of the Targaryens?

Yes, Millaine, I have read a little of the Unsullied, in that Dany is attempting to recruit some, but I'm not up to very far in the book - she's still on the ship bound for pentos.

[Falagar]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Honestly, if it is true, I'll be really surprised, since Ned was so... honourable. Of course, it could be, that he just couldn't fight 'fate', or whatever GRR's talking about.



Well, it's not so wacky really. Aren't they all descendants, or in Jon's case, theorised descendants of the Targaryens?

Yes, Millaine, I have read a little of the Unsullied, in that Dany is attempting to recruit some, but I'm not up to very far in the book - she's still on the ship bound for pentos.
Not Tyrion (unless that other wacky theory is true, that Tyrion's mother was of House Targaryen ;)).

Well, there is some logic to it - all of these three "killed" their mothers when they were born (if Jon was the son of Lyanna), and as the saying goes "only blod can pay for life".

However, what I don't like with this theory is that it almost always also includes 1) Jon leaving the Night's Watch (which he has tried to escape from once: would be kind of pointless if he then just runs away again. Like the oath says: "...and for all nights to come.") and 2) these three sweeping away all the Others and afterwards Jon marries Dany for then to live happily ever after. Which is perhaps a very sweet ending, but (IMO) far too much cliché for Martin's style.

On Ned: Every character should have some kind of flaw. In Ned's case it's probably that he's too honorable (which makes him a lousy player). But he's still only human. And he probably loved this woman (whoever she was). That he for once did something to dishonor himself and that he still regrets it, would perhaps make him a bit more layered.

[BeardofPants]

Are you sure about Tyrion not having Targaryen stock? cos I seem to remember reading that Jaime had or something. :confused:

[BeardofPants]

Oh, another question: What exactly ARE the seven kingdoms of Westeros?

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by BeardofPants
Oh, another question: What exactly ARE the seven kingdoms of Westeros?

What are the Seven Kingdoms?

At the Event Horizon chat on March 18, 1999, GRRM gave the following answer:

The Seven Kingdoms usage of course dates from the time of Aegon the Conqueror. At that time, there was the King in the North (1), the King of Mountain and Vale (2), the King of the Rock (3), the King of the Reach (4), the Storm King (5), the King of the Iron Islands, who also ruled the riverlands (6), and the kingdom of Dorne, which was ruled by a prince (7).

Check out this site, it is approved by Martin.
http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/

[Falagar]

Well, they were seven kingdoms until Aegon the Conqurer conqured it all (300 or so years before A Game of Thrones takes place): Dorne (led by the Martells and the descendants of that amazon-queen), the Vale of Arryn (Arryn), the River lands (conqured by Harren the Black when Aegon came and burned him down), the Stormlands (not sure but I think the Baratheons ruled there then as well), Stark-lands (Richard "kneeler" Stark bent his frozen knees to Aegon when he happend to sail by), the Reach was a kingdom (can't remember who ruled it though before Aegon though) and of course the Lannisters had a kingdom.

Those I think are the kingdoms in question.

Edit: Bah, too late. ;)

[Arcala]

Do you think that's where the bastard names come from? (Storm, Rivers, Stone, Snow, Sand, can't remember the last one.) 'Cause they do kinda match the kingdoms' names.

[Falagar]

I think the Iron Island has Pyke, and the Targaryens used Blackfyre (or similar)...I think they've just taken them from the surroundings.

[Melko Belcha]

Originally posted by Arcala
Do you think that's where the bastard names come from? (Storm, Rivers, Stone, Snow, Sand, can't remember the last one.) 'Cause they do kinda match the kingdoms' names.

What is the bastard name for each region?

Waters for King's Landing and Dragonstone, Snow for the North, Pyke for the Iron Islands, Rivers for the Riverlands, Stone for the Vale, Hill for the Westerlands, Flowers for the Reach, Storm for the Stormlands and Sand for Dorne. Some believe that the bastard name for Targaryen bastards is Blackfyre, however it seems likelier that Blackfyre instead was a name which Aegon IV's bastard son Daemon was allowed to take. This is supported by the fact that Daemon Blackfyre's half-brother's name is Brynden Rivers, not Brynden Blackfyre.

[BeardofPants]

Thanks Falagar and Melko (you're both not very eeeevil, you know:p). Where did you read this? Is it mentioned in the books at all?

Oh, and my new sig is inspired by a certain individual. ;)

[Falagar]

It's around. ;) Try the Citadel at www.westeros.com, as Melko mentioned (most is taken from "So Spake Martin" and the books).

Nice sig! ;) And I've already read Dune you know..

[Millane]

Originally posted by Falagar
I'm not sure about that. It may very well be that Rhaegar and Lyanna are the parents, but after having seen all the evidence around it seems a bit too obvious...Actually, I think he may actually be the bastard-son of Ned. But it isnt that obvious, he has tactfully woven all these little parts into the story that would so neatly be explained by Jons real parentage, if its not Rhaegar then he will have to come into the story in some other way because i demand satisfaction... raped Lyanna my arse :rolleyes:
On Ned: Every character should have some kind of flaw. In Ned's case it's probably that he's too honorable (which makes him a lousy player). But he's still only human. And he probably loved this woman (whoever she was). That he for once did something to dishonor himself and that he still regrets it, would perhaps make him a bit more layered. yes and personally i would say that Ned forsaking his honor for the love of his family makes him more layered than him having a bastard, while i like your idea that having his honor tainted by Jon Snow i much prefer that what everyone in westeros believes was Neds biggest disposal of honor was actually his greatest display of honor...
Im not sure about this business of Jon, Tyrion and Dany riding the dragons and if it happens it must be well on into the next books when they are fully grown (the dragons of course, poor tyrion will never grow... aha such wit:rolleyes: )
Any other more substantial theories about whats going to happen with Tyrion, he only partially got his revenge i thought...
:mad: just thinking about him makes me angry "my giant of lannister" and the treacherous Shae whore

[Arcala]

Wow, I think you answered your own question there, Melko!

Oh, and BoP, I haven't read Dune 'cause my STUPID LIBRARY doesn't have the first book. Either that or I haven't found it. :rolleyes: Nice sig, though.

Does anyone ever wonder what would have happened had the whole "Tysha-as-whore" incident not happened? I mean, if Tywin and Jaime hadn't done what they did.

[Vilya]

I love the Lyanna/ Rhaegar theory. Perhaps, the Night's Watch will change in light of current events in the last book? That could explain Jon's role changing?

[BeardofPants]

Okay, I'm up to the bit where Pietyr helps Sansa escape from Kings Landing. Why do I have a feeling that he whispered to Joff to kill Bran? What's he up to? It seems to me that he's trying to worm his way into a kingship or something. :rolleyes:

[BeardofPants]

Originally posted by Falagar
For example, one of the most frequent I've seen is that Tyrion, Dany and Jon will be the riders of the three dragons...

Hmm, having thought about this, wouldn't it likely be Bran, Tyrion, and Dany? Tyrion used to dream about dragons when he was little, and Bran has those 'flying' visions... Hmmm...

Oh yes, I have finally finished the books. Didn't expect that C. would be 'resurrected' like that. I wonder what that dealie is all about. :confused:

[Menelvagor]

Has anyone else noticed that the geography of Westeros mimics Britain? There's even a Hadrian's Wall up there...

Just a thought.

[BelegS]

George R. R. Martin is the best Sci-fi/Fantasy I have read, IMO, ever. Certainly better then Tolkien for me.

For other George Martin fans, I'd recommend his collection of Science-fiction stories,

Tuf Voyaging which centres on a peculiar character called Tuf and his horror novel, Fevre Dream which concerns a voyage on Mississippi and some Vampirism.

Great tales.

I don't think that Bran, or Jon or any other Stark for that matter would get to ride the Dragons. I don't think Bran would ever meet up with Dany.
One of my biggest wishes it to see Jon encountering Dany specially if the Rhaegar/Lyanna theory is correct.

[Elvengirl]

Better than Tolkien?! :eek:

Well I started reading one of his, "A Game of Thrones". So far it's good! :)

[BelegS]

Aye, better then anything Tolkien has written. [With the exception of certain Silmarillion passages]
General consensus is that GRRM gets better as we move along, but my personal favorite has always been the first one, perhaps because of my liking of Starks and the North.

[Falagar]

BelegS, you tried Windhaven?

[Elvengirl]

Tolkien's hard to live up to, so if you think they are better then... wow. I'm not going to raise my expectations though, because I don't want to be disappointed. :) I'll let you know what I think.

Is a "Game of Thrones" the first book he wrote? (don't have time to check right now)

[Falagar]

Yup, that's the first one (in the ASoIaF-series, he wrote lots of stuff in the 80's ;)).

[BelegS]

Nah, haven't tried Windhaven, but read Tuf Voyaging, Fevre Dream, Sandkings, Mistfall and will shorty read Dying of Light.

I want to read Windhaven and Song Of Lya though. :)

[Many names of books might be mispelled in the aforwritten couple of sentences since I am not big at remembering book names]

[Vilya]

Originally posted by BelegS
Aye, better then anything Tolkien has written. [With the exception of certain Silmarillion passages]
General consensus is that GRRM gets better as we move along, but my personal favorite has always been the first one, perhaps because of my liking of Starks and the North.

I hesitate to say better than Tolkien, though people giggle when I insist The Hobbit is my favorite. Still Martin is incredible, and the first one is my favorite, but I do think it is because of the wolves and the the Starks.

[Millane]

OMG i have found a substitute to keep me from madness until a Feast for Crows comes out, the comics of the Hedge Knight are ****ing awesome, i read the first one last night and it was awesome. well drawn and an awesome story, and most of all GREAT TARGARYENS:D (ie more Rhaegarish less Viserys)
The trial by seven as the climax is awesome, Ser Duncan and his companions riding against a Targaryen prince and his son and 3 of the Kingsguard and a prick of a fossoway and another targaryen... I dont really want to spoil to much but although it is set 100 years before A Game of Thrones you can see "relatively" small things that have made massive consequences in the books, but you all will just have to read them :p

[Strongbow]

Song of Ice and Fire is awsome awsome awsome, i dont say that about many series, id say its one of my favorite to date.

[IronParrot]

Upon a strong, strong recommendation of a friend of mine, I have purchased the three existing books in the "Song of Ice and Fire" series.

It's next on my list.

[Snowdog]

I too picked up the Fire & Ice trilogy on ebaY recently. I managed to get through the prologue in a month. It seemed good, but for some reason it doesn't drive me to want to pick it up and read.

[Millane]

I too picked up the Fire & Ice trilogy on ebaY recently. I managed to get through the prologue in a month. It seemed good, but for some reason it doesn't drive me to want to pick it up and read. its just a prologue wait until you really get into the story...

[Lenya]

George R. R. Martin is the best Sci-fi/Fantasy I have read, IMO, ever. Certainly better then Tolkien for me.

For other George Martin fans, I'd recommend his collection of Science-fiction stories,

Tuf Voyaging which centres on a peculiar character called Tuf and his horror novel, Fevre Dream which concerns a voyage on Mississippi and some Vampirism.

Great tales.

I don't think that Bran, or Jon or any other Stark for that matter would get to ride the Dragons. I don't think Bran would ever meet up with Dany.
One of my biggest wishes it to see Jon encountering Dany specially if the Rhaegar/Lyanna theory is correct.

Sounds worth it. Can you please give me the names of his stories, I want to check it out.

[BeardofPants]

A Game of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords (sometimes divided into two books)

[Falagar]

His series aren't finished yet though, there's still 3-4books left (and he's taking ages to write them).

[Lenya]

Thanx, I'll look in to it.

[BeardofPants]

I write this the day after the presidential election.

A FEAST FOR CROWS is still not finished. Yes, I have written some more pages since the June update. No, the book is not yet done. My August and September schedule was full of conventions, travel, and speaking appearances, which cut deeply into my writing time during those months. Yes, I could have made more progress on the book if I had stayed at home chained to the desk, but I make these commitments years in advance and I take them very seriously.

Also, some of the writing that I have done since June has actually been rewriting. My goal, as I have said repeatedly in these updates, has always been to produce a book that is a good as it can be, so when I suddenly realize that one of my story threads can be made much more powerful and dramatic with some restructuring, I restructure... even if that means going back, tearing up finished chapters, and reworking them from start to finish.

That's done, anyway. A FEAST FOR CROWS will be much better for it, and now I am back at work on new chapters once again... although not today, and maybe not tomorrow, or next week. I am pretty good with words, usually, but no words can express how miserable, angry, and depressed I am feeling this morning over the results of yesterday's election. The exit polling makes it clear: this was a victory for bigotry and fear, a mandate bought with lies. I know from past experience that it is going to take me some time to shake off this depression.

Losing myself in the world of Westeros would probably be the best medicine for what ails me just now, I know full well. There is solace in work, and books -- my own books, and those of others -- have always been a refuge for me during dark times in my life. Today, however, the {fictional} travails of my {fictional} Seven Kingdoms seem pretty unimportant compared to the very real woes that the United States is facing, a future of war and isolation abroad, and division and repression at home.

Winter is coming to Westeros, but it has already come to America.


—George R.R. Martin, November 3, 2004

Recently posted on GRR's site.

[Lenya]

Recently posted on GRR's site.

That is a cool quote. I think I like the guy allready :)

[Millane]

Recently posted on GRR's site.
im taking it someone else literally had an orgasm after seeing that his website was updated in the FFC section after about a month of nonactivity? :D No? i guess it was just me :(
You gotta love that final line
Winter is coming to Westeros, but it has already come to America. :D :D :D

[BeardofPants]

Silly Millicent. :D ;) Nope, you weren't the only one *****ing grapes. ;)

[Falagar]

Another update! :) Here, in fact (http://www.georgerrmartin.com/nextbook.html)
As I write, six days have passed since the election.

Since I posted my "Mourning for America" update last Wednesday, I have been absolutely deluged with emails. As of this writing I have received more than six hundred letters. Short letters, long letters, funny letters, sad letters, heartfelt letters, angry letters, and everything in between. I am pleased to say that the vast majority of those emails have been very supportive.

Yes, there have been a few dozen abusive letters full of semi-literate namecalling, but actually fewer than I anticipated. No surprise there. Like Superchicken, I knew the job was dangerous when I took it. To those who say they will never read a book by me again, well, that's your choice. To those who suggested I get out of "your" country and move to France, nah, don't think so. I have nothing against France and hope to visit there again one day, but this is my country, and I believe I will stay and fight for it.

I have also received some thoughtful and considered missives from Bush voters, expressing their disagreement with the views I expressed in my last update. I wish I had time to answer those, since I do believe that the only way America is ever going to heal is if people of good will on both sides talk to one another and find some common ground. However, the last thing I need right now is to engage in twenty or thirty protracted political discussions via email. I do appreciate those letters and respect those who took the time to write them, as much as we may disagree on Bush, Kerry, and the issues.

Hundreds of you wrote to echo my sentiments about the election and the future that we face. Some of you have said that my words helped you in dealing with your own rage, depression, and despair. If so, I am very pleased. Your own emails had the same effect on me. I wish I could answer each and every one of those emails personally, but that is obviously impossible... especialIy since the flood continues even as I write.

I have, however, read every letter that I received. We all need to be reminded from time to time that we do not stand alone. It was good of so many of you to take the time to console me, commiserate, share your outrage, and generally help me try and recover from the aftermath of the vote.

So where am I now?

Back at work on A FEAST FOR CROWS, mostly. Revised and rewrote one of Arya's chapters yesterday. Today I mostly worked with Sam, and a little bit with Cersei. I still hope to finish by year's end, but of course I have said that before. We will see how it goes.

As for the election, our fight (like Tolkien's road) goes ever on and on, and we must follow where we can. There will be other battles, other elections, and we are legion. The Boss says it best: NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER.

Keep reading, keep thinking, and keep voting.

—George R.R. Martin, November 8, 2004

[Count Comfect]

I just spent an entire two days slacking off from school and instead reading A Storm of Swords (previously read the other two in the series). GOD it's good.

I wish that he were less interested in politics in the US... because then he'd finish the bloody book faster :p

[brownjenkins]

just started GoT two days back... only about 100ish pages in, but pretty good so far... i had finally finished the dune series, excellent stuff, but lot's of work on the head... then read through eddings stuff in about two weeks ;) the opposite end of the spectrum as far as literary intensity goes, but still entertaining... martin's a good in-between, not too basic, but not too deep either

my question, do his books continue in the jordan-esk "mostly about personal relationships" style... or do you get a bit more in terms of an epic plot as the series goes on? not that that's a bad thing, just curious

[Lenya]

That sounds perfect. I just bought Dune but I haven't setteled down to read it yet. Though I must admit, I LOVE the politics and plots within plots (I saw the mini series) and I can't wait!

[BeardofPants]

Tom, a lot of the series is about personal relationships, and their development towards a "bigger picture", so to speak. Full of political intrigues, and petty revenges - fantastic stuff. :D

[Lenya]

I want to buy A Song of Ice and Fire, by GRR Martin, but I don't really know what its like. I've been looking for reviews but I just can't find any. Don't know what I'm doing wrong. To top it all, not one library in the facinity has the books in store, so I can't find out if its good or not.

Can anyone who has read it please tell me his/her oppinion. I'm desperate here.

[Jabberwock]

Martin's Ice and Fire series is very well written, populated with complex characters you love or love to hate, and has a great setting, plot, etc. So far. Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the set of main characters (not first person though). There is no true protagonist. Instead, there is a cast of about a dozen characters who alternately appear as the focal point of the narrative. You'll likely discover there are a few characters you'd rather speed through to get to the one's you love. My personal favorites are John Snow, Aria, Jaime, and Tyrion. The series is a sprawling epic dealing with the deaths of monarchs and the struggle toward a new ruling body. Along the way, though, it becomes clear that there are other forces in motion which seem like they'll supercede the petty quarreling of nobles. It's a very complex story so there is no easy summary of it all. It runs the gammit from court intrigue to haunted wilderness exploration to deserts and swashbuckling port cities. You might as well buy it and start reading it because I haven't met a person who didn't like the series. Martin has a way of keeping his reader constantly guessing and reassessing their expectations.
That all being said, one warning - if you're sensitive to sexual situations and swearing, there are times in the books when such things appear, not often, but graphically. It's still well worth reading.

[Falagar]

One of my favorite series, of which the last book (A Feast for Crows) which I've been waiting for a long time now is just finished! :D Knowing Norwegian bookstores (though one of them even recommends it) it will probably not be here before 2006, but still.

Check out this thread for more info (watch out for spoilers, though ;)): http://entmoot.tolkientrail.com/showthread.php?t=10434

[Snowdog]

I bought three of these books at a used book store, and started reading Game of Thrones but only got through the prologue. I have just recently started reading it again. Maybe I will get farther this time?

[Lenya]

Thanx Jabberwock! Great (and convincing) review - just what I wanted to hear. Maybe I'll order it over the internet if I loose my temper ('cause I simply can't find it!) but not just yet. Still busy with Death Gate Cycle and next up is the rest of the Chronicles of Narnia. *sigh* It is hard to be a fantasy fanatic, but oh so good :D

[Snowdog]

I tried to start reading Game of Thrones three times and the last time managed to get through chapter 1. I guess it doesn't inspire me th read on. So Lenya, if you want my used set, I'l send them to you.

[Pytt]

Thanks to Falagar, I read the Game of Thrones book this summer. And I like'd it alot! :) Very good. But... when I read it, I missed WoT so much, so I began reading it instead :roll: But I'll surely finish Song of Ice and Fire. After I've read alot of other stuff. :)

[Falagar]

At last! At long, long, long last! Praise the Red, Drowned and other gods, AFfC has come! :D



Well, hasn't gotten all the way here yet, as I can't afford it, but it's definitely out there, somewhere. Soon...soon.

[brownjenkins]

fantastic stuff. :D

as always, anna is dead-on :D

gotta order my copy too :)

[BeardofPants]

Ooh, glad you stuck at it. *high five*
Yep, can't wait for the next book. I should re-read the series in prep for it, but I'm too busy at uni right now. :(

[Lenya]

I tried to start reading Game of Thrones three times and the last time managed to get through chapter 1. I guess it doesn't inspire me th read on. So Lenya, if you want my used set, I'l send them to you.

Now way man, that's really great of you - too bad I was not here to read that post, I allready bought them all :cool: and read book I & II . And... I LOVED it! It was soooo good. The only reason why I haven't read on is because the exam is coming up... study, study...

I can't believe I'm going to say this, so cover your eyes guys... *big breath* I like it better than LotR. *silence, breathe out* The only book that tops it is Silm.

[BeardofPants]

I bought the new book, but I'm not allowed to read it until after my exams. The last time I delved into GRR Martin's world, I almost failed a paper at university, so the BF has hidden the book from me, until I've finished. No will power. :(

[BeardofPants]

I have the new book hidden somewhere in my apartment - not allowed to read it until after my exams are over. :(

[Lenya]

:D :D :D Man, I know how you feel. My book is at home and I am at ress. *only difference, I'm to start with book III - can't wait!*

[Lenya]

You know, I feel really stupid. I started a thread without knowing of this one and now there are two of the same threads. How idiotic. Someone should merge them.

[Millane]

ohhhh its ssoooooo good, dont wait BoP, **** exams :rolleyes:
im only about 350 pages into it, and i wont say to much about it but ill spoilerise it anyway...
its a bit wierd to start off with, a lot of chapters from characters who havent had chapters before, and not so many from older characters arya and sansa have had 2 and Cersei's had a couple and Brienne, but thats about it. There have been some awesome chapters, the Kingsmoot to see who will replace Balon, a nice prologue in Oldtown, and my favourites of all, Arya in Braavos becoming a faceless man!!!!! Wish thered been a bit more Tyrion in the story though, theres been nothing except for Cersei bitching about him, and since when has Cersei been madly in love with Rhaeger?
anywho ill finish the book and then write a bit more...

[BeardofPants]

Last time I did that, I almost failed... It'll be my reward for all this crap work. Which reminds me, better get back to it. :(

[Falagar]

At least you got it, BoP. :p Still a week until I can even think of affording to get myself a copy. :-/ Must...resist...spoilers...

[BeardofPants]

Well, it turns out that my exam isn't until NEXT friday (4th nov). Now all I have to do is persuade the BF to tell me where he hid the book. Hmm... perhaps I'll try sexual favours. :rolleyes:

[Pytt]

I've already read the first one. I liked it very much, though I fancy WoT :rolleyes: But I think I will read it trough later. I have some other books to read now.

[Millane]

not to many spoilers but anyway...
id forgotten that he was splitting this book differently to Storm of Swords, and half of the characters are in this one and half in the next one hence why i was feeling a bit lost about half the characters and stories not being there :p
i tend to think that it might have been better if hed just split the story in half like SoS rather than just put half the characters in one book half in another. it could be good when the next one comes out (next year my arse :D ) but its just annoying me having waited so long to not have a single Tyrion chapter or anything to do with Stannis or the Wall or Dany...
im predicting the next book will be much better than this one...
as for this book, still not done but its had its fair share of awesomeness. the new High Septon seems pretty fanatical and funky, Arya is just ****ing cool, Briennes chapters (so far) tend to get a little boring, Cersei is just becoming more messed up, and Jaime's chapters havent been to eventfal either...
hopefully able to finish it this weekend...

[Jabberwock]

I'm just about through Feast for Crows and it hasn't disappointed me in the least. The good thing is that next year we get Dance of Dragons because he had to split Feast for Crows into two books due to length issues. This new book is just as good as the others so it's nice to know 3 years wait hasn't been for nothing.

[Elemmírë]

I think a lot of people believe that nothing much happened in this book, but to me it seems that so much was built up for the next one (okay, the one after the next :rolleyes: ). I'm glad we got to see Dorne, though. :)

And I'm wondering if the Lannister twins are really Lannisters... once could have been a fluke, but I caught two allusions that Jaime wasn't Tywin's son: Genna's words and then the dream with Joanna.

[The Telcontarion]

Great series, however I'm disappointed at how long it for the feast of the crows to come out and from what I here it wasn't worth the effort; I know he likes detail but it was probably over done. I'll wait for it on paper back.

[BelegS]

from what I here it wasn't worth the effort; I know he likes detail but it was probably over done. I'll wait for it on paper back

Eh. Obviously it's up to you, but for what it's worth, I thought the book was excellent and moved the story forward very nicely.

[The Telcontarion]

ok belegS, but I'll stilll wait for it on paperback (cause I'm broke).

[Curubethion]

Aha! Found you, elusive GRR Martin thread! And only for the sole purpose of saying...

I'VE READ THE FIRST BOOK, AND I LOVE IT!! :D

[brownjenkins]

It's an awesome series with the potential to be the best among modern fantasy series. A talented writer with the ability to self-edit in a way you don't find too often among even good writers. Very few dull moments.

[Curubethion]

Indeed, and I love the way he sets up the characters and their beliefs...I love the Starks, BTW...there's just something extremely awesome about their whole...flavor, if you will. Winter is coming...love it! My favorite scene so far was when Ned went down to the crypts at Winterfell...I felt that captured the essence of the North perfectly!

[The Telcontarion]

Welcome to the club, and wait unti you actually read the other books. awesome series indeed.

[Falagar]

Indeed, and I love the way he sets up the characters and their beliefs...I love the Starks, BTW...there's just something extremely awesome about their whole...flavor, if you will. Winter is coming...love it! My favorite scene so far was when Ned went down to the crypts at Winterfell...I felt that captured the essence of the North perfectly!
Agreed. :) Ned is one of my favorite characters in any fantasy-series ever.

[BelegS]

Arya > Bran > Jon > Lyanna > Benjen > Rickon > Eddard > Sansa.


All of 'em are pretty awesome though, with the exception of Sansa. Arya is the greatest character I have ever encountered in fiction.

[Falagar]

Pfft, Sansa ftw. :p

[bropous]

I've just started these books, little Bran has been pushed off the building, and I am HOOKED. This is a really good book. I'm staying away from this thread until I've gotten through the series, to avoid spoilers. Martin is an excellent writer.

[Mark of Cenla]

I recently bought the fourth book, so I started by re-reading the first one for the second time. I am almost done with it. Peace.

[bropous]

Halfway through book #3, and all I can say is:

WOW!!!!!!!!!

I checked with Barnes and Nobles today. Martin's next novel, "Hedge Knights", due out in August.

[bropous]

Well, I misspoke. "Hedge Knights" is not the book I'm waiting for.

"A Dance With Dragons" is the one I am waiting for. And it is still not written yet.

As a writer, Martin is fantastic. I think he is a jackass politically. Typical whining liberal, loves his own rights, but hey, screw those who live in oppression, can't be bothered to extend freedom to those who are living with the iron boot on their throats. His screeds on the 2004 election made me want to vomit.

Oh well, fine, I can appreciate his writing and his books while thinking he has his head up his fat rear end on other issues, part of the duality of man, "you know, the whole Jungian thing".

Some of the books did bog down here and there, and I found the whole Ironborn succession sidestory a tad on the boring side. His obsession with food (and it shows in his photos) gets a bit wearying, and some of the genealogies of minor characters is unnecessarily detailed.

I'd say, all in all, that this is some of the best fantasy fiction that I have read in recent years, and I am really looking forward to the next book.