“Crowns do queer things to the heads beneath them.”

So many pages! But I managed to finish it. It was indeed a great read, yet it wasn't as satisfying as A Game of Thrones. I'm not completely certain why, but perhaps the numerous Kings and their never-ending battles became a bit tiresome.

Here are the many points of view, starting from the chapters I liked the most down to the ones I didn't:

Tyrion - His story had unexpected turns, and he was witty and intriguing.

Daenerys - She explored new unknown lands with strange magic and, of course, there were the dragons!

Arya - Her life was filled with danger, Jaqen H'ghar, and many different faces.

Sansa - She was involved in King's Landing's games and intrigues, struggling to keep her head up.

Catelyn - She was tired of her sorrow, but I loved the parts with Brienne and Renly.

Jon - I love Ghost, like Halfhand and Sam, but winter and the cold annoyed him.

Bran - Once again, I love the Direwolves. I like Osha, Jojen, and Meera, but I'm just not interested in Bran.

Ser Davos - Melisandre was the only interesting thing in those chapters.

Theon - He's a vain, stupid little dipshit who only thinks with his cock.

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The story was more entertaining than the first one, but still, the headache refused to leave me throughout the entire time I was reading it.

I have nothing against the saga, but George's style just isn't for me. It was a real struggle for me to finish it, and each chapter felt like a sacrifice.

Reading the whole thing was quite a challenge, and I was relieved when I finally reached the end.

Maybe someone else would really enjoy George's writing style, but for me, it just didn't click.

Despite that, I'm glad I gave it a try and can now move on to other books that might suit my taste better.

Overall, it was an interesting experience, but not one that I would necessarily repeat.

Thank you George Martin for this thrilling book!!!!!

It has not been many years since I discovered the joys of reading fantasy. Then, one day, I began reading "A Song of Ice and Fire," and my world became a better place. I must give credit to the HBO series for this. When I first started watching the TV series, I had no idea it was based on Martin's books. Most people find it difficult to read a book after seeing the film version, and to be honest, most of the time it is disappointing. However, this was one of the few times when the book proved to be an absolute page-turner.

It's not that the books are better than the series. They are different, which is really cool! I had the opportunity to relive the story, revisit Westeros, and view the events from a different perspective. I gained a deeper understanding of the characters, and of course, many of the questions I had while watching the show were answered in the book. Yes, the TV show follows the storyline described in the books, but towards the end of the first book, I noticed some significant deviations. In short, reading this book felt as if I had never watched the series. How amazing is that?

What I particularly enjoyed about this book is that there are 18 entire chapters narrated from Tyrion's perspective, my favorite character. What more could I ask for?

Fantasy lovers, do not miss the chance to read what is probably the best fantasy series ever.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Fantasy

A Clash of Kings, the second installment in George R.R. Martin's renowned epic fantasy series, A Song of Ice and Fire, is a captivating continuation of the brutal civil war that commenced in A Game of Thrones. Different groups and factions are engaged in a fierce struggle for the Iron Throne, with the stakes higher than ever.

It is nearly impossible to disclose more about the plot without spoiling the previous book. A colossal war breaks out, and instead of a single king, there are now five kings vying for power! Daenerys Targaryen persists in her mission to claim the Iron Throne, accompanied by her growing Unsullied army and three magnificent dragons.

Beyond the Wall, the Night's Watch faces increasing perils from the Wildlings and mysterious forces lurking in the shadows. A significant amount of political maneuvering, alliances, and betrayals is taking place, which eerily resembles our present-day situation!

Like its predecessor, this book maintains a similar level of intensity, if not greater. Epic battles and events ultimately lead to astonishing twists. It is the kind of epic story where anything is possible, and no one is safe. I adore the uncertainty it presents, which heightens the shock value and makes it completely unpredictable.

The characters in A Clash of Kings are complex and multifaceted. They can be both relatable and captivating simultaneously. The large cast of characters might overwhelm some readers, especially those who need to keep track of them. However, the book conveniently includes an appendix listing all the characters, categorized by their houses. I frequently referred back to the appendix, which was extremely helpful.

Overall, A Clash of Kings provides a highly satisfying experience for fans of epic fantasy. Readers should be prepared for an intricate and morally nuanced story filled with violence and political intrigue. This second book is truly outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

“Този никога няма да се прегъне” — помисли тя, но все пак беше длъжна да опита. Твърде голям беше залогът.

She thought, “This one will never bend,” but still she had to try. The stakes were too high.

— Синът ми властва като крал на Севера, по волята на нашите лордове и народа. Той не прегъва коляно пред никого, но протяга ръка за приятелство на всички.

“My son rules as the king of the North, by the will of our lords and people. He does not kneel before anyone, but extends his hand in friendship to all.”

— Кралете нямат приятели — грубо отвърна Станис, — само поданици и врагове.

“Kings have no friends,” Stannis said roughly. “Only subjects and enemies.”

„Сблъсък на крале“ е възхитителен роман, както и отлична втора част от поредицата „Песен за огън и лед“! Джордж Мартин е описал по изключително достоверен начин епичните и брутални конфликти между различните претенденти за Железния трон, разкривайки безмилостния манталитет на кралете. Алчността за власт води благородните домове във Вестерос до редица интриги, предателства и безразсъдни грешки, докато животът на обикновените хора става още по-тягостен, а опасностите отвъд Вала - все по-зловещи...

“A Clash of Kings” is an exciting novel and an excellent second part of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series! George Martin has described in an extremely accurate way the epic and brutal conflicts between the various claimants to the Iron Throne, revealing the merciless mindset of the kings. The lust for power leads the noble houses in Westeros to a series of intrigues, betrayals, and reckless mistakes, while the life of ordinary people becomes even more difficult, and the dangers beyond the Wall are even more menacing...

Според мен, най-страховитият от фентъзи елементите в книгата не са бродниците или драконите, а Мелисандра... Жрицата умело се промъква покрай битките във Вестерос и коварно разширява влиянието на червената религия. Междувременно, Денерис получава любопитни видения в дома на Немрящите в Карт, а пък Бран - мистични сънища от триоката врана. Съчетанието между исторически и фентъзи епос в „Сблъсък на крале“ се е получило просто великолепно!

In my opinion, the most terrifying of the fantasy elements in the book is not the pirates or the dragons, but Melisandre... The priestess skillfully evades the battles in Westeros and cunningly expands the influence of the red religion. Meanwhile, Daenerys receives curious visions in the House of the Undying in Qarth, and Bran has mysterious dreams from the three-eyed raven. The combination of historical and fantasy epic in “A Clash of Kings” has turned out simply magnificent!

„— Значи властта е само фокус на жалък мим?

“So power is just a focus of a pitiful mime?”

— Сянка на стената — промърмори Варис, — но сянка, която може да убива. И понякога един много малък човек може да хвърли много голяма сянка.

“A shadow on the wall,” Varys murmured. “But a shadow that can kill. And sometimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”

Тирион се усмихна.

Tyrion smiled.

— Лорд Варис, странно защо започвате да ми харесвате. Все още мога да ви убия, но ми се струва, че това ще ме натъжи.

“Lord Varys, it’s strange why you start to like me. I can still kill you, but I think it will tire me.”

— Приемам го като висока похвала.

“I take it as a high compliment.”

„Железните острови живееха с миналото; настоящето беше твърде тежко и горчиво, за да се понесе. Освен това баща му и чичовците му бяха старите, а старите лордове са такива; носеха прашасалите си вражди до гроба, нищо не забравяха и още по-малко прощаваха.

The Iron Islands lived with the past; the present was too hard and bitter to bear. Besides, his father and uncles were old, and old lords were like that; they carried their dusty feuds to the grave, forgot nothing and forgave even less.

„— Слугините ми казват, че тук има духове.

“My servants say there are spirits here.”

— Духове има навсякъде — промълви сир Джора. — Където и да отидем, ние си ги носим с нас.

“There are spirits everywhere,” Sir Jorah said. “Wherever we go, we carry them with us.”

„— Дивотия — въздъхна Тирион. — Когато откъснеш езика на някого, не доказваш, че е лъжец. Само показваш на света, че се боиш от това, което може да каже.

“Folly,” Tyrion sighed. “When you cut out a man’s tongue, you don’t prove he’s a liar. You only show the world that you’re afraid of what he might say.”

„Човек като Петир Белиш, с неговата дарба да тръкне два златни дракона между пръстите си и да изкара три, беше безценен за Ръката на краля. Кутрето се беше издигнал бързо като стрела. За три години, откакто бе дошъл в двора, вече държеше поста надзорник на хазната и беше член на малкия съвет, а днешните приходи на короната десет пъти надвишаваха сумите при неговия войнствен предшественик… въпреки че дълговете на короната също така бяха нараснали. Майстор жонгльор беше този Петир Белиш.

A man like Petyr Baelish, with his gift for slipping two gold dragons between his fingers and making three come out, was invaluable to the Hand of the King. The Imp had risen like a shooting star. In three years since he had come to court, he already held the post of master of coin and was a member of the small council, and today’s revenues of the crown ten times exceeded the sums under his military predecessor... although the debts of the crown had also increased. Master Jongleur was this Petyr Baelish.

„— Защо позволявате на хората да ви наричат „псе“? Не давате на никого да ви нарече рицар.

“Why do you allow people to call you a ‘dog’? You don’t let anyone call you a knight.”

— Обичам псетата повече от рицарите.

“I like dogs more than knights.”

„— Ако започнеш да ми викаш „милейди“, дори и Горещата баница ще го забележи. И ще е по-добре да продължиш да пикаеш, както досега.

“If you start calling me ‘my lady,’ even the Red Keep will notice. And it would be better if you continued to pinch, as you have so far.”

— Както заповяда милейди.

“As my lady commands.”

Аря го шибна в гърдите с две ръце. Той се спъна в един камък и тупна по задник на земята.

Arya shoved him in the chest with both hands. He tripped over a rock and landed on his backside on the ground.

— Що за господарска дъщеря си ти? — изсмя се той.

“What a little mistress you are?” he laughed.

— Такава! — Аря го изрита в хълбока, но това само го разсмя още повече. — Смей се колкото си щеш.

“Like this!” Arya kicked him in the ribs, but that only made him laugh even more. “Laugh as much as you want.”

„Пълна лудост — помисли Кейтлин. — Истински врагове отвсякъде и половината кралство е в пожарища, а Ренли си седи тук и си играе на война като момченце с първия си дървен меч.

“Complete madness,” Catelyn thought. “Real enemies everywhere and half the kingdom in flames, and Renly sits here playing at war like a boy with his first wooden sword.”

„Железният трон на Егон Завоевателя беше едно ужасно кълбо от гадни шипове и щръкнали железни зъби, чакащи всеки глупак, който се опита да се разположи удобно на него, а краката го заболяха, докато се изкачи до него с пълното съзнание какво нелепо зрелище е това в очите на другите. Но си имаше едно предимство: беше висок.

The Iron Throne of Aegon the Conqueror was a hideous tangle of sharp spikes and twisted metal teeth, waiting for every fool who tried to sit on it comfortably, and the legs of those who climbed it were cut until they reached it with the full realization of what a ridiculous sight it was in the eyes of others. But it had one advantage: it was high.

„— Върховните лордове винаги са във вражда помежду си. Кажете ми кой е надвил и ще ви кажа какво означава това. Халееси, Седемте кралства няма да паднат в ръцете ви като зрели праскови. Ще ви е нужна флота, злато, войски, съюзници…

“The high lords are always at war with each other. Tell me who has prevailed and I will tell you what that means. Khalessi, the Seven Kingdoms will not fall into your hands like ripe plums. You will need a fleet, gold, soldiers, allies...”

— Всичко това го знам. — Тя хвана ръцете му и се взря в тъмните му недоверчиви очи. „Понякога той мисли за мен като за дете, което е длъжен да опази, понякога — като за жена, с която би искал да легне, но дали наистина вижда в мен своята кралица?“ — Не съм онова изплашено момиченце, което срещнахте в Пентос. Вярно, само на петнадесет съм… но съм стара като стариците на дош халеен и млада като своите дракони, Джора.

“I know all that.” She took his hands and looked into his dark, distrustful eyes. “Sometimes he thinks of me as a child he has to protect, sometimes as a woman he would like to lie with, but does he really see me as his queen?” “I’m not that scared little girl you met in Pentos. True, I’m only fifteen... but I’m as old as the old men of the dosh khaleen and as young as my dragons, Jorah.”

„— Спането е хубаво нещо — каза той. — А книгите — още повече.

“Sleep is a good thing,” he said. “And books even more so.”

„— Не — изломоти Санса уплашена. Ако останеше затворена в Кулата на Ръката, пазена от хората на джуджето, как щеше да я измъкне сир Донтос на свобода?

“No,” Sansa interrupted, scared. If she remained locked in the Tower of the Hand, guarded by the people of the Imp, how would Ser Dontos get her out to freedom?

— Защо, Черни уши ли предпочиташ? Ще оставя Чела, ако с жена ще ти е по-леко.

“Why, do you prefer the Black Ears? I’ll leave Chella if it’s easier for you with a woman.”

— Моля ви, недейте, милорд, диваците ме плашат.

“Please don’t, my lord, the wildlings scare me.”

Той се ухили.

He bowed.

— Мен също. Но по-важното е, че плашат Джофри и цялото това гнездо от усойници и псета блюдолизци, които той нарича „Кралската ми гвардия“.

“Me too. But more importantly, they scare Joffrey and all that nest of sycophants and dogshit lickspittles he calls the ‘King’s Guard.’”

„За пръв път Давос се бе оказал толкова близо до Негова милост през осемте дни, откакто „Черна Бета“ се присъедини към останалата флота, обсадила Бурен край. Беше поискал аудиенция веднага след пристигането си, но му казаха само, че кралят е зает. Кралят често биваше зает, както научи Давос от сина си Деван, един от кралските скуайъри. Откакто Станис Баратеон бе укрепил силата си, лордчетата бяха забръмчали около него като мухи над труп.

For the first time in eight days, Davos found himself so close to His Grace since the “Black Betha” joined the rest of the fleet and besieged Storm’s End. He had sought an audience immediately after his arrival, but was told only that the king was occupied. The king was often occupied, as Davos learned from his son Devan, one of the king’s squires. Since Stannis Baratheon had strengthened his forces, the lords had swarmed around him like flies over a corpse.

„Мелисандра отново се разсмя.

Melisandre laughed again.

— Вие сте се изгубили в тъмнина и хаос, сир Давос.

“You have lost your way in the darkness and chaos, Ser Davos.”

— И толкова по-добре.

“And so much the better.”

„Лорд-командир Мормон въздъхна тежко.

Lord Commander Mormont sighed heavily.

— Друг избор не виждам — отстъпи той. — Но ако не се върнете…

“I don’t see another choice,” he conceded. “But if you don’t return...”

— Все някой ще слезе от Ледените нокти, милорд — каза щурмовакът. — Ако сме ние, толкова по-добре. Ако не — ще е Манс Райдър, а вие седите точно на пътя му. Не може да продължи на юг и да ви остави зад гърба си, да го преследвате и биете в тила. Ще трябва да щурмува. Мястото е здраво.

“Someone will always come down from the Frozen Nights, my lord,” said the wildling. “If it’s us, so much the better. If not, it will be Mance Rayder, and you’re sitting right in his path. He can’t continue south and leave you behind, for you to pursue and strike at his back. He’ll have to storm. The place is sound.”

— Не чак толкова.

“Not that sound.”

— Най-много всички да измрем. Това ще спечели време за братята ни на Вала. Време да се попълнят гарнизоните и да се замразят портите. Време да се наточат брадвите и да се поправят катапултите. Животът ни ще е добре похарчена монета.

“At most, we’ll all die. But that will buy time for our brothers on the Wall. Time to fill the garrisons and freeze the ports. Time to sharpen the blades and repair the catapults. Our lives will be well-spent coin.”

„— Какво е това?

“What is this?”

— Много скъпа монета.

“A very precious coin.”

Аря я захапа. Беше толкова корава, че можеше да е само от желязо.

Arya took it. It was so rough it could have been made of iron.

— Стига ли да си купя кон?

“Is it enough to buy a horse?”

— Тя не е за да се купуват коне с нея.

The unseen enemy is always the most terrifying.

After what seemed like an eternity, I finished the second book of A Song of Ice and Fire. Having read them so closely, I feel that the first book, although it had a difficult start with its extensive introduction, was much better than this one.

A Clash of Kings has an abundance of military strategy and a great deal of political and courtly intrigue, and those are two elements that I love in fantasy books. The first third of the book felt terribly slow to me, until almost halfway through it picked up and I devoured the end. Tyrion remains my favorite character, but I was more engaged with what was happening in the North than with the clashes between the various claimants to the throne and its epicenter, King's Landing.

Without a doubt, I will read the third book when I watch the second season of the series, but I will lower my expectations a little and arm myself with patience for Storm of Swords.

Give me more... I need more. What am I going to do once I get to the end of the series and still have to wait for book 6 and 7? I may lose my mind. It's a good thing I am so late to the game.

I even tried to slow down the series reading by re-reading book 2 of Stephen King's Dark Tower Series, (which I also love) but the distraction did not work. I could get through the book fast enough. I felt I did not really give it the attention it deserved.

I was on the fence about Tyrion in book one but I definitely grew to love the character in this book. In fact, the only one I still really have a huge hatred for is King Joffrey. Like, bigly.

George RR Martin's characters are so well done, so believable, that I find myself incredibly invested in their cause. The only other series where I have ever cared about the characters to such a degree that they occupy my thoughts in daily life is Harry Potter. And, even though I love Dany and her dragons.... Team Jon Snow, always.

Everyone should read this series. It's truly a masterpiece. The complex web of characters and storylines keeps you on the edge of your seat. You can't help but become emotionally attached to each and every one of them. The world that Martin has created is so vivid and detailed that it feels like you're actually a part of it. Whether you're a fan of fantasy or not, this series is sure to capture your imagination and leave you wanting more. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up the first book and start reading today!

A pesar de que el comienzo de este libro es un poco lento, poco a poco el autor nos va envolviendo magistralmente en las historias de todos los personajes. Estos personajes tienen algo que decir después de los trágicos sucesos con los que finaliza Juego de tronos. Luego, progresivamente, el autor vuelve a sumergirnos en un torbellino de acontecimientos tremendos, turbadores, sobrenaturales, sugestivos, emocionantes y completamente adictivos.

Destaco la habilidad del autor para crear diálogos y descripciones insuperables. Estos acompañan la evolución de la historia y sus personajes. Aunque no todos lleguen a las últimas páginas de este segundo volumen, Martin ya nos ha enseñado que ninguno de sus personajes y escenarios es imprescindible, por muy querido que éste sea. Así que a ponerse una armadura (como la de los nobles caballeros) antes de llegar al final de esta entrega (quizá no tan al final).

Sigo manteniendo que Canción de Hielo y Fuego es lo mejor que he leído. Es una obra maestra que te engancha desde el primer momento y no te deja ir hasta el final. La complejidad de los personajes, la riqueza de la trama y la habilidad del autor para crear un mundo tan real y fascinante son simplemente asombrosas.

EDIT 21/4/2015: A Clash of Kings can be neatly encapsulated in one meme:

Old review:

My thoughts on the characters (spoiler-free for all books) in order of how much I perk up at their POV:

Sansa

Many fans despise her, and I understand. Truly. She is feminine, polite, and the complete antithesis of her fan-favorite sister Arya. And let's not overlook how astonishingly blind she was about Joffrey in A Game of Thrones.

However, we're discussing a 13-year-old girl here. She was brought up to believe in knights, songs, and happy endings. Her character develops realistically, and she does what she must to survive in King's Landing: bow her head and submit.

And when push comes to shove, she stands up for the weak, like Tommen or Ser Dontos. After all she endured, she still has the courage to be kind.

And I adore her for that.

Tyrion

"I am sorry for your loss as well, Joffrey," the dwarf said.

"What loss?"

"Your royal father? A large fierce man with a black beard; you'll recall him if you try. He was king before you."

I could quote him all day long. Witty, honorable... yet despicable enough to remind me of the kind of world A Song of Ice and Fire is set in.

Daenerys

“I want to make my kingdom beautiful, to fill it with fat men and pretty maids and laughing children. I want my people to smile when they see me ride by, the way Viserys said they smiled for my father.”

I found her POV less captivating than in A Game of Thrones, mainly because I was eager to discover what was occurring in King's Landing. Make no mistake though... she is evolving. She is no longer a scared little girl but the Mother of Dragons.

Catelyn

What's fascinating about her character is that Robb's war is not narrated from his perspective but his mother's. This places her in a unique position of power as it becomes her story rather than that of the conquering hero. Catelyn may not wield swords or don armor, but she is no less fierce when it comes to her children.

Theon

Most of the time, I was shaking my head at his thoughts. Come on, man, you took Winterfell and betrayed your foster family and you're surprised people loathe you?

Still, I feel a bit sorry for him, but not enough.

Arya

She used to be my favorite character (and I detested Sansa). Now not so much. She's so lost, it's irritating.

Jon

The same reason I dislike his POV is the same as for Daenerys. It's too distant from the political action.

Bran

Yeah... he just doesn't interest me. Moving on.

Davos

Another newcomer, his role even smaller than Theon's had been, if he appeared at all in the first book. The only times I found him remotely interesting was when he was with Melisandre.

"A grey man," she said. "Neither white nor black, but partaking of both. Is that what you are, Ser Davos?"

"What if I am? It seems to me that most men are grey."

"If half an onion is black with rot, it is a rotten onion. A man is good, or he is evil."

And finally:

Now I'm off to arm myself with A Storm of Swords.

Uncertainty often leads to a great deal of tension building up. In such situations, nearly everyone feels helpless. This helplessness stems from the fact that they have no control over the outcome. As a result, the resolution of the situation is always unpredictable. It could go in any direction, leaving people on the edge of their seats. This unpredictability adds to the overall sense of unease and stress. People are left wondering what will happen next and how it will affect them. It is a difficult position to be in, but it is a reality that many face. Despite the uncertainty, people must try to stay calm and hope for the best. (A-) 83% | Very Good
Notes: So much tension builds from uncertainty. Nearly everyone is helpless, and so the resolution is always unpredictable.

I completed this book right on the cusp of New Year's Eve 2018 transitioning into 2019. At that moment, I was overly eager to attend parties, so I postponed writing my review. Now, on January 1st, I am fully recovered and ready to share my thoughts.

This book earns a solid 4 stars. It offers exciting action, remarkable world building, interesting characters, and engaging political intrigue.

I'm a bit perplexed as to how this book can be so thick yet seem to have so little happen. Granted, numerous events do take place, but when you look at each character's individual story line, it amounts to only 3 or 4 chapters spread across 1000 pages. Moreover, a significant portion of the action isn't even the main focus of any of the chapters. I'm not certain if there was ever a chapter dedicated to Robb Stark, yet we constantly hear about him and know more about his actions than we do about Daenerys, who had 3 or 4 specific chapters focused on her. This is more of an observation than a criticism. It's just that when I closed the book, my initial thought was, "So many pages, and I didn't feel like I made much progress!"

I do appreciate the writing style. It keeps me engaged throughout the entire book. While it's a bit rougher compared to some other fantasy books I've read, Martin's fantasy world is also significantly rougher than those of other fantasies I've explored. I thought the first book in the series was rather similar to other fantasies I've read, but this one definitely ramps up the violence and sex. In my opinion, the raping scenes started to feel a bit out of control and perhaps a bit unnecessary, even if they were intended to set an unpleasant tone.

In the end, it felt a bit like a cliffhanger, but perhaps it's more accurate to say that it didn't seem like a complete novel on its own and simply ended before the story was fully concluded. However, I did like the way this was done, and it has left me eager for more. In a few months, I plan to watch season 2 of the show and then continue with book 3.

“How can you still count yourself a knight, when you have forsaken every vow you ever swore?”

  “So many vows...they make you swear and swear. Defend the king. Obey the king. Keep his secrets. Do his bidding. Your life for his. But obey your father. Love your sister. Protect the innocent. Defend the weak. Respect the gods. Obey the laws. It's too much. No matter what you do, you're forsaking one vow or the other.”

Ahh yes, another read from Literature's favourite serial killer. oooh boy! These are just MONSTERS of books to get through. Soo many goddamn pages. I'm glad I'm doing it though. These books are so impressive. The worldbuilding is amazing, the prose is beautiful and the characters are so interesting. I feel like George R.R Martin has created something so complex and well constructed with A Game of Thrones.




It's so hard to review these books - they're so massive and so much goes into them. Do I talk about characters? The plot? The world? How it compares to the show (of which I'm a massive fan?) Maybe I should do all of it?




CHARACTERS




The characters in Game of Thrones are so divisive. Everyone tries to find themselves a hero in these books but honestly all of them are kinda shitty. (Except like, Rickon who is a child and pure). I found myself enjoying Catelyn's point of view in this book so much!! She's such an interesting character, and so strong and brave. I find the criticisms that she "doesn't do much" odd when she's living in a society that actively encourages her (as a women) to sit back and let other people take charge. I've always liked her character in the show and I feel the books really added a depth to her the show couldn't give.




I also really loved Tyrion's point of view. I've always liked Tyrion (we have the same mtbi personality type did you know a little fun fact about me). I love his humour, his cleverness and his wit. I love the relationship he has with Jaimie and I love the way he (kind of) looks out for Sansa (alot more than the other Lannisters do at least).




All the Stark siblings POV's were interesting as ever. I love the Starks, I'm not going to lie. Like - if the Starks don't end up happy after all of this I will be VERY ANNOYED. But anyway, I loved Jon's forages past the wall. It was cool to have Ygritte introduce! Jon is my favourite Game of Thrones character. I love his characterisation and his plot lines and I love that he's actually doing something about that ice zombie invasion so even though (in the show) the bits with him past the wall were my least favourite of his character arc, I still like to catch up with my fave bastard. ALSO, I found his chapters didn't drag on like some others did.




Sansa has soo much development in this book and I'm so glad. We start to see the political cunning and clever strategist she is emerge. We start to see her grow a bit of a backbone and recognise the flaws of the society she is growing up in. I loved her scene with Cersei during the battle of Blackwater Bay. I think it's so important to Sansa's characterisation that she was taught "The Game of Thrones" by players like Cersei and Margaery who operate outside of everything. I was genuinely so sad for her when she tried to burn everything to stop anyone finding out she had "flowered", and I'm glad she started to shed some of the naivety that characterized her in Game of Thrones. Also Sansa Stark just need to be protected in GENERAl ok. (I love Sansa's character growth so much fight me)




Bran and Rickon were so cute! I loved that Bran has finally met Jojen and Meera and is discovering about being able to warg. I loved Jojen and Meera's characters in the book so much more than the show? Jojen and Meera just had soo much more personality and especially Meera was so much more FUN in this then she ever was in the show.




ARYA WAS KILLING IT (lmoa get it) OUT THERE. She's so great I love her!! She's absolutely hilarious, so brave and I love her character arc. Her actions in Harrenhal made me so happy it was cool to see her take charge of the situation like that and I love the way she talks about herself and the love she has for everyone around her. I don't like Arya much in the show but in the books ?? I love her SO MUCH.




I found the POV's of Dany and Davos to be a bit dull. I don't know why - but I've never liked Dany's arcs that much. I really like her character, but I find her storyline a bit annoying and so yeah I don't know I couldn't get into her chapters. Same with Davos, I just find him and Stannis a bit dull for me.

  “Will you make a song for him?' the woman asked.
'He has a song,' the man replied. 'He is the prince that was promised, and his is the song of ice and fire.”

THE BEST THING about the book compared to the show is the plots. The show seems to revolve alot around the battles and the throne and misses some of the more complex plot lines. I found the introduction of the idea of the "Three Heads of the Dragon" really interesting. I feel like the plot in the books is much more complex and expansive and has more of a hint of being 'contructed' then the show does. The show plot feels like the writers throwing their characters into random battles sometimes, while the book feels like it has an overarching plot. This is MORE than just the Game for the Throne. This is about something much bigger than that that goes back much further and that really excites me.




WHY NOT 5 STARS?




Everyone gives this book 5 stars. I can't do it. For one thing, this book is NOT fast-paced. It's so dense and can be dragging at times. That can be hard in an 900 page book. You really need to be in the mood for Game of Thrones, and you have to dedicate yourself to it. I don't mind long books and I finish lots of long books, but Game of Thrones is both long and at times just too much. There's so much detail and things that are not necessary for the plot (eg. There's at least 3 scenes where half a page + is dedicated to describing what they're eating). Now, this adds atmosphere to the society, and fleshes it out but it doesn't speed the book up any. I dnf' this the first time I read it and then I came back.




I'm not saying it's bad and 'too slow', I'm just saying you sign up for lots of world and less plot sometimes. This is okay, but you have to be in the right mood. These books aren't 100% accessible, especially if you're not a big fantasy reader.




The other thing I found a bit touchy at times was the treatment of women. On one hand, I get it. This is "medieval fantasy" and it's supposed to be Historically Accurate but sometimes it was just a bit too much. I mean - unnecessary? There were soo many scenes like "Dany walked, her breasts hanging loose under her clothing" LIKE WHY ??!?!?! It adds nothing to the plot or the setting or anything it's just random stuff like this that makes me :// This is one of R.R Martin's big criticisms and I think it has some merit.




I don't know, I love the books but the tv show is just so much more fast paced and less exhausting so I'm so conflicted right now.




Finally I'm just annoyed @ the fact he keeps killing my faves like stop this Martin









  

“People often claim to hunger for truth, but seldom like the taste when it's served up.”

OTHER NOTES




y'all for a hot minute I thought Ramsay Bolton really WAS dead and I was !!!!! so glad about it I hate that guy ofc he wasn't dead at all pretty irritated about it I was thinking it was a little weird he was dead in the books and terrorising in the show OK THOUGH BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS THAT LIL FUCK GOT WHAT WAS COMING FINALLY KARMA COMES BACK AROUND




ok also Rickon is soo cute in the books he's so fierce I love him? And I honestly can't get over that his direwolf is called shaggydog.




Cersei is soo much more interesting in the books the show honestly ripped her off she has nO CHARACTER compared to in the books its such a shame.




Yooo when Ygritte showed up I was like YE BOYS I love her so much she was gone too soon




Also Maester Luwin is so cool like idk he isn't in the tv show much but I loved his character in the books.




I really love Bronn and Varys as well omfg but Littlefinger can throw himself out the moondoor for all I care I swear I can't deal with him




ANYWAy !! Feels really good to have that done, I'm so happy I finished it. I need to wait a bit before starting the next one though.