Now that Harry Potter has come and gone it's time to move on to bigger and, dare I say, better things.
"A Feast For Crows" is set to release on November 8th and I am already excited for it. I'm hoping we'll see a lot more of both Bran's and Jon Snow's stories.
What are your hopes?
?
[ November 07, 2005, 02:02 AM: Message edited by: _ ]
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
I know that we are only getting "half a book" with this installment. I wish I knew which half! Who's stories will we follow? Who's stories do we have to wait for next time to see?
*anticipates*
Posted by Ginol_Enam (Member # 7070) on :
When'll the paperback be out? Hardcovers cause me pain... Especially thick hardcovers...
Plus my copies of the previous three are all paperback...
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
All the people that you've been waiting to read about in this next book -- they won't be in this half. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Yeah, porter is right.
According to Martin, "The focus in FEAST will be on Westeros, King's Landing, the riverlands, Dorne, and the Iron Islands....Meanwhile, all the characters and stories removed from FEAST are moving right into A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, which will focus on events in the east and north."
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Help me out here... which characters are in which places?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Surely I can't be the only one who really doesn't care about Dany, and consequently is happy with the focus in Feast... Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Bev, it's been a little too long since I've read the book to answer that with certainty. I started to reply to you, and realized that way too many of my answers started with "I *think* that...".
I'm sure that before too long someone will come along that can give you a definitive answer on where all of the major characters were at the end of the third book.
In the meantime, the question I'm wondering about is how many books will end up in the series. Martin now says that splitting A Feast for Crows in two will result in it going to a 7th book. I had been thinking for quite some time that it was going to take 7 books for him to wrap everything up, and with the splitting of AFFC I think it'll go to 8.
Posted by OlavMah (Member # 756) on :
Greyjoy, Asha, and crew are in the Iron Isles. The Dornish characters are new. The others I'm not sure about, and I'm also not sure which character locations are supposed to be a surprise. I mean, did George say in Book 3 that Bran is married to Danaeres?
Just kidding. I think some character locations are meant to be a surprise, though, and I didn't read Book 3 so I'm not sure which. So I'll keep my mouth shut about what few details I do know about Book 4.
Current estimates on total book numbers vary. Bear in mind, it was originally supposed to be a trilogy.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
I want to know what happens to Arya, Sansa, Tyrion (evil?), and (spoiler) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Zombie-Mom (I never much cared for her character, actually. I have little respect for a woman who abandons her toddler and tags along with her oldest son who doesn't really need her so she can feel "important", and messes stuff up in the process. Makes me sick. But now she's a Zombie!)
Posted by Crotalus (Member # 7339) on :
Tom, No you are not the only one. I have just never been able to care much about Daenerys (or however the heck you spell her name). But I DO want to know what happens to that bastard Jon.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Oh! And of course Jamie and what's-her-face. (I honestly can't remember her name!) Oh, the irony....
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Tom, you're definitely not the only one. I know she's a major character and all, but I just never warmed to her.
Bev, what's-her-face's name is Brienne. I'm curious about her and Jaime, but primarily, I want to know what happens with Arya, Sansa, and Jon. Thus, I have mixed feelings about the split.
Also, Nymeria. I want to know what happened to her. I got VERY attached to the wolves my first time through the first book, and so I
spoilers below
. . . . . . . . . was heartbroken when Ned killed Lady. I'm worried about Ghost and Nymeria. I also want to see Cersei get what's coming to her.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote: I also want to see Cersei get what's coming to her.
I expect her to get what she deserves no more than Ned got what he deserved.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
Tom, I really didn't care much about her until the last book. For some reason I started caring a little bit.
?
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
quote:I expect her to get what she deserves no more than Ned got what he deserved.
Well, I know that, but a girl can hope, can't she?
Posted by His Savageness (Member # 7428) on :
I think now that daddy's dead, things will start crumbling around Cersei's pretty, diabolical head. The teaser chapter on GRRM's website seems to show that already happening.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:Well, I know that, but a girl can hope, can't she?
In vain.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
There are wolves in this series? Oh dear, I'm gonna have to go read it. Darn, another fantasy series. Please, stop twisting my arm.
--Mel
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
This ain't exactly your average fantasy series. But I will let you find that out for yourself.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
Oh, goody. Average can be so boring. My husband has already decided that he must read the series just because of the title of the new book.
--Mel
[EDIT: At least it will be something to read while I'm waiting for my library to get Magic Street. A month since it came out and they haven't even ordered it yet! ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
If you haven't read any of it, I envy you...you get to read all 4 books right away rather than waiting for each installment from year to year.
Kwea
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by Crotalus: Tom, No you are not the only one. I have just never been able to care much about Daenerys (or however the heck you spell her name). But I DO want to know what happens to that bastard Jon.
Ditto. I guess we'll just have to wait another thirty years to read "The Many Adventures of Lord Snow." Makes me sad, really.
And I'm beginning to get the sense I shouldn't have left Wisconsin this year - he's got an announced signing date in Madison. That makes the fourth thing I will have missed this half-year alone. No one EVER comes to WI! Why now? Hrmph.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
quote:If you haven't read any of it, I envy you...you get to read all 4 books right away rather than waiting for each installment from year to year.
Yes, but then the rest of the wait will be nearly unbearable. I did the same thing with The Wheel of Time: I read the first seven books in the space of a few months. Waiting for book eight was excruciating, and then it was so disappointing. I've been so disgusted with these later ones that at this point I almost don't even care if he finishes it.
At any rate, I reserved the first book of the series at the library. I'm number two on the waiting list so hopefully it won't take too long.
--Mel
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
beverly, you read these books? Hm, I'm interested to hear what you think of them.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Over the course of the series I've found myself to be a real fan of Tyrion. At first I couldn't stand him but now he really appeals to me. Jamie is beginning to grow on me too, and I'm not certain why...perhaps because he became a bit more human in the last book. Either way, I can't wait till AFFC comes out.
space opera
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I am disappointed because I like Dany and the story line in the Grey Isles didn't draw me in at all. When I re-read I tend to skip those chapters, though I did like Asha, what glimpse we got of her.
Did I miss something?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
No, you didn't miss anything. But I have a feeling that it will be like it was with many of the main characters, we get a taste of them and then get to see them as real people. We'll learn to like them, perhaps even love them.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
My biggest fear: that Martin will pull a Jordan. Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: But I have a feeling that it will be like it was with many of the main characters, we get a taste of them and then get to see them as real people. We'll learn to like them, perhaps even love them.
And then they die.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
Of course Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
I have a love/hate relationship with a lot of the characters from Kings Landing and that area. We heard all about the horrible deeds they did in the first book or two. For instance, I really didn't like "The Dog" or Jamie.
Now, after the last book I not only don't want them to die anymore, but I want them to prosper. I have to force myself sometimes to remeber the actions they did in the past.
?
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Crowswife, spoilers seem to be fairly heavy on the ground in this thread; I suspect that you'll enjoy the series more if you can keep yourself from reading what everyone has to say in here.
quote:My biggest fear: that Martin will pull a Jordan.
Nah, not a chance. Martin is one of the most talented authors working today, and this is his magnum opus. There's no way he'll ruin it.
I'm marginally fond of the Dany plotline. I didn't care for it at first, but it has definitely grown on me. The one group of characters that I find almost completely uninteresting are the Greyjoys. I'm not really looking forward to seeing more of them, although I expect that Martin will end up making me enjoy the Greyjoy chapters more than I'm expecting.
The chapters that revolve around Stanos' right hand man, whose name is escaping my mind right now, tended to be less interesting to me than most others in A Clash of Kings.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Narnia, have you read them? I tried to IM you, but it appears you are not online.
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Stannis's right-hand man is Davos, the Onion-Knight. I don't remember where he was when Storm of Swords ended, though; I'm in the process of re-reading it now.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: I'm not really looking forward to seeing more of them, although I expect that Martin will end up making me enjoy the Greyjoy chapters more than I'm expecting.
Actually, the Greyjoy chapters that I've seen from Feast are seriously cool.
Posted by theCrowsWife (Member # 8302) on :
I don't think it will matter. I don't know these characters or places, so even at this moment I couldn't tell you what I've read here. Other than the fact that some of the characters die, which is hardly unique in fantasy worlds. But already I can't remember which ones were mentioned.
Now, if I had already read some part of the series, I would avoid this thread like the plague.
--Mel
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
beverly, I haven't read them...that's why I'm interested to get your take on them.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Narnia, I would love to be able to IM you about it because the discussion could get involved. But I can start the discussion here since I can't seem to get an IM to you. (Email could work, but not as much back-n-forth possible. )
I have been deeply impressed with these books. Martin has accomplished things here that I've never seen any other author acheive. Not that I am the most well read person, but there you go.
Complaints that some people have is the following: The world is brutal and some of the events and descriptions graphic. I have forgiven the graphicness because of the content and purpose of the books in general. At times it has been more than I am comfortable with, but I greatly prefer this book's "neutral" take on the world than the highly (or even subtly, which is even worse in some ways) contrived and exaggerated works of some other authors. Other authors make me feel that I am trapped in their own personal and often IMO, sick fantasy, in which I find myself uncomfortable. Martin makes me uncomfortable, but I never feel he is "twisting" the story to fit his own twisted fantasy. Instead I feel like an observer in a powerful reality that is unfolding. There is no need to consciously suspend disbelief. Humans are acting in an entirely believable fashion.
Another complaint: The switching POV. There is no "main character", no "hero" to follow. This really, really ruins the enjoyment for some people. It didn't for me, and it may not for you if you are aware of it ahead of time. Porter started to read them a couple years ago, and I remember him saying that he finally figured out who the "main character" was supposed to be. Then that person died.
That is the third complaint. Anyone and everyone can die in these books. In fact, you really get a sense of the "rightness" of death. That it is a truly natural part of life. Again and again you see people in the series in varying efforts to "cheat" or otherwise tamper with death. This is portrayed as a hauntingly evil and ugly thing. Martin seems to be saying: Death happens. Deal with it.
As I read these stories, I wanted to share them with *someone*. My sister kept coming to mind. But I knew the graphicness would bother her. I finally got her to read the first book. Once she got into it, she couldn't put it down! But she had nightmares. (She is a very sensitive and visualizing individual. Me, not as much.) She loved the stories, found them very powerful, but didn't want to continue reading. So I spoilerized the rest of the existing series for her.
BTW, Porter stopped reading when he encountered an emotionally unpleasant and a bit-too-graphic oral sex scene in the second book. Not amazingly graphic, just past comfort level for him. He picked them back up again after some Hatrackers' praise, particularly Geoff's who said he believed this to be the best series ever written. High praise from OSC's son. I appreciated knowing about the oral sex scene ahead of time. I read it, but I was more prepared to deal with it.
It wouldn't be incorrect to call some of the passages in the book pornographic. But everyone has their tolerance-level.
I suppose a final complaint could be that the books seem too "hopeless". Time and time again you see someone you like getting into deeper and deeper trouble, coming out amazingly on top, only to be completely trounced again. Some very good people suffer unjust deaths while some very evil people seem to prosper. Now, I feel that I know Martin well enough to know that he has some sense of balance and retrobution in his writing. He is not an "evil triumphs" sorta guy. But he can take a meandering path getting there. Reminds me of a recent Hatrack conversation with Corwin (I'm pretty sure) where he expressed frustration that if the universe had a God, we'd see more justice and balance in the world. I pointed out that we don't get to see the full story in our mortal lifetime--not to mention not seeing the "first act" that happened before our birth. So, while my sister expressed distress at the seeming blazen unfairness, I trust that Martin will bring things to a deeply satisfying conclusion. In the meantime, it is quite a ride.
Do you remember the "Neverending Story" when the bookkeeper said to Bastian, talking of being able to return as a little boy again after reading his books, "Your books, are *safe*." To which Bastian replied, "And that one isn't?" If you are going to read these books, you have to accept that they aren't "safe". Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the whole world turns upside down. Martin does not follow cliche.
So, there you have it. My first explaination of what I think of the books.
Oh, lotsa swearing too. In fact, the used copies we bought just happened to have all the "f" words blackened out! Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Thanks for writing all of that out! I've so wanted to read them, but it's the graphic violence and sex that's held me back. It seems that it's all through the books (and the swearing makes me uncomfortable too) and I don't know if a good book is worth feeling uncomfortable througout the whole thing. Like you said, we all have different tolerance levels. I'm not sure what mine would be with this series, and I don't know if I want to read a series that might actually end up raising my ability to tolerate stuff like that...I'm usually a wimp.
Hm. But your post shed a lot of light on the series as a whole, and I still really want to read the books. I guess I could give it a shot....but then there's that everpresent danger of getting sucked in past all help. Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
quote:The chapters that revolve around Stanos' right hand man
quote:Stannis's right-hand man is Davos
I love how I blended their names. ::feels like a bit of an idiot::
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
It took me about half the first book to actually start enjoying the series. I had the "No main character!" problem - I tried to follow only one main protagonist and failed. Miserably. Then I realized that hey - there doesn't have to be only ONE main guy (or girl - I was partial to Arya at the time), but there can be lots! And there probably should be lots!
With that revelation, I dug back in with almost an excess of eagerness. Then everyone started dying. George R. R. Martin is definitely not afraid to kill anyone (though if he does wind up killing off one particular character, I may just boycott the series... yeah, right). The sex and the violence never really affected me - war is war, and some pretty nasty stuff happens, especially when we're talking swords, spears and wolves. The sex? Meh. It's not that prevalent, but when it's around it plays a meaningful role. I wouldn't worry about that.
To date, I've converted two people into devout followers of the series. I can only hope to get more Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Who is the character you feel so attached to?
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
quote:though if he does wind up killing off one particular character, I may just boycott the series
I'll bet money he does. Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Narnia, I feel comfortable commending the first book to you. You may make the decision my sister did. But she does not regret reading the first book. And then I can spoilerize the rest for you if you don't want to read the others.
A good rule of thumb about whether I can commend the first book is how people respond to OSC's writing. If they are appalled and offended at the sex, language, and violence, then definitely no Martin for them. Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Is there 'language' in OSC's books? Hadn't noticed. I did happen to glance at one of the GRRM books...definitely 'language.' And that was just one page!
I'll pick it up though bev, thanks for the recommendation.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Yeah, Martin has more of all three (language, sex, violence) but certainly if people are offended at Card, they won't appreciate Martin.
It might be handy to have one of those "blacked-out" versions, eh? All those f-words just aren't necessary.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I have a deep-rooted love for Jon Snow. And when he dies, I'll be very very sad indeed.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
My hope is that when Jon dies he dies a hero. Maybe in the process of saving someone like Sam or something like that. Please give us at least one cliche hero's death. Everyone else Martin has killed off hasn't really gotten that.
?
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
quote:I have a deep-rooted love for Jon Snow. And when he dies, I'll be very very sad indeed.
I feel exactly the same way. I really hope that he won't go until the very, very, very end, but as it's GRRM, I'm preparing for the worst (i.e., having him die suddenly and in an utterly non-heroic death filled with wasted potential).
(some spoilers) . . . . . . . . My personal theory, though, is that Jon has to stay alive long enough to meet, fall in love with, and betray Dany (I think he's the betrayal for love that was prophesized for her; I'm absolutely positive someone has suggested this elsewhere, but I haven't read any of the Fire and Ice threads until now since I hadn't finished the books).
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I think she's already been betrayed for love. I'm pretty sure he and Dany are going to wind up married, happy, and ruling over a united Westeros.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote: I'm pretty sure he and Dany are going to wind up married, happy, and ruling over a united Westeros.
In this series?
Hmmm, you might be onto something. At this point, it would actually be quite surprising to most of us if the ending is a happy one, and Martin loves surprising us!
Edit: and I have to wonder about the popularity boost these books have gotten in the, how long has it been, five years? since the last book was published. The word of mouth is just amazing. I've gotten well over a half dozen people to read the series personally I think these books are just going to get more and more popular as it gets closer to the conclusion.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
Thanks to this thread and the ASOIAF nut I live with, I was messing around on ebay and amazed to see all the covers they have for these books:
EDIT: And what is this?! Some of these are even signed!
[ August 01, 2005, 01:17 AM: Message edited by: Valentine014 ]
Posted by Parsimony (Member # 8140) on :
I'm looking forward to this book, as are most of us who have been reading this series. I am thrilled to read more about the Iron Islands and Dorne. I see great potential in the Dornish storyline, with all the characters down there we haven't met, their power and the fact that they won't support the Lannister's now. The Riverlands will be fun, I love the lightning lord and his crew. His feelings about his "life" make him an interesting character. Nobody mentions them much in these threads, but this book should include Littlefinger and Sansa in the Eyrie as well, right? That isn't the north or east. Also, the Hound oughtta be alive somewhere.
My favorite characters are Tyrion, Davos, and Arya, but I think a book without them in it will be good. Meet new people, see new POV's, and keep me from focusing on the characters I like the most.
Really, at this point the book could have been anything at all and I would be excited for it.
--ApostleRadio
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I just finished re-reading Storm of Swords. I am in awe at Martin's skill.
Let me tell you a little story. When Belle and Jaime Lannister met, she didn't like him. Even before he pushed Bran out the window - she knew he was trouble. No one is that beautiful, that noble-looking, and truly good at heart.
So, I made the mistake of being so disgusted with him I didn't read his POV chapters all that closely. I rushed through them in order to spend more time with characters I cared about. This time, in order to prepare myself for AFFC, I went through ASOS very carefully, ALL of it.
It's just wrong of you George, to make me hate someone so viciously and now make me care for them.
I am convinced now that Jaime is on the path to Redemption. He will find it, when he kills his sister. And then he will die, because of his statement that he and Cersei will leave the world together as they entered it together. I think Brienne will be with him when he dies.
It will be at the end of the series though, and he will have very important parts to play. I'm not so sure that he won't be part of the force that defeats the Others. The dragon has three heads. Could you imagine a force led by Dany, Jon Snow, and Jaime Lannister? Who needs a sword hand when mounted on the back of a dragon?
Here's why I know he's on the path:
1. He went back for Brienne. He was on his way back to his sister and everything he cared about, and he went back for her.
2. He defied his sister and his father when they wanted him to leave the Kingsguard.
3. He took over the leadership of the Kingsguard and actually led them. He proved himself a skilled commander.
4. He gave Ice (what's left of it) to Brienne.
I was thinking about the dragons. Drogon is black - Jon Snow is a brother of the Night's Watch and dresses all in black. Viserion is gold and cream, right? A white cloak over golden armor - Jaime Lannister.
I can't make the green of Rhaegal fit though, so it probably is just a foolish theory. Unless it's Dany's identification with her brother Rhaegar, that will make her choose to ride him.
Anyway, probably nothing, the dragon's colors may be nothing more than coincidence.
GRRM
Posted by Kettricken (Member # 8436) on :
I can’t wait for A Feast for Crows, I‘ve even destroyed my lurker status to post in this thread.
At first I was disappointed to find out that many of my favourite characters will not be in this book but thinking about it I’m glad as it will give me a chance to get to know some of the others. I’ve tended to rush through some of the newer characters in order to get back to my favourites.
Apart from the obvious favourites (Arya, Jon) I like Daenerrys, she has grown from being a little girl controlled by her brother to a young woman taking control of her own destiny.
I both love and hate that main characters can die, it makes the series unpredictable, but it is shocking when someone you thought was important is suddenly gone.
Posted by Kent (Member # 7850) on :
I just started reading this series a couple months ago because this web site and Ornery was talking about how great the books are. . . and they are even better than I imagined. When I read that OSC told Martin that he would have to be his bodyguard so that he could make sure the series got finished, I knew it would be great. I have since read four other books by Martin which have also been great, especially Tuf Voyaging.
What I have noticed the most about the series of Ice and Fire is that everyone is far more ambitious and ruthless than other characters in other stories, which makes the little justice there is so much sweeter.
Ultimately I think that the defining line in the series is said by the master of secrets (the "spider" as I can't remember how to spell his name) when he asks (and I paraphrase), "What happens to the common people when kings and lords play at their game of thrones?" Even the "good" lordly characters still look down on those whose station is beneath them, and do not consider the common folks lives as valuable. I suppose Jon is the true hero in the book as others have pointed out, but isn't it so hard to tell who and what he should be fighting for?
Moral clarity in a world of twisted motives is clearly the missing element in this series, which makes it so great in my opinion. I don't think I have ever fallen so deeply into a world or characters, and the fact that the books are so character driven are really what make me so thrilled by them. I have never felt so much admiration and loathing for a character at the same time. Most authors cannot achieve redemption of such "evil" characters, and I'm not sure Martin is going to redeem Jaime or others, but I don't care; these people seem more real than any others I can remember, and their lives and deaths mean almost too much to me.
I literally will read everything I can find of his. His short stories still haunt me. I especially loved his vampire story on the Mississippi river boat in "Fevre Dream". Anyway, he will never do what Robert Jordan is doing because he is not event driven like Jordan is; because there is nothing uninteresting or delayed about how he describes the lives of the characters he portrays. Let us all pay homage to one of the greatest authors of our time. Posted by His Savageness (Member # 7428) on :
I know we only have to wait until November, but now that a real relase date has been posted, it seems like the book can't come out soon enough. I hate waiting sometimes. Plus I've already re-read the first three this summer so I just have to wait...
Posted by Pathos Bill (Member # 8144) on :
Has Mr. Card (Sr.) read the series? What is his opinion of Martin's work?
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
quote:Thank heaven. I was afraid I was going to die before he got it done. (George has told me that he intends to outlive me, so I should stop worrying about whether he'll die before he finishes.)
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: Anyway, probably nothing, the dragon's colors may be nothing more than coincidence.
I don't think so. I'm actually betting that one of the dragons goes very, very bad and has to be "put down."
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
This interview mentions their relationship.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Now here's the question that everyone needs to be asked:
Who are Jon Snow's parents?
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
WARNING: THAT'S THE OFFICIAL *SPOILER* THREAD, DO NOT OPEN IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEE SPOILERS, EVEN SOME FROM BOOK 4.
Edit: My first post in there has so many typos and spelling mistakes, its painful for me to read it. In my defense, I was in a hurry!
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Am I the only one who, when he needs an ASOIAF fix, rereads the Tower of Joy dream sequence?
Gives me goosebumps.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
I hope the unpredictability of the series continues. There's been some hints and prophecies of what's to come (most of which I didn't "get" until I read about them on threads here). I hope that by the time the last book comes out that it's not going to be totally obvious that a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i, and j are gonna happen. (Like the way that it looks like some stuff is sure to happen in the 7th Harry Potter book.)
Posted by His Savageness (Member # 7428) on :
quote: Am I the only one who, when he needs an ASOIAF fix, rereads the Tower of Joy dream sequence?
Somehow, after reading the books for the first time, I completely forgot about that scene. Upon re-reading the books I realized that that scene is perhaps the most moving of the series so far.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
Here's a pretty interesting interview with Martin. It's kind of old, but I don't know if it was ever posted here.
?
Posted by Parsimony (Member # 8140) on :
I found that interview to be really annoying. The guy really only asked about Jon, and while I like Jon, there are other questions too. Grrrr. If I sat down with Martin, my questions would be much much better.
--ApostleRadio
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
For those who are interested, I went to my local book shop this morning and there was a free excerpt from a Feast For Crows.
This one is "The Captain of the Guards" excerpt. I have yet to read it. I'll have to read it when I get home from work.
?
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Tom, didn't one of the excerpts foreshadow some problems with one of the dragons?
The one where the farmers were bringing their complaints to Dany and one of them had bones that....er....were'nt sheep bones?
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Yeah, the excerpt says it's from A Feast For Crows, but they're actually Dany's first three chapters from A Dance With Dragons now that the novel's been split. And they do, indeed, deal with the trouble Dany's having with the dragons.
George read one of those chapters at WorldCon last week.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
Are you sure Frisco? I read the first five pages or so during lunch and it has nothing to do with Dany. My impression was this is the intro to A Feast for Crows. It happens in Dorne nowhere near Dany.
?
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
? -- how'd you get the sample? Did the store have them sitting there, or did you have to ask for one? Was it a regular bookstore, or comics/SF store, or, or, or...
(i.e., I wanna get one!!!)
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
The UA Bookstore has them sitting out in a display, along with many copies of the books with their new-style covers, which I don't like.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
plaid- was at Barns and Noble. It was a display that was selling A Game of Thrones. ?
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Oh, another excerpt would be cool. I know that the intro is going to be the chapters that were bundled up and published in Dragon magazine as Arms of the Kraken, and it covers the unfolding events on the Iron Isles.
I haven't read anything abour Dorne, though I know George has done some readings from there at cons I haven't attended. Go get more copies! Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Got it!
Mmm, Dorne. Yum!
Posted by Parsimony (Member # 8140) on :
I read the Captain of the Guards excerpt at Barnes and Noble the other day. It was quite interesting. Introduces some characters. If anyone else has read it I'd like to hear some speculation on what "game" the fourth Sand Snake is playing and what it entails. I have some ideas, but I'll wait for more people to read it.
--ApostleRadio
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
Parsimony, I really have no clue as to what the "game" Doran Martell referred to is. I would be really interested in what you have to say about it.
?
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I have read that excerpt, and am looking forward to reading the rest. Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
30 days now!
And if I'm lucky, I'll be able to get the UK edition earlier -- I'm going over to Germany soon, and might be able to snag a UK edition if German bookstores carry it... Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
Ten or eleven days until my UK edition arrives .
Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
I don't think I've ever hated you more, Javie.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Oh, sure, give all your hate to Xavier. What about me? What about my needs, Lalo? Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :
You never write, you never call, I can't even remember the last time we made hate... What's a girl supposed to do, plaid? Wait for your hate forever?
Javie hates me in ways you never could. We're getting divorced in a few months. I'm sorry, big guy. There'll be someone out there who'll hate you as much as I once might've. And you'll hate them too. Just go, weep, and start the healing by re-introducing yourself to the joys of hate. Dry your tears, put in a Republican vote or two... and move on with your life.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
From the review on Amazon (by Publishers Weekly)
Spoilers if you don't want to know who's story is covered in A Feast for Crows
. . . . . . . . .
quote: As the book begins, Brienne of Tarth is looking for Lady Catelyn's daughters, Queen Cersei is losing her mind and Arya Stark is training with the Faceless Men of Braavos; all three wind up in cliffhangers that would do justice to any soap opera. Meanwhile, other familiar faces—notably Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister and Daenerys Targaryen—are glaringly absent though promised to return in book five.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
Eddie, I'm going to assume that "never hating me more" means that you only have a mild crush on me now .
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Remember Paris, Lalo? Remember Sacre Coeur? When you spat in my face, and pushed me down the steps? Good times, Lalo, good times.
And what about Xavier? Will HE drag your name through the tabloids? Will HE argue over custody? Will HE set fire to Stupid White Men and thrust it down your pants? I don't think so, Lalo. Damnit, you're STILL the man I hate, and I'm not letting you go that easy, Lalo.
Posted by ? (Member # 2319) on :
Ok, Jon Snow is my favorite alltime character excepting Eddard. I am going to seriously miss him and Dany. Though seeing as he is Dany's brother/cousin not really sure, they will in the Targaryen way get hitched.
Jon will then take Drogon, the black dragon with him and the nights watch to burn the Others to little tiny cinders.
Stannis and Melisandre will continue to kick some wightish ass with an army of R'hollor worshipping wildings.
Bran will become a full warg and raise the north, starting with the Umbers Mallisters etc, when they are getting beaten, Howland Reed will finally leave the marshes and come to there rescue. Bolton will die.
Bran, rider of the green dragon will toast the Iron Islands.
Arya will personally kill off the rest of her list.
The Sandsnakes will raise dorne, highgarden will burn.
Loras will kill Jaime.
Tyrion will join up with Brienne, hunt down Littlefinger, rescue Sansa. The Eyrie will rise for Sansa and Tyrion. Sansa will grow to love Tyrion.
Dany will conquer the dothraki, and meet Arya in braavos.
No idea when all this will happen but it will.
Shepherd
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I saw a woman reading the UK edition at the student union today. I nearly beat her up and stole it, but managed to control my impulses long enough to walk away.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:Originally posted by Carrie: I saw a woman reading the UK edition at the student union today. I nearly beat her up and stole it, but managed to control my impulses long enough to walk away.
That was foolish...if there was no one else around, no one could hear her screams. . .
I read that chapter, and liked it, although I saw it comming. I will have it the first day it is availible here in the US. Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Jon Snow and Tyrion will be missing? But, but...that's not fair!!!
space opera
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Just think how great the *next* book will be though. And it's halfway written already! I wonder how long it will take him to finish it?
Anyone know if he still plans to call it A Dance of Dragons, or if he's going to be using that for a title a little further down the road?
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I would imagine that would be a later book...it would be a great title for a second to last, or even a last, book. Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
still gonna be called A Dance With Dragons.
[boast]
and I'm a quarter through AFfC now
[/boast]
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Right, with, not of. I thought that the title looked a little wrong after I'd typed it.
I'm officially horribly jealous, Kama.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
So, without any spoilers, what are your impressions of it so far?
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
My copy of AFFC should arrive today .
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
without any spoilers, I like it
I like the fact that there are not as many POVs as originally planned. Makes things easier to follow.
---
I'm not sure if there's gonna be any more Arya chapters in this book, but the one I've read is awesome.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I suspect that I've read that chapter--he had an Arya preview chapter available on his site for a while. It was fantastic. I'm so wanting to ask you all sorts of questions about who the new POV characters are (I know about two, since preview chapters for them were available on his site as well), but I'm resisting. Barely, but resisting nonetheless.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
*grin.
you can e-mail me, or send me a sake message, should you fail Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'll try to remain strong.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
I'm in Germany now. Passed through Amsterdam's airport Tuesday morning; looked very hopefully at the airport bookstores, but, nada. (Lotsa copies of Eldest; no GRRM. Hmmf.)
Anyway... I'll check local bookstores around here in case they've got a copy (unlikely), and if that doesn't work, see if my friend here can order one for me Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
though, I hate the fact that he took out the POVs for all of my fav characters.
I have wanted to hear what happend with Jon Snow ever since the last book ended...and from what I read it looks like he was cut out (which seems odd with the book called a feast for crows, but whatever).
I'll likely wait for this book to come out in paperback (unless I cand find it at my local library), since I don't really care about most the characters being focused on in this book.
That way I won't have as long to wait for the next book anyway. Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
I bought mine today. Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
I would just like you to know that I will officially continue to hate you all until I get my copy of the book.
Tell me how it is! I want to know!
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
too much Cersei. Otherwise, it's great.
Posted by Valentine014 (Member # 5981) on :
I'm on page 220 or so. I still feel like I am at the beginning...
This is Xavier, btw.
Posted by Ser Bronn Stone (Member # 8759) on :
New here, but prominent on the GRRM fan boards.
Have read it. The weakest of the four to date, but still excellent. A few surprising revelations of the history of Westeros, and a few very subtle hints of main events.
The Iron Islands subplot was almost totally revealed when published in issue #305 of Dragon magazine, but if you haven't seen/heard about it, it is a great read.
Posted by _ (Member # 8416) on :
Well thanks for giving us some of Bronn's history, Ser STONE.
?
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Yeah, I don't really appreciate that either. I mean, it's not terribly surprising that Bronn is a bastard, but the fact that he's from the Vale I could have done without.
Not the hugest spoilers in the world, but spoilers nonetheless, and I've been doing my best to avoid them.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
wha???
*laughs*
Posted by Frisco (Member # 3765) on :
Awfully touchy, Noemon...it's not a spoiler. I don't think that George has, to date, revealed Bronn's history.
Go on over to George's board, and along with Bronn here, and me, you'll even find a King Jon Targaryen!
Cool name or wishful thinking, but not a spoiler.
Jeez, way to welcome a n00b.
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
*loves Frisco*
oh, and Bronn too.
Posted by Ser Bronn Stone (Member # 8759) on :
LOL
My name is not canon. I invented it of my own accord. There is no source in any GRRM work to date that suggests the character Bronn is highborn and thus due a bastard surname.
When I chose this moniker, I actually meant for it to refer to a hypothetical son of our favorite sellsword, conceived on some grotty serving wench whilst Tyrion and Bronn were visitors to the Eyrie.
My true real honest middle name is Bronner. Bronn is just my shortened form of it.
I actually showed GRRM my ID to prove it at a recent convention in Kansas City. He laughed heartily.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
::relieved::
::chagrined::
(and yes, I'm *just* churlish enough for it to be in that order, I'm afraid)
Welcome to Hatrack Bronn! Sorry for the initial frostiness.
Posted by _ (Member # 8416) on :
Yes, I must apologize as well. Welcome to Hatrack.
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
Yay! Got mine!
:flees all AFFC threads to avoid spoilers:
Posted by Ser Bronn Stone (Member # 8759) on :
Thanks for the belated but kind welcome. If I'd have spoiled, I'd have deserved the first one, so I don't mind a bit. Look forward to being around here a long time.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
:: bump for Adam ::
Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :
:flaunts copy at Lalo:
Mmmm. It's soooo good.
:licks spine:
Mmmmmm... so... thick. Mmmm...
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
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Some of these are even signed!![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
It's just wrong of you George, to make me hate someone so viciously and now make me care for them. ![[Hail]](graemlins/hail.gif)
GRRM
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