So, I haven't been back in that thread for quite some time as I noticed spoilers starting to pop up and decided it would be too dangerous to keep opening the thread.
I'm through the first two books of the series, and just wanted to check with people who are posting in there whether I should go back there until I've finished the first 4 books. I imagine this is the case, but just wanted to check.
I'm loving the books so far!
Posted by Emreecheek (Member # 12082) on :
Don't. Read. Anything!
Except for the books in question.
And things that presumably don't have anything that could possibly ever ever *ever* have any tantalizing detail about what happens in parts you haven't read.
Posted by Emreecheek (Member # 12082) on :
I think that street signs are safe.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
I think this is payback for all the contributions I've made to thread derailments over the years. I can't open my own thread! Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Yea, it's a safe bet that if you want those books to surprise you, to stay away from any discussions about GRRM or aSoIaF.
And trust me, there are a lot of surprises coming your way...like when Ned returns from the dead as a dragon...I mean...um...nothing. Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
quote:Originally posted by Stone_Wolf_: And trust me, there are a lot of surprises coming your way...like when Ned returns from the dead as a dragon...I mean...um...nothing.
Only to be slain again by Viserys' golden tongue Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
I'm 2/3rds of the way through Storm of Swords now. And all I have to say is F*@K this book!
Okay, not really, but man am I pissed right now.
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
GRRM is not nice to his characters or readers. It would be easier if he wasn't such a good writer.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
quote:Originally posted by Strider: I'm 2/3rds of the way through Storm of Swords now. And all I have to say is F*@K this book!
Okay, not really, but man am I pissed right now.
Yeah. I actually threw the book across the room when I got to the bit you just got to. It's the only time I've ever done that.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
I'm listening to the audiobook, and I was in my car, and I started banging my fists on the steering wheel! Thank god I was less than a minute away from home, or I might not have been able to drive.
When I got home I told my housemate, "If I was reading a physical book, I would've ripped in two, thrown it across the room, and then stomped on it".
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
Welcome to the club.
Posted by Sean Monahan (Member # 9334) on :
When I finished that chapter, I had to go sit in the bathroom, because I thought I was going to throw up. Just out of utter shock. I've never had such a visceral reaction to fiction before.
Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :
I see you got to one of the best parts in Storm of Swords. And most infuriating.
I remember saying a few curse words when I read that part. My wife asked me what was wrong and I think I said something to the effect of "I hope GRRM dies in a fire." Then I realized that he wouldn't be able to finish the series, and cursed again.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
For years I've been told to read this series. Now I realize it wasn't because people cared about my enjoyment, but only so I could share in their pain and misery. Evil bastards.
Posted by Sean Monahan (Member # 9334) on :
That's why we all pass it on it to others. Your turn, go get someone.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
It was the first time I have ever personally thrown a book.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sean Monahan: Your turn, go get someone.
I'm on to you people.
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
I am reasonably sure that it is the most often thrown book ever published. Even more than Vilette.
Posted by T:man (Member # 11614) on :
When I got to that part, I became extremely nauseous.
A book has never made me sick with dread before.
Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
quote:Originally posted by T:man: When I got to that part, I became extremely nauseous.
A book has never made me sick with dread before.
Somewhat similar to my reaction. I wasn't nauseous but I did just set the book aside, softly mutter an expletive beginning with F and stare out the window for a while. I felt defeated and deflated. Amazing what a physical as well as emotional impact it can have.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Well, there's always the one:
I, quite literally, went "This. Is. BAD***!" and tore into the next chapter. It was the same near the end of the first book - when Joffrey made his decision, I went "Oh no you did not!" and dug into the fallout.
The only book I've ever thrown was HP and the Deathly Hallows, because of the epilogue. It was heavy, and I was tired and annoyed, and it felt good.
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Heh, I was so surprised and horrified and that was just reading it, not hearing an audio version. I think the response would be even better in an audiobook, and it's interesting to me because I was just now listening to a section of 'The Yellow Admiral' by Patrick O'brian, and there was a scene in which one character describes prize fighting at length to another. I was interested, but I could tell I enjoyed it more than I would've reading it because of the enjoyable narration.
I realized that about mundane bit of disposition. I imagine if I were listening to *that* scene...whew!
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
I'm glad I wasn't alone. I was really uneasy during the chapters leading up to it too. I've learned in this series that whenever I think something is going to work out well, or that I know how things will go, it NEVER goes that way.
But it was worse than I thought, and I was way more affected by it than I thought I would be. I laid awake last night thinking about it. And I don't even normally tend to get that invested in characters.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Rakeesh, the guy who reads the book isn't fantastic, but yes, it does make scenes like that feel more visceral.
Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :
I spent most of the book trying to figure out who the protagonist was. I finally decided that I had figured it out, and *BAM*.
Posted by Geraine (Member # 9913) on :
quote:Originally posted by Strider: For years I've been told to read this series. Now I realize it wasn't because people cared about my enjoyment, but only so I could share in their pain and misery. Evil bastards.
I told my 73 year old grandmother to read the books. She is a huge fan of Sci-Fi / Fantasy so I figured she would love them. Last night I was answering a few questions for her about the first two books and she mentioned where she was in the third. I smiled at her and said "Keep reading, it just gets better!"
I woke up this morning to a text she sent at 2am. It read "I hate you" Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
I was skeptical of Strider's conclusion, until I read about how you burned your gramma! Man, we are evil bastards!
Posted by Jake (Member # 206) on :
Geraine, that's really cool.
quote:Originally posted by Rakeesh: I was skeptical of Strider's conclusion, until I read about how you burned your gramma! Man, we are evil bastards!
:: laugh ::
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
My dad called me the other week and said he'd been seeing all these rave reviews of A Dance with Dragons and was starting to think he might want to read it.
"Do you think I could just pick it up and start there? Would it make sense?"
". . . NO."
"Well, I don't want to read thousands of pages to get to it!"
I think he will not be reading the series.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I'm 350 pages into Dance and im tense and anxious. No other series puts me on edge like this one.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Just finished Feast, holy crap.
Moving on...
Posted by Dogbreath (Member # 11879) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn: I'm 350 pages into Dance and im tense and anxious. No other series puts me on edge like this one.
Keep reading, it just gets better!
Posted by Dogbreath (Member # 11879) on :
BTW, it's been like a week since you updated The Westeros Files. Are you still doing it?
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Yep, there will be an update later today actually. I spent the last week moving across the country, so it slowed down both my reading, and a lack of internet access slowed down my posting.
I haven't lost track of it though (like I did with Feast!), it shall return soon!
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Just put up two posts with a third to follow shortly. That brings me up to date with where I am in the novel. Hope you all enjoy my musings.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Well, I feel better now. I packed up all four with a 1/3 left to go in the last one and threw them in the donation bag this morning.
Now, I'm trying to decide if I rummage in the damn bag to find the book and finish the stupid thing.
I don't like the man, and I don't like his writing style, either -- but, I want to know how the stupid story ends.
Posted by Jake (Member # 206) on :
How would you characterize the style, Shan? What don't you like about it (the writing style, not the plot)? There are things that chafe in it, for me, but nothing that rises to the level of dislike.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Well, let's see . . . in many ways it feels disjointed. It does not seem to flow well, and the connection between chapters, plot lines, and characters often seems thin -- not like a severely stretched rubberband, but with the feel of tossing a safety rope out and hoping it gets caught. I don't know if that makes sense.
I don't know that he ever really decided on a main character, or perhaps he's trying to make them all main characters -- it feels like a connection is finally being made with one or two characters and then boom! off and away with some other character . . . sometimes with really lengthy stretches between the chapters which makes it hard to pick the thread of that character up again . . . which irritates me.
It just seems undisciplined, not well edited, and still in the early stages of writing where all the ideas come pouring out -- good, bad, indifferent. It's like he did not spend time actually doing the slog work of writing -- getting rid of the superfluous and focusing the story in a way that made sense.
I don't know. *shrug* And all that being said, I just want to see how he ties it all up, but it sounds like he has more coming. *sigh*
It's all Facebook's fault for posting a link via their TORN (LoTR) page to this new series with Sean Bean. Grrr! I have avoided these books for years. Caught! Hook, line and sinker.
Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :
Why don't you like the man?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote:I don't know that he ever really decided on a main character...
Ah! I remember having this conversation with you, and being deeply confused by your need to have a single main character. Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Most of Shan's criticisms are precisely the reasons why I'm getting so much enjoyment out of the books!
Posted by kmbboots (Member # 8576) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson:
quote:I don't know that he ever really decided on a main character...
Ah! I remember having this conversation with you, and being deeply confused by your need to have a single main character.
I can understand that. I like to identify with the protagonist - I need [i]someone[i]to root for to be emotionally engaged - and it can be jarring to "switch loyalties" all the time.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Not to mention schizophrenic. *grin*
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
quote:I need [i]someone[i]to root for to be emotionally engaged
I don't know, I root for most of the main characters in ASOIAF. Several being on opposite sides of a war doesn't matter too much to me.
For instance, it would be very interesting to me to read a book about World War II, with the chapters equally split between (for example) an American paratrooper, a British fighter pilot, a Russian tanker, a German submariner, a Japanese battleship gunner, and an Italian civilian.
They'd be on different sides of a war, perhaps even in the same battles, but they could all be "good guys", with families and loved ones and hopes and dreams, etc.
You know, like real life?
Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
quote:Originally posted by Xavier:
quote:I need [i]someone[i]to root for to be emotionally engaged
I don't know, I root for most of the main characters in ASOIAF. Several being on opposite sides of a war doesn't matter too much to me.
For instance, it would be very interesting to me to read a book about World War II, with the chapters equally split between (for example) an American paratrooper, a British fighter pilot, a Russian tanker, a German submariner, a Japanese battleship gunner, and an Italian civilian.
They'd be on different sides of a war, perhaps even in the same battles, but they could all be "good guys", with families and loved ones and hopes and dreams, etc.
You know, like real life?
Have you ever read Neal Stephenson's Cryptonomicon? It's a bit as you described. I think you would enjoy it.
Posted by Xavier (Member # 405) on :
I've seen it often when browsing the SF/Fantasy section of Barnes and Noble. I'll consider your recommendation next time I see it .
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Hey, no humanizing of Nazis! If we can't hate them, who can we hate? Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
I think you would dig it, I sure did. It's sort of two different stories at two different times that come together in the end.
One story takes place during WWII. It focuses on several characters, mainly a US Marine, A US crypto-analyst, and a Japanese Army Lieutenant but we also get bits from a German sub captain, British intelligence officers and I think even Himmler makes an appearance.
The second story is present day and also focuses on several characters, many of whom are descendents of the WWII characters. In the end it all comes together to form one story, 50 years in the making.
Posted by Sean Monahan (Member # 9334) on :
quote:Originally posted by Xavier: For instance, it would be very interesting to me to read a book about World War II, with the chapters equally split between (for example) an American paratrooper, a British fighter pilot, a Russian tanker, a German submariner, a Japanese battleship gunner, and an Italian civilian.
This pretty well describes Harry Turtledove's Timeline 191.
But don't read it.
Posted by T:man (Member # 11614) on :
Rickon is obviously the protagonist. Duh.
(Oh god, he dies doesn't he? Only 600 pages into dance D:)
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Now that you've jinxed him, he doesn't stand a chance. I actually like that there's no single protagonist. One of the most unique things about the series is that he sets up a protagonist pretty early on...but kills him. After that, anyone becomes a potential protagonist, and many characters shift between loathsome and anti-hero, or hero and fallen hero, that you never really know what's going to happen.
And to me, that's also a heck of a lot more realistic than stories where a character has to stay inside his archetypal box the whole time.
Yet, it's also very, very annoying at times.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
I remain hopeful that Tyrion will become a villain.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Halfway through Dance, it seems possible that he's headed in that direction...
One of the things I'm most afraid to see is his eventual confrontation with Jaime.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Guys, try not to discuss spoilers. I'd hate to be locked out of both my threads!
(You might not consider them spoilers, but given that I just started Feast, I already have insight into the fact that certain characters are definitely not dead in the next book still, and where you think certain plot narratives may be going)
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Oh, and Xavier, definitely read Cryptonomicon, it's extremely awesome.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Sorry Strider. Forgot for a moment that this was specifically intended to be a spoiler-free thread. No more from me!
Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
Now that I'm done with Dance, I'm at a loss for what to read next. Before Dance I discovered Rothfus and Sanderson (thanks to all you hatrackers) and exhausted their stuff. Now what?
Posted by Dobbie (Member # 3881) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn: Now that you've jinxed him, he doesn't stand a chance. I actually like that there's no single protagonist. One of the most unique things about the series is that he sets up a protagonist pretty early on...but kills him. After that, anyone becomes a potential protagonist, and many characters shift between loathsome and anti-hero, or hero and fallen hero, that you never really know what's going to happen.
And to me, that's also a heck of a lot more realistic than stories where a character has to stay inside his archetypal box the whole time.
Yet, it's also very, very annoying at times.
So it's like The Office.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I've seen all of the office...I don't see the connection. It's not at all uncommon for a sitcom to not have a single protagonist. I think by far though, the office only has two real contenders.
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Connection = very, very annoying at times = The Office = Song of Icey Hot
Posted by Jeff C. (Member # 12496) on :
I just started reading A Game of Thrones, but since the POV switches every chapter, it becomes a little jarring. I'm having trouble following the narrative because of it.
Can I ask a question about something near the beginning of the first book..?
SLIGHT SPOILERS
Do the direwolves they find play a significant role in the story at all? Don't tell me the details. I just want a yes/no kind of answer. I really liked the scene and the way it unfolded, with the albino wolf and so on.
Posted by ambyr (Member # 7616) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jeff C.: Do the direwolves they find play a significant role in the story at all? Don't tell me the details. I just want a yes/no kind of answer. I really liked the scene and the way it unfolded, with the albino wolf and so on.
Yes.
Posted by Wingracer (Member # 12293) on :
quote:Originally posted by Jeff C.: I just started reading A Game of Thrones, but since the POV switches every chapter, it becomes a little jarring. I'm having trouble following the narrative because of it.
Can I ask a question about something near the beginning of the first book..?
SLIGHT SPOILERS
Do the direwolves they find play a significant role in the story at all? Don't tell me the details. I just want a yes/no kind of answer. I really liked the scene and the way it unfolded, with the albino wolf and so on.
I think they definitely will play a significant role. So far they have been pretty minor with only a few important scenes.
Posted by Stone_Wolf_ (Member # 8299) on :
Yes AND no...
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
lol yeah. There's a lot of wishy-washiness to that answer, unfortunately.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dogbreath: BTW, it's been like a week since you updated The Westeros Files. Are you still doing it?
Just a note. I've put up a couple of posts recently that bring me up to page 700. Will probably do another one tonight, possibly two, to get me to page 782, where I actually am in the reading.
For anyone who is still reading along with me...
Posted by Dogbreath (Member # 11879) on :
I've been reading along, and greatly enjoying it. If you can tolerate me guessing about the next Dunk and Egg story, I think the tall man and woman [someone] saw by the Weirwood in the God's Wood kissing are Dunk and maybe Old Nan. (Not so old back then, of course) Hodor is Old Nan's grandson, and I've always been fond of the idea that perhaps she and Dunk were lovers. It'd explain the 7 foot tall grandchild at any rate.
([someone] not mentioned so as not to provide any spoilers)
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
So, the end of Storm of Swords was pretty crazy! I'm now pretty far into book 4.
*Spoilers for Feast For Crows*
I just got to the part where Brienne and Podrick are hanged by the Outlaws. I don't know for sure if they're dead, but if they are, I'd be infuriated.
The book had been pretty calm so far too.
Interestingly, before I read it, everyone had said how they were frustrated with it because it didn't focus on the main characters and brought in a whole new host of characters. But I don't totally get that criticism. I mean, yes, I definitely miss John Snow and Bran and Tyrion. I'm curious as to what Daenerys is up to, but I was never all that invested in her story. But we still have Arya (thank god) and a host of characters who have become important over the last few books, like Jamie and Brienne and Sam. I miss Davos, I liked him, I hope he's not really dead. He keeps killing off relatively significant characters "off screen" so to speak. The Hound...I was pretty bummed that he died actually.
I have a question for those that have read Dance. And this is the only spoiler I'm asking for, but can someone please tell me whether any of the Stark kids (and this would include John) are reunited in Dance? I don't want to know who or how or anything. Just a yes or no. I'm dying of curiosity.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Not as such, no. And you may have missed a few textual clues about the Hound's death that would put a different spin on that...
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I could think of an interpretation of the Stark kids that would suggest a possible reunion. But nothing explicit, no.
I'm still confused as to what is going on with the Hound, and I'm through book 5.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
hmmm...well I don't think I've missed anything in particular, but obviously I'm wrong. That one dude said he buried the Hound himself, and it doesn't seem that he would have been resurrected. But that's okay, I'll see what happens.
No other spoilers for 5 please!
Posted by Dan_Frank (Member # 8488) on :
Strider, here is the other interpretation for the Hound. Spoilers for the section of FEAST you already read here but none at all for Dance. Avoid this only if you dislike other people pointing out text you may have skimmed.
*********
The dude who said he buried the Hound explicitly refused to say that Sandor Clegane was dead. He said "The Hound" was dead, and when someone called him Sandor the priest immediately switched to "He is at rest."
Furthermore, that same priest in that very chapter gives Brienne a lengthy discussion of how he himself "died," during a battle after which he became a silent brother.
Add to this the fact that there is a new acolyte digging graves at the Quiet Isle who stands a head above everyone else, walks with a limp, keeps his face covered and only seems fond of the temple's dog... well, The Hound may be dead, but Sandor is almost certainly not.
I, for one, am extremely happy for this, as Sandor is one of my favorite characters.
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