LKRFN read Storm of Swords and Feast For Crows; on to Dance with Dragons!

Was told to start one of these, so here we go. Starting it tonight after work, will try to post my thoughts every day or so. But with all the talk I've heard about this book, I imagine I could be posting often.

Interested for it to get going though, especially because I know what's coming in the prologue. Was excited when I opened it on my Fire and one of the maps was north of the wall Bring on the greatness.

 

Got to the first Dany chapter and decided to call it quits tonight. Heading to bed, will post thoughts on the first chapters I read at work tomorrow. Am enjoying it so far.

 

Prologue: So awesome to finally get the white walkers coming. Three horns at the end was so cool. The only thing that bums me out is that I knew it was coming from the TV show. Can't imagine how awesome that would have been had been had I not known it was coming. Excited that it'll be like that as I read the rest of the book.

Jamie: Easily becoming one of my favorite characters. Killed it in the final Catelyn chapter of ACOK and continued that to start this one. The shenanigans that he and Brienne have along the way should be fun. Like a weird comedy team or something. Will enjoy their chapters together.

Catelyn: Continues to be my least favorite character. She is a dumbass. Why the hell does she think that releasing Jamie will do anything? She bitches all the time to herself how dishonorable the Lannister's are, then does this. I don't understand it. Will make for great reading (as I said above), but she's so dumb, my goodness.

Arya: Hot Pie bitching the whole chapter killed me. Honestly (and this shouldn't be a complaint in a book with dragons, zombies from the north, etc), I do wonder how believable this story will continue to be. She's ten and doing all the stuff she's doing? Idk why it suddenly bothered me, but it kinda did reading her first chapter of the book.

Tyrion: My favorite character. Felt bad for him at the end of the chapter, but loved that he stood up to his dad. The dialogue that scene was really good though, even if Tywin was an ass.

Davos: Felt like his most emo chapter of the two books he's been in. Was woe is me the entire time. I like him, but I'm definitely not as high on him as others are. Was happy to get more a backstory on the battle at Blackwater, because I was kinda confused when reading that in ACOK.

Sansa: I definitely don't hate her like I used to, but man she can do some dumb stuff. No matter what, I just wouldn't trust anyone when saying the things about Joffrey, his family, etc. You gotta keep that shit on the inside.

Jon: So excited to see where this story goes. And the fact that the king had taken the black and was back in Winterfell at the beginning of the first book is so damn interesting to me. Do wonder how long Jon can say that he's team Night's Watch. Just have a feeling he is going to join the side of the people he's with and fight with them.

But, I know nothing, so we shall see. Really enjoyed these first few chapters, ready for shit to go down. Won't get to read again until the 5th probably because of 4th of July festivities with friends tonight and family tomorrow. But perhaps I can be American in my room late tomorrow afternoon and get some reading in.

 

Would not be surprised at all if this happens. Would almost expect it honestly.

 

Dany: Loved at the beginning when she described the dragons flying above them. Just seemed badass and made me excited for them reaching their full potential. So much badassery possible. Also, don't know how I feel about Jorah making a move on her. Think it's good from an interest standpoint, but feel like it'll cause problems down the line for them as they continue to deal with shit.

Bran: Continue to love his story and continue to be disappointed by the lack of wargness/dreams on the show, because it has so much potential. Really interested to see where that type of the plot can go, because it's not every day that someone can do what he's doing there. Jojen interests me more and more as I read.

Davos: Wonder what is going to happen if/when he meets back up with Stannis because he does sure hate him some Melisandre. Honestly though, I'm not too into his story right now. Just kinda meh on what is happening with him.

Jamie: I laugh every time when the book is all "Blah blah blah," said the wench. Destroys me every time. His backstory was fantastic, especially his reason for joining the kingsguard. He continues to put pussy on a pedestal with it being all about his sister, who then got taken away anyway. Sucks for him. Would read a book just based on him to see the type of shenanigans that happened to him all throughout his life.

Tyrion: Tyrion/Varys conversations are the goat, can't get enough of those two characters together. Shae is going to get him really messed up, speaking of putting pussy on a pedestal. Hope I'm wrong, but it just seems like things will get bad because of her.

 

Arya: Read two Arya chapters this time through, so the end had me thinking some good things were going to happen to her for one, but obviously that was not to be. For some reason, Hot Pie telling the innkeeper their bread was shit made me laugh.

Catelyn: Robb can be as dumb as his mom sometimes. Him choosing that girl royally fucked up his army (as of now), and now he has to come begging if he wants to get that type of army again. Choosing her over Grey Wind as well? Those direwolves are obviously something else. Happy he listened to his mom about sending Rolph away.

Jon: This was easily my favorite chapter of the book so far. OH SNAP GIANTS. The descriptions of them were really interesting. As were the discussions of the various other people who reside in the north. Plus we get not one, but two "you know nothing" lines to Jon. Still have the feeling that he joins these people fully. Have a feeling the stuff back south of the wall should be awesome once they get there. Plus he's about to lose his v card, so that's cool too.

Sansa: Really needs to stop talking to Margaery so damn much, it's going to get her in trouble. Also don't know why she suddenly expects everything is going to be ok. She should keep Dantos close, but she's an idiot.

Arya: Sucks for Arya that Harwin doesn't want to take her where she wants to go. Once again, she's right back where she started by being captured. And as annoying as Hot Pie could be, I think I'll miss him a little bit now that he's baking bread full time again.

 

Sam: Amazing how much my opinion changed on him throughout the chapter. I'm usually pro-Sam, and I know shit is fucked up beyond the wall, but damn was he being a bitch throughout. Don't just sit there and let them get you, have a little respect. Was happy to see how that changed as it went on to the very end when he stabbed one. Interesting that it basically melted ala the guy in Indiana Jones. Stuff beyond the wall continues to be my favorite right now.

Tyrion: Gaddam at him becoming the master of the coin, along with the potential marriage to Sansa. Happy that he will continue to play a big part in Joffrey's rule, because he's smart as hell and knows what he's doing. Although, I hate Joffrey, so maybe I shouldn't be rooting for this. Also thought it was interesting that Cersei is probably going to get married too. Was weird, albeit understood, to see them acknowledging the incest like they did, but they all made good points. Cersei getting with another guy + popping out more babies would shit Stannis and his people up a bit.

Catelyn: At least Robb is in these chapters, because damn does she suck. Happy with the stuff Robb did though in (a) making that one guy get hanged last so he could watch and then (b) taking out that guy himself.

Jamie: So awesome. Of the happenings south of the wall, I'm enjoying his the most right now. The shit he says is gold, and I continue to love the looks at his past that we get. Thought it was funny that he didn't care about his mom dying because that meant he could have sex with Cersei without the threat of getting caught. Didn't realize the Dothraki hung out with other people, surprised me to see them in the spot they were.

Arya: The thought of Arya dressing like a lady always makes me laugh, because she's not that at all. No surprise that it didn't last long before she got dirty/tore up her now clothes. Wasn't too interested in this chapter, though whenever Gendry mentions Robert I always wonder what his endgame is. I imagine he'll find out that he's Robert's son eventually, but beyond that I just don't see it mattering much, because George RR doesn't seem to keen on happy endings.

 

Dany: Unsullied army is crazy interesting, from not having pain because of that wine to not having both balls and dick. Would suck. As shown is this post, I've read two Dany chapters today so I know what's coming as far as her purchasing them, but I'm really interested in seeing how these dudes do in battle. Hopefully they aren't the Florida State or armies and are actually worth their salt. Aside from them, hope we get the sex scene in season 3. Also was interested in how she handled Jorah. Didn't know what I expected, but didn't really surprise me to see her get her guards/bitches around her at all times so he couldn't make another move. Their relationship going forward will be something to watch.

Bran: Was more of a story, than anything actually involving Bran. I liked it, didn't love it. Was hoping for more warg shit.

Davos: Sucks that he's in prison, but happy to read non-emo crying from him for a whole chapter. Conversation with Melisandre was obviously the highlight of the chapter. The whole ice/fire, black/white, etc conversation reminded me of Locke talking to Walt (WAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLTTTTT) in the Lost pilot episode. Sucks for the hand to get thrown in prison as well.

Jon: Ygritte That scene should be good stuff on the show. The "you know nothing's" are coming in full force right now, though she speaks the truth. Continue on the opinion that he's going to turn fully away from the Night's Watch as shit continues to unfold. It's one thing to do what he's doing now, but I imagine he'll be fighting with these people against Others and whatnot soon. Don't know how he could do that then go against them. Though, I know nothing.

Dany: Fuck yeah, what a chapter. Was pissed off when she offered up the dragons for the army. One of those dragon alone would be worth the whole army, not even counting all the treasures she was giving up. I was wondering how Drogon would respond to being someone else's, but I thought that Dany would turn away, not look back, and shed a few tears for him. Was so badass how everything unfolded. Well played by her to make sure the Unsullied knew that she was their boss before pulling the shenanigans that she did. Finished this chapter ~15 minutes ago and still pumped at what happened. Good shit. Also will add that I'm worried at how this scene will be handled on the show. They barely show the dragons because of how much it costs, but I really hope they go all out with these scene because it was awesome.

 

Sansa: I thought I had missed something reading the beginning of the chapter because she was all "I'm excited for who I'm married, wait what am I wearing, I mad." Sucks it was just sprung on her like it was. Tyrion is a boss though, because he's in a shitty situation as well but he handled it damn near as well as he possibly could in that type of situation. This marriage should be a weird, yet interesting one, moving forward.

Arya: First thing I wanted to know from this chapter was who the hell the prisoner was at the end, but I decided not to peak ahead, so I'll find out when I get to her chapter tomorrow. Other than that I wasn't too into this chapter, although when she was thinking to herself about Gendry having black hair, but not being the king's son, I did laugh. Well done George RR.

Jon: Sucks for those wildlings who fell off the wall. Can't imagine that felt too good. Was bummed this chapter wasn't very long, finished it and wanted more from his story. Though I've been like that this entire book, so that isn't anything new. Great descriptions of them climbing the wall though. That should be something to see on the show. The wall is so awesome.

Jamie: FFFFFFUUUUUU. What a shitty chapter for Jamie. And yet through it all, he didn't lose his sense of humor or his natural asshole-ness, as he continued to talk shit to everyone. Big fan, keep being yourself Jamie. Thing I took from this chapter the most though was that it seems like him and Brienne are becoming closer. Obviously they've been through some shit, so that's not a surprise. But I feel like when this is all over, they could get an apartment together #Anchorman.

 

Loving it. Read like 150 pages today. Wished I could have gotten more in, but had to do some other things. Hoping to be done by next weekend.

 

Ended up reading one more chapter last night. Then I saw that I had a huge Sam chapter coming. Was exhausted, so I knew I wouldn't be able to pay attention like I wanted to. Was hard to not read it because I'm loving north of the wall stuff right now, but I decided to save it for today. Will read it and post after work. Alas...

Tyrion: Damn, Tywin was an ass in this chapter. Amazing how much more I dislike him in the book compared with the show. I've enjoyed most of his scenes on the show, but in the book, when damn near all of them are with Tyrion, he's a tough character to like. Sucks for Tyrion with all the stuff going on (or not going on) in the bedroom right now. The stuff about Valyrian steel was awesome, love the backstories we've been getting so far in this book. Also, the continual lack of caring about stuff north of the wall makes me laugh. If they ever go south (which can they even? Seems like they are meant for snow/winter (though, Winter is Coming)), people are going to get MESSED UP.

 

Been busy the past couple of nights so haven't been able to read like I've wanted to.

Sam: Was honestly disappointed by this chapter. Was hoping for more crazy shit, instead got a crazy person in his house full of loons. Idk if Slayer was a good or bad nickname for him. His friends made good points, but outside of his friends, everyone makes fun of him so idk. Leaning towards it's a good thing. Old Bear :/ Always liked his character. Would love for Sam to somehow find Jorah.

Arya: Damnnnn, did not expect the Hound to be the one caught. His line about his shit not stinking was awesome. Always liked his character, even though he's been an ass. The fight was awesome, should be interesting to see if done right next spring. Then I thought I missed something as Beric talks at the end. WTF. Once again, Arya's chapter leaves on a good cliffhanger.

Will be reading more tonight.

 

Tyrion, Jon, and Jamie are all better iyam.

 

Agreed. I liked her a lot in book 1, but she took a step back for me in book 2. Just wasn't as interesting as it has been. And while the cliffhangers have been good for her, her chapters overall haven't been amazing like the three I mentioned.

 

I've liked Bran a lot lately. This whole warg stuff is something I'm really enjoying.

 

Catelyn: Continues to be an idiot. I just had a laugh when she wondered to herself why they hadn't heard from Brienne yet/why Sansa and Arya weren't home. She sucks so much. Did enjoy that we got quite a bit of Robb in this chapter though.

Davos: Wasn't too surprised with how this chapter ended with him being Team "The Night is Dark and Full of Terrors" because he is a big fan of Stannis. Needs to stop being so damn humble/negative though. He deserves to be Stannis' hand after all the great things he's done for him. Loved that little back story nugget about sending Jamie to the wall. Also, about damn time someone took the Others seriously. Only took 2.5 books.

Jamie: No fucks continue to be given by him and I absolutely love it. The back story that he tells about his life has been some of my favorite stuff in the book. Such a misunderstood person. He's obviously made a ton of mistakes/decisions that I wouldn't have made, but other stuff I can agree with him.

Tyrion: I feel like the Dornishmen stuff will get good eventually, but for this chapter I was kind of meh. Did enjoy Tyrion not taking their shit though. The wedding should be something to read though. So many people showing up and now these guys? I imagine there will be some fighting and I'm excited to read about it.

Arya: Damn about Lord Beric being brought back to life so many times already. Sucks that she's being separated from Gendry now too. Expected him to be by her side for the long time. Would be typical George RR for him to tease us with the fact that he's Robert's son, then just have him leave and never come back. Figured the Hound would do some crazy stuff, but I guess it's time for him to wait in the wind a bit. Did find it interesting that they wouldn't attack him because he won the trial. Honorable men back in the day.

Bran: This chapter was awesome. Speaking of learning more about the past, his knowledge is absolutely awesome. Then he hopped inside of Hordor for a second? Damnnnnn. He's really starting to get this warg stuff down. Hordor makes me laugh, but I was kind of frustrated with him at the end of the chapter. Happy they weren't caught (yet at least). Was wondering if that would be Jon and his crew down there and...

Jon: It was! Awesome. Kind of wanted them to run into each other, but also didn't as that would mean the end of Bran most likely. Also, they heard Hordor! He needs to shut the hell up imo. Did not expect him to leave the wildlings this soon. Expected this to last towards the end of the book, if not longer. Now he's going back to the wall to rejoin his boys. Wondering how that will go over.

Also, can't remember what chapter it was, but one of them (think it was Davos') mentioned Renly being a gay. Been looking out for those references.

 

Dany: Her badassery continues in this chapter. Very well done throughout with the various conversations she had. Figured she'd convince at one of those people to turn, perhaps by shier volume of soldiers that she had compared to others. Liked how she didn't wait and just took action. Might as well just go for it. "Dracarys" is awesome every single time she says it. Love those dragons. Poor Jorah, dude has no shot.

Arya: Oh hey, we know the name of Jon's mom. Figured we'd find out eventually, was really anti-climactic in the way it was just mentioned like it was no biggie by Little Ned. Interesting stuff seen in the fire. And then the Hound at the end, hello! Wonder how he will treat her moving forward. For all the stuff they went through, I kinda thought he warmed up to Sansa. He called her out on shit before, but for the most part seemed to like her/feel bad for all the shit Joffrey did to her.

 

Jamie: The line about having one hand and one stump at the end of the chapter from him was absolutely hilarious. "No man can fight a bear with his bare hands!" "One bare hand and one bare stump," Jamie corrected. Fantastic. Knew that Brienne was growing on him. Growing on me as well tbqh. Surprised that she still hasn't had sex/been raped. Thought that would have happened. Happy he went back to get her, that was cool. Dream was weird as hell. Lots of crazy shit going down. Not gonna lie, the fight with the bear reminded me of Anchorman.

Catelyn: Fuck yeah Robb, getting Jon as your heir. Catelyn's anger for him as always pissed me off. Like, I get it. But at the same time, be pissed at Ned. Don't kill the messenger. Or in this case, don't kill the message delivered. Happy for Robb and Jon (if he would ever get the chance). Robb was great throughout. "I don't have to. I'm the king." Awesome. Loved how even Grey Wind was pissed with Catelyn. Don't think anyone likes that character.

 

Sam: RIP sweet horse that Sam had. That sucks. If that doesn't get him to do P90X, I don't know what will. Was waiting the entire time of an Other or wight to show up, and it happened at the end. Once again, for all his whining and overall bad attitude, he was able to take one out. Then all the other zombies showed up. The thing with the crows interesting as hell. I feel like this will play in later on. For some reason, it seems like crows are big fans of eating the wights. That one was sitting on Small Paul's shoulder just munching on his face. Feel like this could have some play down the line. And GADDAM at the ending. Wondering what the hell was going on because that guy talked to Sam

Arya: So hard headed sometimes. The whole trying to kill the Hound thing? Cmon girl, that's just not going to work. His attitude towards her is so funny. Much different relationship than Sansa. Seems like he has a tiny bit of respect for her because of (a) trying to kill her as well as (b) staring at his face. The thing with getting over the water was great. Knew he wouldn't pay, thought he would kill them instead of giving them the money in paper though. Did not expect him not to be taking her to King's Landing though.

Jon: Great chapter. Sucks that the wall has pretty much turned to shit now with sending everyone north + the deaths of almost all of said people. Hopefully they are able to get their shit together since they're spread so thin. Did not expect him to confess him and Ygrette so soon, but I do wonder how much of that was milk of the poppy, rather than outright guilt. Poor guy though, found out about the death of his master + the destruction of Winterfell back to back. That's not even counting all the shit his body is going through physically right now. Or the loss of his girl. Even in his dreams, he knows nothing. Also, awesome that he might have figured out Bran is a warg and/or alive right now.

Catelyn: Her chapters are a chore to get through most of the time, but I actually enjoyed this one. Lots of good stuff throughout. Did not know Theon was still alive. Love that they're skinning that douche. Happy for Edmure getting a decent chick. Loved how he questioned everything about her though. My guess: her personality sucks ass. Grey Wind being weird as hell, which he's been most of the book tbqh. Robb needs to pay more attention to him, not shove him to the side. Lord Frey just doesn't give a fuck. Makes fun of everyone, HEH.

Arya: Kept waiting and waiting for her to finally run into her mom and Robb, but it didn't happen dammit. For all the hate I have for Catelyn and her bullshit, I think that'll be pretty cool. Until Hound just outright kills some fools. The happiness will disappear quickly I will imagine. Seems hellbent on going after Robb. Also, Hound had some interesting things to say about saying "ser" and looking down. Seemed to be right, because no one had a second thought about it.

 

Catelyn: FUCKING A ARE YOU KIDDING ME. Goodnight sweet Robb. Dammit, did not see that coming at all. Was reading along and suddenly shit is going down, though I had missed something. Fucking Frey, just chilling there smug as all things smug. Wow. Did not like that Grey Wind wasn't there once again, gotta have them direwolves around you at all times. Wow. At least Catelyn went out like a boss with her killing of the dumbass grandson as well as her laughing like a psycho.

Other random observations because that was obviously the big takeaway: the bedding stuff is both hilarious and awful at the same time. Such a weird tradition. Robb is (or was, rip) such a good dude, because he was eating all the shitty food like it was no big deal. He was a good man, always taking one for the team.

Damn. Just damn.

 

I am reading off a Kindle, so I didn't want to break it haha. Right when it said the longsword went through his heart, I got pissed. Finished the chapter, put it down, and just "fuck." Pretty much the only thing I could say after that. Dammit.

 

Already read the next chapter, way to into the book right now to stop. Still stunned though.

 

Arya: Another short ass chapter for Arya. Hound continues to be a beast. What amazed me most in this one was him just being smart. Fuck running inside anything. Fight people at gtfo. Felt for Arya. Hadn't seen her mother since the beginning of book 1, and was so close. Really hope Grey Wind makes it out of there. His howl made me sad. Can't imagine she's dead as well, so I think she just got knocked out.

 

Tyrion: Fuck the Lannisters for their reactions about Robb dying. Outside of Tyrion, Jamie, and sometimes Tywin, this family sucks so hard. Did laugh at Tywin going at it with Joffrey, though Joffrey put him in his place when he said he had been hiding at Casterly Rock. Still feel bad for Tyrion for having to deal with the whole marriage thing. Not going well for him thus far. Wondering if he'll go back on his promise to get Sansa pregnant. Speaking of Sansa, Joffrey is such a little prick. "I'm going to get his head and make Sansa kiss it." STFU Joffrey. Really hope he meets his demise before this series is over, but I don't imagine that'll happen because GRRM will troll hard.

Davos: Throughout this chapter, I continued to have a bad feeling about Stannis' wife. Idk why, but her randomly talking in the early part just felt weird. Maybe I'm reading too much into things. Hope Davos can learn how to read. Can't imagine being his age and not knowing how, let alone seeing 12 year olds do it. Continues to know that the wall needs help. Really don't think that sacrificing Edric will bring a dragon. But hey, they threw leeches in a fire and 2/3 are dead, so what do I know?

Jon: Dammit, I really liked Ygrette as well. She was a fun character to have around. Was hoping that Jon would end up being right about her wound and that they'd be able to fix it. Battle was interesting, will like to see it happen on screen. And damn is that wall getting a lot of heat lately, pun intended. Don't think it'll be knocked down because of how big it is, but it seems like shits being taken out of it a little at a time here and there.