[PhoenixPause]

Dunno how we overlooked this, but Martin did a reading and Q&A last week where he read the Victarion and Tyrion chapters we're familiar with...but he also confirmed the word Brienne screamed at the end of AFFC

anyway after he finished reading the chapters, he opened the floor to some discussion about the plot of asoiaf, and some amazing genius girl said: you know my friends and i were debating this pretty heavily in the lobby just today, brienne screams “one word” as she is being hung by lady stoneheart’s men in a feast for crows - what was the word? george turned the question on the audience and asked if anyone had figured it out - we shouted all kinds of dumb stuff, “jaime”, “sapphires”, etc. but some other genius in the second row said “sword”! george confirmed that the word brienne screamed was “sword”; lady stoneheart gave brienne the choice of either swearing her sword to her or being hung, saying “sword or noose”, and as brienne was being hung she screamed “sword” the questions moved on for some time, but then a girl asked “well what about podrick payne? he was getting hung with brienne!” and george confirmed that brienne had made the decision to swear her sword to stoneheart in order to save the innocent podrick payne from the noose

http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php...nter-chapters/

Good to hear Pod is still alive woot

[CassSept]

Dunno how we overlooked this, but Martin did a reading and Q&A last week where he read the Victarion and Tyrion chapters we're familiar with...but he also confirmed the word Brienne screamed at the end of AFFC http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php...nter-chapters/ Good to hear Pod is still alive woot

We had discussion about this a week ago, check two pages before. Also you should probably spoiler the last sentence as this is kind of TWOW spoilers.



Why is GAF ignoooriiiing meeee ;_;

[pulga]

Why!? Why is there a Team for this?

Dracarys!

[Rei_Toei]

About 10% in ADWD, first re-read after first reading it last year. Is the whole part where Sam tells Jon about what (little) he has found out about the Others and wights in the library in both books?

Also, completely satisfying part truly when Jon decides it's time for Slynt to fuck off. About to hang him, makes up his mind, Slynt meets Longclaw, Stannis looks on approvingly. All acording to keikaku.

[Cpt.Underpants]

About 10% in ADWD, first re-read after first reading it last year. Is the whole part where Sam tells Jon about what (little) he has found out about the Others and wights in the library in both books? Also, completely satisfying part truly when Jon decides it's time for Slynt to fuck off. About to hang him, makes up his mind, Slynt meets Longclaw, Stannis looks on approvingly. All acording to keikaku.

Fucking loved that part where he pleaded for his life at the end, so much for his "friends" :)

"Please, mercy my lord" Janos Slynt

Also, I finished ADWD a couple of weeks ago and its a lot better compared to AFFC. I was quite surprised when the red witch revealed the Lord of Bones as Mance Rayder and Mance defeating Jon on a sparring match was awesome

There's just so many likeable characters in the A Song of Ice and Fire books, amazing

Team Stannis Barantheon here

[tokkun]

I was quite surprised when the red witch revealed the Lord of Bones as Mance Rayder

I saw that one coming a mile away. GRRM has gone back to the 'death fakeout' well a few too many times.

[LM4sure]

I saw that one coming a mile away. GRRM has gone back to the 'death fakeout' well a few too many times.

yeah, he's got to start killing off some main characters again. i'd love for him to kill off dany. she's worthless. let someone else have her dragons.

[Cpt.Underpants]

Just a question if anyone thinks that GRRM would finally reveal Jon's parentage, since there were many claims of Jon Snow's parentage and the promise that Eddard was forced to keep made my Lyanna Stark

And the House Reed has been really quiet for a long time, last I read Robb sent a force to House Reed and well nothing yet, sadly

[timetokill]

yeah, he's got to start killing off some main characters again. i'd love for him to kill off dany. she's worthless. let someone else have her dragons.

Unfortunately she seems like the one character GRRM would never kill off.

And yeah, he's gone to that well too many times. Nobody thinks Jon is actually dead, for instance.

[ultron87]

Killing off Dany would be the worst plot decision of all time. It would turn her story from something that is going somewhere but has unfortunately got stuck in idle for a bit into the biggest waste of time ever. It would be the only thing stupider than Jon being actually dead.

It would be like following Quentyn for 4 books instead of 4 chapters and then offing him after having the same impact on the story.

[PhoenixPause]

Killing off Dany would be the worst plot decision of all time. It would turn her story from something that is going somewhere but has unfortunately got stuck in idle for a bit into the biggest waste of time ever. It would be the only thing stupider than Jon being actually dead.

Agreed. I could see her dying towards the end of the series but not right now. Her, Tyrion, and Jon are most likely safe for TWOW and the next book imo.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about TWOW could be the return to a more centralized, focused narration. Since GoT multiple characters splintered into the wind, and now many are finally coming together. Dany, Tyrion, Barriston, and Victarion will be in the same vicinity and perhaps meet each other; that should allow for fewer POVs (perhaps even eliminate Barriston's entirely). Then you have Brienne and Jaime traveling together again, Cersei again surrounded by a host of characters, Theon and Asha (one has to die, come on), etc. I wonder if Melisandre will continue being The Wall POV with Jon indisposed for now.

[Altazor]

Why!? Why is there a Team for this? Dracarys!

WHY.

this is why we can't have nice things!

[timetokill]

the biggest waste of time ever.

It'd be, like, a statement on life, bro

[Rei_Toei]

It'd be pretty pointless to have Dany go down before she sets foot on Westeros again. Why suffer through all that shitty Essos material for naught? I'm okay with here burning a gazillion Wights and others with team Targ then bite the dust. Go down in flames, at least. With the hundreds of pages of grooming I want to see her in Westeros and intereact with the factions we by now know so well. It'd be rather interesting to see if there's still Targaryen loyalism around and how much of a military factor the dragons will be.

Knowing Martin, she'll probably sit down on the Iron Throne for the first time after all is said and done, when Drogon accidentally burps out some dragonfire after digesting a Dornish flock of sheep, melting the throne around here. Henceforward a Targaryen sits the Iron Throne forever and all's well and swell in good ol' Westeros.

[Spiffy_1st]

Dany will die just before she takes the throne. The house of the undying scene in the show had her getting really close to touching it, but dragons made her stop. The writers know how the story ends, so this is obviously foreshadowing.

[VsRobot]

Why!? Why is there a Team for this? Dracarys!

Just getting ready for season 3 and the Twilghtification of ASOIAF! Everyone pick Team Daario or Team Jorah now! Yay!

Fuck that dumb show.

[vitaminwateryum]

Just getting ready for season 3 and the Twilghtification of ASOIAF! Everyone pick Team Daario or Team Jorah now! Yay! Fuck that dumb show.

Team Quentyn 4 lyfe.

Well, until the end of ADWD I guess...

[Altazor]

Just getting ready for season 3 and the Twilghtification of ASOIAF! Everyone pick Team Daario or Team Jorah now! Yay! Fuck that dumb show.

I am firmly in Team Richest Man in Qarth.

[gate777]

Well it's summer again. Time for another series re-read while I wait for some news of winds.

[VsRobot]

Well it's summer again. Time for another series re-read while I wait for some news of winds.

I always wait to start my reread until the first snow of the season, although I am very tempted to do a second reread this year to wash the taste of Season two out of my mouth.

[H.Cornerstone]

Just watched the 2nd season of the show after a 10 hour marathon.. Man oh man did I not like it....

The whole changing who Robb marries and the house of the undying scene just ruined it for me.

[CassSept]

I am firmly in Team Richest Man in Qarth.

But The Richest Man in Qarth wasn't The Richest Man in Qarth after all. We don't know who The Richest Man in Qarth actually was, right?

[Count of Monte Sawed-Off]

But The Richest Man in Qarth wasn't The Richest Man in Qarth after all. We don't know who The Richest Man in Qarth actually was, right?

Nope it remains a mystery to be solved next season. Of course the game has changed with the deaths of the Thirteen, so it could take two seasons to solve.

[Iksenpets]

Nope it remains a mystery to be solved next season. Of course the game has changed with the deaths of the Thirteen, so it could take two seasons to solve.

Clearly Jorah is now the richest man in Qarth with his sackful of candlesticks. In season three he'll betray Dany by declaring himself the King of Qarth and capturing her dragons in the boat he bought.

[Altazor]

Clearly Jorah is now the richest man in Qarth with his sackful of candlesticks. In season three he'll betray Dany by declaring himself the King of Qarth and capturing her dragons in the boat he bought.

and then she'll yell at him WHEEEEEERE AAAAARE MY DRAAAAAAAGOOOONS

[Tuck]

I know this is somewhat off topic, but now that I'm done the books (that have been released), I don't really have anything good to read.

Any recommendations for fantasy books that are sort of along the lines of this one?

[PhoenixPause]

But The Richest Man in Qarth wasn't The Richest Man in Qarth after all. We don't know who The Richest Man in Qarth actually was, right?

Drizzt Lannister

[moojito]

I know this is somewhat off topic, but now that I'm done the books (that have been released), I don't really have anything good to read. Any recommendations for fantasy books that are sort of along the lines of this one?

You should google "fantasy books site:neogaf.com" to see the 100-odd threads people in a similar situation to yourself have found themselves in have created.

[Freshmaker]

You should google "fantasy books site:neogaf.com" to see the 100-odd threads people in a similar situation to yourself have found themselves in have created.

Which all usually degraded into people claiming ASoFI is the greatest thing ever while lol all other fantasy is garbage lol.

[ezrarh]

Which all usually degraded into people claiming ASoFI is the greatest thing ever while lol all other fantasy is garbage lol.

I just finished reading Name of the Wind by Rothfuss at Gaf's recommendation and while it's kinda entertaining, overall it's terrible. Therefore all other fantasy is garbage.

[Emerson]

Which all usually degraded into people claiming ASoFI is the greatest thing ever while lol all other fantasy is garbage lol.

I've been on a search for a fantasy series that would live up or surpass it but nothing close yet.

I just finished reading Name of the Wind by Rothfuss at Gaf's recommendation and while it's kinda entertaining, overall it's terrible. Therefore all other fantasy is garbage.

high five

[VsRobot]

I know this is somewhat off topic, but now that I'm done the books (that have been released), I don't really have anything good to read. Any recommendations for fantasy books that are sort of along the lines of this one?

Assassin's Apprentice, Robin Hobb. Anything by Daniel Abraham or Joe Abercrombie. Avoid Rothfuss, Jordan, and Goodkind. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not your friend.

[Lirlond]

Assassin's Apprentice, Robin Hobb. Anything by Daniel Abraham or Joe Abercrombie. Avoid Rothfuss, Jordan, and Goodkind. Anyone who tells you otherwise is not your friend.

Wheel of Time books are good! There's so much worse. I agree with Rothfuss and Goodkind. Rothfuss had some slack for Name of the Wind, but Wise Man's Fear was just godawful. Goodkind is in a bad of his own.

Dune is good. I guess thats sort of Fantasy? Future-Fantasy.

[VsRobot]

Dune is good. I guess that's sort of Fantasy? Future-Fantasy.

The Dune books do have some deep political machinations, which makes it a very perceptive recommendation for ASOIAF fans.

[Ventrue]

The Dune books do have some deep political machinations, which makes it a very perceptive recommendation for ASOIAF fans.

Dune does get really weird and abstract really fast, however.

[Emerson]

Man I don't always agree with GAF but I think it's the only place on the internet where there are other people who dislike Rothfuss's shit. My roommate, who I'm generally pretty in-sync with, insists it's better than GRRM and it is insanity.

[Freshmaker]

I've been on a search for a fantasy series that would live up or surpass it but nothing close yet.

Just read some Papal history. That's stranger than fiction.

[Pecan1]

So are there any theories about whats going on w/ Sam in old town and whatever his name is The Mage (archmaester thats seeking Dany). I just looked over the prologue and last chapter of AFFC and noticed that the faceless man who kills prologue Pate has stolen his identity or something and is in Samwells company at the end .

Is that the last we hear of that or am I leaving out something from ADWD?

[Iksenpets]

So are there any theories about whats going on w/ Sam in old town and whatever his name is The Mage (archmaester thats seeking Dany). I just looked over the prologue and last chapter of AFFC and noticed that the faceless man who kills prologue Pate has stolen his identity or something and is in Samwells company at the end . Is that the last we hear of that or am I leaving out something from ADWD?

Nope, we got zero Sam updates in Dance. The only things we've really picked up from Sam's time in Oldtown is that the maesters may have played a part in the extinction of the dragons. I think Sam may just be there to find some knowledge about how exactly magic has been returning. The only other thing I can think of is that maybe somehow he'll end up tying into the Dornish plotline, since one of his companions in the Citadel is one of Oberyn's daughters in disguise. (Prince Doran mentions one of the Sand Snakes named Sarella, whose mother was a Summer Islander, is in Oldtown. Sam is in the company of a half Dornish half Summer Islander named Alleras, if you weren't familiar with the theory.)

[John Dunbar]

Also, the Faceless Man who killed Pate and is now posing as him is Jaqen H'ghar.

Killing off Dany would be the worst plot decision of all time. It would turn her story from something that is going somewhere but has unfortunately got stuck in idle for a bit into the biggest waste of time ever. It would be the only thing stupider than Jon being actually dead. It would be like following Quentyn for 4 books instead of 4 chapters and then offing him after having the same impact on the story.

I didn't care much for the Quentyn chapters, but I actually think he has a huge impact on the story, or at least will have soon enough. Dorne was pretty much the only major power in Westeros sympathetic to Dany's cause (although more because of revenge than loyalty). When they find out that Dany laughed off the marriage pact (the fact that the pact didn't actually involve her will mean nothing to anyone), and then one of her dragons killed him, it's safe to say she has burnt that bridge. I mean, half of Dorne seemed ready to go to war over the Red Viper, and he died in a trial by combat he volunteered for, so there's no telling what they'll do when they find out their prince got cooked.

Not sure will Dorne actually go to war, but they might just side with Aegon (of course, if they believe he's the real deal, then they probably would have done that anyway, him being Elia's kid). They might also plan their own Red Wedding.

[Basileus777]

Also, the Faceless Man who killed Pate and is now posing as him is Jaqen H'ghar. I didn't care much for the Quentyn chapters, but I actually think he has a huge impact on the story, or at least will have soon enough. Dorne was pretty much the only major power in Westeros sympathetic to Dany's cause (although more because of revenge than loyalty). When they find out that Dany laughed off the marriage pact (the fact that the pact didn't actually involve her will mean nothing to anyone), and then one of her dragons killed him, it's safe to say she has burnt that bridge. I mean, half of Dorne seemed ready to go to war over the Red Viper, and he died in a trial by combat he volunteered for, so there's no telling what they'll do when they find out their prince got cooked. Not sure will Dorne actually go to war, but they might just side with Aegon (of course, if they believe he's the real deal, then they probably would have done that anyway, him being Elia's kid). They might also plan their own Red Wedding.

Assuming Dorne even finds out those details in time, why did Quentyn's death require multiple POV chapters? Why did we need to see him wandering around, stalling, and detailing an endless number of irrelevant mercenary companies? Other than his final death chapter, everything else from his POV is filler. Quentyn's presence as a POV character feels like a holdover from before Barristan became a POV and remained in there because GRRM has became reluctant "to kill his darlings."

[John Dunbar]

Assuming Dorne even finds out those details in time, why did Quentyn's death require multiple POV chapters? Why did we need to see him wandering around, stalling, and detailing an endless number of irrelevant mercenary companies? Other than his final death chapter, everything else from his POV is filler. Quentyn's presence as a POV character feels like a holdover from before Barristan became a POV and remained in there because GRRM has became reluctant "to kill his darlings."

As I said, I didn't really care for his chapters, but I do think his impact in the overall story justified 4 POVs, though I would have gladly settled for less. I figure Martin thought it would look lazy if he just had Quentyn show up in Meereen, and then give him one POV to kill him. Maybe he tried to make the reader see him as a real character and not just someone who needed to die for the plot. Of course that's exactly what he was, but it's no surprise Martin would try to hide it, no matter how clumsily.

And I do think they will find out, because his death, and how it affects Dany's possible relationship with Dorne, was the only point in his story. If they don't find out, then I agree that the POVs were pointless, but if they just find out too late, then my Red Wedding guess would seem more likely. They help Dany in Westeros, but then learn what happened to Quentyn, and then it's time to settle the score. I also don't think his companions were left alive for no reason.

Whatever happens, I think his death will come back to haunt Dany.

[LM4sure]

Killing off Dany would be the worst plot decision of all time. It would turn her story from something that is going somewhere but has unfortunately got stuck in idle for a bit into the biggest waste of time ever. It would be the only thing stupider than Jon being actually dead. It would be like following Quentyn for 4 books instead of 4 chapters and then offing him after having the same impact on the story.

I don't think it would be the worst decision ever. She did have her point. She hatched the dragons and now her role is done. She's been taking too damn long to get to Westeros. I would even be satisfied if she gets to Westeros and then takes a spear in the gut. Then maybe her brother could take the dragons. He seems like a much cooler Targaryen than Dany. Dany is a spoiled brat but she had nothing most of her life. She's like that other douche bag brother of hers.

And truly, is that Xaro guy not the richest guy in Qarth??? When did we figure this out? I know in the show he had nothing, but that wasn't in the book, was it? As far as I know, he is the richest man in Qarth.

[Basileus777]

And truly, is that Xaro guy not the richest guy in Qarth??? When did we figure this out? I know in the show he had nothing, but that wasn't in the book, was it? As far as I know, he is the richest man in Qarth.

While he is fabiously wealthy, I don't think he is actually called the richest man in Qarth in the book. His backstory of being an immigrant who came from rags to riches and his empty vault is just a show invention.

[28 Posts Later]

Assassin's Apprentice, Robin Hobb.

I second this, but only if the pacing and lack of action in AFFC didn't bother you.

[ultron87]

I don't think it would be the worst decision ever. She did have her point. She hatched the dragons and now her role is done. She's been taking too damn long to get to Westeros. I would even be satisfied if she gets to Westeros and then takes a spear in the gut. Then maybe her brother could take the dragons. He seems like a much cooler Targaryen than Dany. Dany is a spoiled brat but she had nothing most of her life. She's like that other douche bag brother of hers.

If that was her only role she wouldn't have been in 3 more books after that. Martin clearly has a plan for her. If that plan is "follow her for 4 books and then have her get randomly shanked after having little to no impact on the primary story of the series (ie Westeros)" he is a terrible writer.

I understand that you dislike the character and I agree that her spinning her wheels has gotten tiresome. The only thing worse than her spinning her wheels would be for her to do that for 2 books and then get killed stupidly for stupid shock value or to appease fans who don't like her. We've followed the primary viewpoint characters for far too long to just randomly kill them at this point.

[jiji]

I know this is somewhat off topic, but now that I'm done the books (that have been released), I don't really have anything good to read. Any recommendations for fantasy books that are sort of along the lines of this one?

The only thing I can recommend - and you can debate how fantasy it is (or isn't) - is the Book of the New Sun series by Gene Wolfe. It has the same depth of worldbuilding and an even greater depth of language and culture presented. Gritty, too.

[velvet_nitemare]

Summer's here and i was looking on amazon for books to take to the beach. I was gonna get "Wise Man's Fear" but everyone has been shitting on in and told me to stay far away. So i figured i'd do yet another aSoIaF reread, with a twist. I'm considering the graphic novel, forgive me GAF.

[Igladius]

Team Rickon.

[Steelyuhas]

Team Rickon.

.