Hey Ben you forgot to mention one of the biggest likely characters in the next book...WINTER! i think apart from the turmoil of war and how politics play out because of it, it will be interesting to see how Westeros faces winter when NO ONE has stocked up on food or supplies. Good round up for the last 2 books Ben. Also, just WHO will Dany pick is a mistery... Victarion, Aegon, Dario, ...Jiqui...lol. I would love for her to meet Tyrion. I wager HODOr will sit the iron throne...HAIL HODOR!
Nice review, I have to agree with most of what you said.
But the main reason for this post is to ask a question to you or anyone who might be able to answer it. I'm not very clear how Arya killed her mark in her last chapter with the coin. If someone would explain that a bit better it would be great.
The biggest complaint of all, is the book is too dam long. I hate GRRM's writing style now. Everything he rights is too Poetic, metaphoric, too hard understand. I love when authers include lots of details in world buildings, but GRRM does it totally wrong. About two thirds of the book explains on how characters bitch and wine about their dire situation.
When it comes to explaining important stuff like battles, Doom of Valyria, and Others, he does so in a few paragraphs.
@RRbattlefield I think i might disagree with you. I think this is the best writing in the series so far. You can really tell GRRM has perfected his writing. I don't think its long enough, because there at least 2 battles that should have happened in this book, the war in mereen and stannis in winterfell. And this book was supposed to be combined with a feast for crows, and you can really tell. It should have been a 2,000 page book. Maybe split into three other volumes.
Characters act too dumb now. Jon and Danny in particular just act too dumb and plain. And they are my two favorite characters!
I notice there were some flaws in the story. Even though this story takes place right after ASOS, the small baby dragons had a sudden growth spurt, and they are huge, and what about the food shortage at Wall?? It was a suppose to happen, but it didn't.
Am I the only one here that is just piss off at the book in general. I loved the first three books, and even the fourth, but ADWD was terrible. Nothing gets resolved. We barley saw the dragons till the end, hardly any mention of the Others. No mention of Benjen Stark, no explanation of the Doom of Valyria. No longer does he kill off Characters, they are all safe (maybe Jon too). The book is one giant fantasy soap opera. The HBO show would get canceled if it tried to include this book.
@RRbattlefield I felt the same way with my first read. But when i re read a feast for crows with a dance with dragons i really loved this book. Barristan Selmy is the most bad ass character ever. Aegon is going to be king (i hope).
I agree it is slow and the 2 missing battles are a big problem, but i felt the same way about a clash of kings. Its all about setting things up for The Winds Of Winter, which will be non stop action and excitement from cover to cover, i mean it has to be.
I am very angry with Daenerys and she became my least favorite character. Because she locks up Viserion and Rhagael. And hunts down Drogo. Yes they killed children but so what THEY ARE DRAGONS. She proved that she cannot control a single city forget about a kingdom (or 7). I hope Victarion (one of my favorites now) takes control of Viserion and Rhagael. Aegon Targaryean should be the King.
The reason Tyrion is confessing to the murder is obvious to me. When he was on trial you hear his internal dialogue always saying "I almost wish I had done it, because people will think I'm guilty anyways"
Nice review man. I got the book when it came out and just finished it last night. I purposely took my time and enjoyed the experience. I wouldn't mind if the book was twice as long. The journey is always better than the destination and while I can agree there were some minor annoyances this was an awesome read and I enjoyed your thorough review. If he can wrap it up in 2 books then mad props - he has his work cut out for him.
Very enjoyable review. I've been looking forward to hearing your thoughts on ADWD.
I cannot agree enough with your early suggestion that 'Feast' and this book should really be taken as a single uber-volume of the series upon re-reads, and perhaps even future audio and e-publications.
I, too, am disappointed by Dany being in Meereen still. I was so hoping things would progress in her storyline further than this. I enjoyed the North FAR more! Hmm...Robert Strong is going to have to fight...The Hound!! My prediction, at least. :)
I don't get how Jon is a really big fan favorite... Am I the only one who prefers characters like Victarion and Aero Hotah? In the next book i would like to see POV's from Tormund or Jorah Mormont.
Didn't the Tyrells kill Joffrey? Littlefinger snuck the poison in in those black stones that were on Sansa's outfit, and he tells Sansa that the Queen of Thorns put the poison in Joffrey's goblet.
I am disappointed with Dany's part... not because she is not moving to westros yet (because being real... she is not ready) but because of he breakdown in character. I was thinking that she had matured well even though she was still a child but this book proved that she had a lot to learn and that she was not NEARLY ready to go to Westros.
Weakling is all I see in her... her flame has died when she stopped traveling. her dragons are chained whilst she plays the role of a bitch in heat. eeeww.
also...with Dany....good god, I am soo annoyed with her character now. i never much liked the stuff across the sea (it was just ok) but at least Tyrion is there now and selmy, and Mormont. otherwise...id go nuts!! I hate the little thing she has with the sellsword...annoying! how she married the 'harpy' and it just really seemed like everytime i saw a her chapters coming up, i had to take a break before and after the chapter. Good book for sure, but there was a bit i would like to see cut
just finished the book a few mins ago! wow..i did not see that coming with jon. I kinda got the feeling people were upset about the way he was doing things, but the Ceasar moment was a shock to me, i actually re-read that part to see who and how it happend. WoW....loved the Aegon invasion, great...kevan being killed..cool! Also, i loved all the stuff with stannis/asha/@theon & winterfell. The scenes at White Harbor was great with manderly and davos, i loved all of it! great stuff!!
Sorry that I have to write another comment but you forgot something, Ben. You didnt mention the pies! Remember when Lord Manderly presented three pies at the feast on Winterfell? And a few chapters before three Frey's mysteriously disappeared. Frey pie, anyone? Also remember how Lord Manderly seemed to enjoy eating those 3 pies and sharing it with everyone (espescially the living Frey). That was sutch a dark turn I almost broke down from laughing. That scene alone made it worth reading.
I have to totaly agree. I had to force myself to read the Dany chapters in the beginning. She just annoyed me. Maybe because she was acting so weird. Ser Barristan Selmy acually rose in this book to one of my favorites, replacing Dany. Also Theon... damn. I didnt like Theon that much but at the end I found myself rooting for him. How broken he was as Reek and how he slowly grows back to a man... love it. I didnt saw Jon's "death" coming... we know he is not dead. Your theory makes sense, too.
I enjoyed Tryrion storyline, except wished he had more satisfying resolution. But the whole Aegon twist was great reading about, and his travels with Jorah and Penny were fascination. Finally, Asha, Bran, and Davos few chapters were just excellent.
I agree with you that Theon's storyline was the best and most well written of the whole book. I also agree with you that Dani's was the most frustrating, though i think it was good character development (even though she was regressing) Dani was kind of a mary sue in the first 3 books. In this one she makes serious mistakes, sleeps around--just one character flaw after another.
Jon's story was second best. Extremely well written, and AMAZING ending. I think he's dead, but will return as AA
Also I don't there will be any bad blood between Daenerys and Aegon when(if) they might, she definitely realizes that because there are so few Targaryens left they need to stick together though who will really hold power is up for grabs.
I never disliked Theon, even after the betrayal. He headed home to the Iron Island that was on a verge of attacking the North and he just went with the flow
I think everybody gets the fact that A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons run concurently for quite a while and are really one time line until the second half of A Dance with Dragons. That being said, not a hell of alot happened in the 1700+ pages in these 2 books. Dani's plot line is drawn out to the point where I had to force myself to read through it. The addition of new story lines as well as the uncharacteristic behaviour of people like Dani and Jon left me really disappointed.
Im glad you aren't in charge of this book because your ideas are really bad. Heres a fact, Dany has dragons yes, but she cant control them yet. Theyre locked up cuz they KILL PEOPLE. And rushing to westeros is stupid, she has dragons she cant control and some unsullied, thats it. If she went against the lannisters,highgarden,etc she'd lose.
Oh and btw littlefinger admitted to killing joffery. Tyrion says he did it so Dany would take him in. Also, the hound is dead.
@Tempest111 Wow, take it easy man. It's just a book :)
You might want to double check what happened with The Hound. If you read the chapter in AFFC where we're told he's dead carefully, you can see that that probably isn't the case. There are some good explanations/theories regarding this on various fan sites
Thanks for the excellent review @thescifichristian, really enjoyed it. As soon as i see captain america i will watch that review to. Thanks for all the videos!
Tyrion must differently DID NOT kill Joeffry. When he tells Jeime that he did, he thinks to himself how ease the lie came to him. Plus we have Littlefinger telling Sansa how he framed Tyrion, partly because he wants her to be single again.
i agree that Theon's chapters are the best in this book! he made a fantastic journey from Reek to Theon. i love it!
i'm sure that Jon isn't dead. Martin made his oath for Night Watch done and now Jon can go where he wants and not beign a criminal. maybe he is Azor Ahai that will be very cool.
i do not like chapters across the narrow sea! they were so boring. especially Tyrion's and Dany's chapters. i expected more action from Dany.
@outforsushi I held off reading Feast of Crow til Dance of Dragon came out. Alot of ppl who read Feast of Crow who gave it poor rating probably read it when it first came out and I can understand their feeling that Feast of Crow without Dance of Dragon is a very poor book. They waited 5 years for the rest of the book. Those two book really need to be considered one book
@outforsushi The combined Feast of Crow+Dance of Dragon would be great if it started the book on Tyrion first chapter. It gives you a sense of continuity from the Storm of Swords
tooooo long in meereen. Dany has to make some moves. that prince was a moron. he thinks he can mess with dragons. i need to listen to an audio version. no way grrm can finish this in 2 more books.
5. The Others are about to attack. The wildings and watch supporting Jon won’t be happy with Jon dead (possibly starting civil strife). Stannis is lost, dead or god knows what (and no one likes him). Ramsey is ready to rampage. Who else can handle this? Only Jon. Jon's coming back
2.The red priest heals that heals Victarion Greyjoy’s mortifying hand establishes that red priest have healing powers.3.Ramsey Bolton demands, one of which was Melisandra. No one wants to save queen or Melisandra. There isn’t any one who could champion her cause except Jon. 4.As you said in the review Jon’s spirit can reside in Ghost, if Melisandra attempts to restore Jon’s body…
Okay I've tried to cut my post down to 500 words and it has become nonsense. I'm just going to post it in chunks. Sorry for the length...I totally agree with your suspicion that Jon is Azora Ahai. Here some more hints that might solidify it. 1. Jon has a nightmare where he’s killing foes, friends and family. He is waked by Moromont crow pecking on his chest. The crow lands near by saying three words snow Jon king snow (not necessarily in that order).
I love the Manderly pllot line. The whole thing with the "pork" pie. Where he's going on and on about how good it is, and all the Freys are eating it, not knowing they are eating their kin. Really well done.
I hate how george rr martin is introduce NEW characters so far into the series. This would piss so many off if martin did this. Spend 99% of series making you fall in love with the main characters, introduce a new character near the end. Kill off all the main characters and make this new character the hero
@NobbyKNobbs I hope not. For as much as I love the series, I'd like to see Martin tighten up his storytelling enough to get things wrapped up in book 7.
My guess is it plays out this way: Book 6 shows the 7 kingdoms once again in turmoil, due largely to Aegon's invasion. Meanwhile Dany returns to Meereen but with a very different approach than in DWD. By the end of the book she's wrapped things up there and is on her way to Westeros with her dragons, leading to an epic showdown in book 7
There is no way he can finish the series in 2 books. My estimation is that he will need four more books. He left so many loose ends: Rickon and the wildling woman, John Snow's mother, Benjen Stark, Coldhands, Sansa, Arya...and many more. Seriously, why can't GRRM tie up some ends? Readers are caught up in trying to remember all the characters, past and present. We have TOO many POVs. I'm so frustrated.
@oyinnacyril Don't worry they will be tied up next book, many were left open in ADWD because it was telling a part 2 and not exactly an entirely new setting. Also more POVs the better i feel like i know all them by heart they have such a rich background.
@NobbyKNobbs the Dragon has 3 heads... I am not too sure that Dany and her issues are the main focus of whatever explosion is gonna happen. Dragons YES, Dany.. not necessarily.
I think Arya and Bran are gonna go in BIG TIME... come on, they are in the training phases for something big I think. They know that they are wargs and they are using the skills. They are kids but I think they will be important.
Dany has the blood of the dragon but I am not too sure she will be the star here :)
Hey, Tyrion definitely isn't Joffrey's murderer. He's just saying he is 'cause everyone thinks he is and he can't be arsed to convince them otherwise.
"Well I did kill my dad, but I didn't kill my nephew."
@Chirios1 I think you're probably right. The thing that still makes me wonder a bit is how open Tyrion is about claiming credit. It isn't just a lack of denial when someone else brings it up. He himself raises the issue multiple times in DWD and each time claims credit for the murder. It's enough to introduce a small amount of doubt in my mind about whether or not he's as innocent as I'd been assuming
@thescifichristian Yeah the Queen of Thornes is the one who killed Joffrey. She had Sansa wear that special hairnet, the book mentions her touching Sansa's hairnet, and then Sansa sees one of the stones is missing, which the Queen of Thornes put in the cup to poison Joffrey.
@thescifichristian he claims it b/c well hell..he killed his dad and its true, why not claim his nephews murder..as a dwarf it would help make ppl fear you for even more than what you actually did
@thescifichristian thing is, how did the strangely get in joff's cup? Just by accident It feel off her head at the opportune moment? very fishy and I had swept it under the mat until you mention thing in your video.. Maybe tyrion did play some role here... u never know :)
@DaniaOMGWania That whole part was in Tyrion's PoV. It surprised the hell out of him. Littlefinger+Tyrell is the only thing that really makes sense here.
I think it would have been alot better if Daeny made a move towards westeros and we had another POV in the eastern cities to tell us more about that part of the world.
As for evil characters the pope-analogous high septon rivals the Boltons - they both abuse power but hiding behind deities makes the septon worse in my book.
I pretty much agree on all your points here. I thought the Reek/Theon chapters were amazing and once again, Martin makes us feel sympathy for a character that was greatly despised previously (like with Jaime) and almost root for him. I can't wait to see what happens with his character arc.
I think people were just disappointed that after 6.5 yrs, it seemed like nothing happened much in terms of the plot, but youre right, it needs to be thought of as AFFC part 2 to help set up future events.
Aegon has a bigger clain by being the direct and oldest (being a male may just improve an already good claim) descendant of Aerys/Rhaegar. She may be a daughter of the king, but Aegon is the heir of the heir, which puts him in front of the "heir presumptive line".
Ofcourse, having the Dragons may trump that, if it comes to that. :)
Also what I don't understand is why all of a sudden Jon decided to break his oath and march to Winterfell, of all things for a letter containing questionable truth. The letter even clearly stated that Ramsey does not have his sister Arya anymore. So why go now? That is totally out of character, inconsistent with the rest of his actions since GoT! Maybe if GRRM has trimmed the gate-keeping tedium by a couple chapters, he could've developed a better plot device to get to the same cliffhanger.
@shinakuma8 After reading threats from the clearly mad and psycho Bolton, Jon felt the need to take the offensive. He couldn't afford to face Winterfell and the Others at the same time.
@hewhostalksdeth Feels forced. Just my opinion. I do see the character arc that's been planned since book 1, how his resolve for the nights watch been tested repeatedly all throughout. But in the end, the stake and the manner in which how it happened when he finally broke his vow didn't feel satisfying.
I feel this book is a letdown. It started out very strong, but totally dragged on with very little plot developments to all 3 main characters. After dedicating almost 1/3 of the book to the Meereen plotline, it showed no real advancements at all. Unlike other stories where multiple POVs gave us all sides of the conflicts. Here it's all black and white. GRRM should've added a slaver/sons of harpy POV to add more depth. Or have dany make tougher choices. Instead we just have a whiny teenage girl.
@shinakuma8 Assuming the series ends well, do you think you'll feel differently about this volume when you have the complete story? I share some of your feelings but my disappointment is more about wanting to see what happens after Dany leaves Meereen than it does with actually disliking what's in this volume
@thescifichristian I definitely hope that the next 2 entries will redeem the series. I am still a big fan of the quality of the first 3 entries. But I don't think my views on Feast & Dance will change. 1700 combined pages is too long for poor character & plot development. Very few bright spots. Bad idea to split. If HBO does pick up the show past book 3 (fingers crossed), they should definitely trim and combine 4 & 5 into a tighter single season. I still have some faith left for the next one!
I do agree with Meereen taking a bit too long. But in a way I understand the need, Daeny is positioned to be the savior and she really needs to go through ruling growing pains. She has to be able to control this one city, if she has any hopes of controlling Westeros. Also this gives her more time to learn to control her dragons. She is flawed in politics and this is why Tyrion needs to get to her, fast. Unfortunately that means another book.
@hewhostalksdeth I agree. Like I said on the review, it feels disappointing at the moment but in the grand scheme of things I think the way Martin is writing things will make for a better overall story.
This book was great. In many ways it reminded me of Clash as it moved the pieces in place for the big payoffs of Storm. This gives me high hopes for the massive battles in the next book.
As for Varys, I believe he was ready to support the first candidate with any chance of success that reached Westeros. He had to have several plans in motion, if you put all your eggs in one basket ti could have all failed (cough Viserys).
@hewhostalksdeth I think you're probably right about Varys but does that mean that he's loyal to House Targaryan or loyal to whatever is best for the realm? What you're saying definitely lines up with his actions and seems to indicate his loyalty is to the Targaryans but what he says to Kevan seems to indicate his true loyalty is to the realm. Questions like this are why Varys is such an awesome character
Great Review. Your review was great and this book is great. My problem with the negative reviews is that they say nothing happens. What? You nailed how I feel about the book though.
I'm not sure about the flux, I thought it might be Danny miscarrying in her final scene due to her exhaustion/berries indicating her fertility post the prophecy passing. sun rising in the east setting in the west=quentyn representing the sun due to the martell banner, the mountains blowing in the wind = the giant pyramids turning to ash and blowing in the wind and the sea going dry, she notes the dorthaki sea is slowly dying and turning brown. Might be a little far fetched though. great review
@damnyouhussies Wow, I totally missed this, but it makes perfect sense. Only you've got it backwards in your comment. Sun rising in the west and setting in the east.
Hey Ben you forgot to mention one of the biggest likely characters in the next book...WINTER! i think apart from the turmoil of war and how politics play out because of it, it will be interesting to see how Westeros faces winter when NO ONE has stocked up on food or supplies. Good round up for the last 2 books Ben. Also, just WHO will Dany pick is a mistery... Victarion, Aegon, Dario, ...Jiqui...lol. I would love for her to meet Tyrion. I wager HODOr will sit the iron throne...HAIL HODOR!
Zomgitsgeorge 3 days ago
You're a good reviewer.
Lexyvil 1 month ago
Nice review, I have to agree with most of what you said.
But the main reason for this post is to ask a question to you or anyone who might be able to answer it. I'm not very clear how Arya killed her mark in her last chapter with the coin. If someone would explain that a bit better it would be great.
Usurpationblitz 2 months ago
@Usurpationblitz yea sure :) from what i understand she put a coating of poison on it, when the guy bit it to check it's legitimacy he died :)
MissRayemm 1 month ago
@MissRayemm
I did finally figure it out, but thank you for the answer.
Usurpationblitz 1 month ago
The biggest complaint of all, is the book is too dam long. I hate GRRM's writing style now. Everything he rights is too Poetic, metaphoric, too hard understand. I love when authers include lots of details in world buildings, but GRRM does it totally wrong. About two thirds of the book explains on how characters bitch and wine about their dire situation.
When it comes to explaining important stuff like battles, Doom of Valyria, and Others, he does so in a few paragraphs.
RRbattlefield 2 months ago
@RRbattlefield I think i might disagree with you. I think this is the best writing in the series so far. You can really tell GRRM has perfected his writing. I don't think its long enough, because there at least 2 battles that should have happened in this book, the war in mereen and stannis in winterfell. And this book was supposed to be combined with a feast for crows, and you can really tell. It should have been a 2,000 page book. Maybe split into three other volumes.
balaalalaslk 2 months ago
Characters act too dumb now. Jon and Danny in particular just act too dumb and plain. And they are my two favorite characters!
I notice there were some flaws in the story. Even though this story takes place right after ASOS, the small baby dragons had a sudden growth spurt, and they are huge, and what about the food shortage at Wall?? It was a suppose to happen, but it didn't.
RRbattlefield 2 months ago
Am I the only one here that is just piss off at the book in general. I loved the first three books, and even the fourth, but ADWD was terrible. Nothing gets resolved. We barley saw the dragons till the end, hardly any mention of the Others. No mention of Benjen Stark, no explanation of the Doom of Valyria. No longer does he kill off Characters, they are all safe (maybe Jon too). The book is one giant fantasy soap opera. The HBO show would get canceled if it tried to include this book.
RRbattlefield 2 months ago
@RRbattlefield I felt the same way with my first read. But when i re read a feast for crows with a dance with dragons i really loved this book. Barristan Selmy is the most bad ass character ever. Aegon is going to be king (i hope).
I agree it is slow and the 2 missing battles are a big problem, but i felt the same way about a clash of kings. Its all about setting things up for The Winds Of Winter, which will be non stop action and excitement from cover to cover, i mean it has to be.
balaalalaslk 2 months ago
Great review! i would love to hear you review the previous four books as well.
humara88 2 months ago in playlist Liked videos
I am very angry with Daenerys and she became my least favorite character. Because she locks up Viserion and Rhagael. And hunts down Drogo. Yes they killed children but so what THEY ARE DRAGONS. She proved that she cannot control a single city forget about a kingdom (or 7). I hope Victarion (one of my favorites now) takes control of Viserion and Rhagael. Aegon Targaryean should be the King.
balaalalaslk 3 months ago
*SPOILERS*
The reason Tyrion is confessing to the murder is obvious to me. When he was on trial you hear his internal dialogue always saying "I almost wish I had done it, because people will think I'm guilty anyways"
Pdids01 4 months ago
Nice review man. I got the book when it came out and just finished it last night. I purposely took my time and enjoyed the experience. I wouldn't mind if the book was twice as long. The journey is always better than the destination and while I can agree there were some minor annoyances this was an awesome read and I enjoyed your thorough review. If he can wrap it up in 2 books then mad props - he has his work cut out for him.
BladeReviewscom 5 months ago
Very enjoyable review. I've been looking forward to hearing your thoughts on ADWD.
I cannot agree enough with your early suggestion that 'Feast' and this book should really be taken as a single uber-volume of the series upon re-reads, and perhaps even future audio and e-publications.
davenathan2002 5 months ago
No, no, the Green Grace is the Harpy! You'll see. Oh, and at TOTH we refer to her hubby as "Hizzizle".
theduckchick 5 months ago
Dany's attraction to Daario is still mystifying to me!
theduckchick 5 months ago
Oh, but FREY PIE was my favorite thing!!
theduckchick 5 months ago
@theduckchick Loved that part!
deathdonut 5 months ago
I, too, am disappointed by Dany being in Meereen still. I was so hoping things would progress in her storyline further than this. I enjoyed the North FAR more! Hmm...Robert Strong is going to have to fight...The Hound!! My prediction, at least. :)
theduckchick 5 months ago
Vengeance. Justice. Fire and Blood.
<3 Doran Martell
lucaschallenger 5 months ago
I don't get how Jon is a really big fan favorite... Am I the only one who prefers characters like Victarion and Aero Hotah? In the next book i would like to see POV's from Tormund or Jorah Mormont.
BeardedPriest 6 months ago
Didn't the Tyrells kill Joffrey? Littlefinger snuck the poison in in those black stones that were on Sansa's outfit, and he tells Sansa that the Queen of Thorns put the poison in Joffrey's goblet.
chandlerbing54321 6 months ago
I am disappointed with Dany's part... not because she is not moving to westros yet (because being real... she is not ready) but because of he breakdown in character. I was thinking that she had matured well even though she was still a child but this book proved that she had a lot to learn and that she was not NEARLY ready to go to Westros.
Weakling is all I see in her... her flame has died when she stopped traveling. her dragons are chained whilst she plays the role of a bitch in heat. eeeww.
DaniaOMGWania 6 months ago
also...with Dany....good god, I am soo annoyed with her character now. i never much liked the stuff across the sea (it was just ok) but at least Tyrion is there now and selmy, and Mormont. otherwise...id go nuts!! I hate the little thing she has with the sellsword...annoying! how she married the 'harpy' and it just really seemed like everytime i saw a her chapters coming up, i had to take a break before and after the chapter. Good book for sure, but there was a bit i would like to see cut
lanebatts26 6 months ago
just finished the book a few mins ago! wow..i did not see that coming with jon. I kinda got the feeling people were upset about the way he was doing things, but the Ceasar moment was a shock to me, i actually re-read that part to see who and how it happend. WoW....loved the Aegon invasion, great...kevan being killed..cool! Also, i loved all the stuff with stannis/asha/@theon & winterfell. The scenes at White Harbor was great with manderly and davos, i loved all of it! great stuff!!
lanebatts26 6 months ago
Sorry that I have to write another comment but you forgot something, Ben. You didnt mention the pies! Remember when Lord Manderly presented three pies at the feast on Winterfell? And a few chapters before three Frey's mysteriously disappeared. Frey pie, anyone? Also remember how Lord Manderly seemed to enjoy eating those 3 pies and sharing it with everyone (espescially the living Frey). That was sutch a dark turn I almost broke down from laughing. That scene alone made it worth reading.
ThePariahDark 6 months ago
I have to totaly agree. I had to force myself to read the Dany chapters in the beginning. She just annoyed me. Maybe because she was acting so weird. Ser Barristan Selmy acually rose in this book to one of my favorites, replacing Dany. Also Theon... damn. I didnt like Theon that much but at the end I found myself rooting for him. How broken he was as Reek and how he slowly grows back to a man... love it. I didnt saw Jon's "death" coming... we know he is not dead. Your theory makes sense, too.
ThePariahDark 6 months ago
I enjoyed Tryrion storyline, except wished he had more satisfying resolution. But the whole Aegon twist was great reading about, and his travels with Jorah and Penny were fascination. Finally, Asha, Bran, and Davos few chapters were just excellent.
Tony1337 6 months ago
I agree with you that Theon's storyline was the best and most well written of the whole book. I also agree with you that Dani's was the most frustrating, though i think it was good character development (even though she was regressing) Dani was kind of a mary sue in the first 3 books. In this one she makes serious mistakes, sleeps around--just one character flaw after another.
Jon's story was second best. Extremely well written, and AMAZING ending. I think he's dead, but will return as AA
Tony1337 6 months ago
Comment removed
couldcause 6 months ago
Also I don't there will be any bad blood between Daenerys and Aegon when(if) they might, she definitely realizes that because there are so few Targaryens left they need to stick together though who will really hold power is up for grabs.
lucaschallenger 6 months ago
I never disliked Theon, even after the betrayal. He headed home to the Iron Island that was on a verge of attacking the North and he just went with the flow
outforsushi 6 months ago
@outforsushi I shed a tear on the Reek chapters, when he was pleaing at the tree and saying how sorry he was
outforsushi 6 months ago
I think everybody gets the fact that A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons run concurently for quite a while and are really one time line until the second half of A Dance with Dragons. That being said, not a hell of alot happened in the 1700+ pages in these 2 books. Dani's plot line is drawn out to the point where I had to force myself to read through it. The addition of new story lines as well as the uncharacteristic behaviour of people like Dani and Jon left me really disappointed.
beef4u2use 6 months ago
Im glad you aren't in charge of this book because your ideas are really bad. Heres a fact, Dany has dragons yes, but she cant control them yet. Theyre locked up cuz they KILL PEOPLE. And rushing to westeros is stupid, she has dragons she cant control and some unsullied, thats it. If she went against the lannisters,highgarden,etc she'd lose.
Oh and btw littlefinger admitted to killing joffery. Tyrion says he did it so Dany would take him in. Also, the hound is dead.
Tempest111 6 months ago
@Tempest111 Wow, take it easy man. It's just a book :)
You might want to double check what happened with The Hound. If you read the chapter in AFFC where we're told he's dead carefully, you can see that that probably isn't the case. There are some good explanations/theories regarding this on various fan sites
thescifichristian 6 months ago
@thescifichristian I love your work, was just wondering where did you get the audio version of the books and how much was it?
Zomgitsgeorge 1 month ago
@Tempest111 read it well..and towards the end of A Dance With Dragons..who is the 8ft man who takes a vow of silence??? blood magic is strong
NickPet1687 6 months ago
@NickPet1687 last i checked, the Mountain was nearly 8ft, not the Hound.
Tempest111 6 months ago
@Tempest111 George could simply write into his book that Dany's dragon's are controllable, like Stark's wolf and avoid the whole Mereen saga
outforsushi 6 months ago
@Tempest111 there is no proof that the hound is dead dear
DaniaOMGWania 6 months ago
Thanks for the excellent review @thescifichristian, really enjoyed it. As soon as i see captain america i will watch that review to. Thanks for all the videos!
Gen49671 6 months ago
Tyrion must differently DID NOT kill Joeffry. When he tells Jeime that he did, he thinks to himself how ease the lie came to him. Plus we have Littlefinger telling Sansa how he framed Tyrion, partly because he wants her to be single again.
NovakTheVII 6 months ago
i hope Briena won't kill Jaime! Jaime is my favourite Lannister))
Davos has to find Rickon but it will be tough. Rickon is in Skagos
Bran chapters are good but only three and it's dissapoint.
well i loke the book can't wait to the six one! shit another 3-5 years we should wait(
sorry for my english))
makilius 6 months ago
i agree that Theon's chapters are the best in this book! he made a fantastic journey from Reek to Theon. i love it!
i'm sure that Jon isn't dead. Martin made his oath for Night Watch done and now Jon can go where he wants and not beign a criminal. maybe he is Azor Ahai that will be very cool.
i do not like chapters across the narrow sea! they were so boring. especially Tyrion's and Dany's chapters. i expected more action from Dany.
makilius 6 months ago
re: Jon and the Azor Ahai prophecy.
The Melisandre chapter is hugely important for this, and speaks to your interpretation of Jon's 'apparent' death...
p408 "Now he was a man, now a wolf, now a man again."
p408 'Yet now she could not even seem to find her king. I pray for a glimpse of Azor Ahai, and R'hllor shows me only Snow.'
Yeah, Jon is Azor Ahai. That's all the confirmation I need.
Prytanus 6 months ago
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Prytanus 6 months ago
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outforsushi 7 months ago
@outforsushi I held off reading Feast of Crow til Dance of Dragon came out. Alot of ppl who read Feast of Crow who gave it poor rating probably read it when it first came out and I can understand their feeling that Feast of Crow without Dance of Dragon is a very poor book. They waited 5 years for the rest of the book. Those two book really need to be considered one book
outforsushi 7 months ago
@outforsushi The combined Feast of Crow+Dance of Dragon would be great if it started the book on Tyrion first chapter. It gives you a sense of continuity from the Storm of Swords
outforsushi 7 months ago
tooooo long in meereen. Dany has to make some moves. that prince was a moron. he thinks he can mess with dragons. i need to listen to an audio version. no way grrm can finish this in 2 more books.
rickyroads 7 months ago
Looking back at the prophecy "Kraken and dark flame, lion and griffin, the sun's son and the mummer's dragon"
The first two are obvious but the 3rd?
Suns Son would be Dorne and Quentyn.
But the Mummers Dragon? Could that be "Young Griff", and be suggesting that he isn't actually Aegon Targaryen.
ThanatoselNyx 7 months ago
I wonder if someone could make a list of chapters so that Feast and Dance can be read at the same time.
ThanatoselNyx 7 months ago
I found the Jon chapters very tiresome in this book.
If he is dead I won't be too bothered, though I think it would be cool if Jon ends up in Wun Wun who was right there; Ghost wasn't nearby.
I also don't believe for a second anything in Ramsay's letter.
ThanatoselNyx 7 months ago
5. The Others are about to attack. The wildings and watch supporting Jon won’t be happy with Jon dead (possibly starting civil strife). Stannis is lost, dead or god knows what (and no one likes him). Ramsey is ready to rampage. Who else can handle this? Only Jon. Jon's coming back
rnitoto 7 months ago
2.The red priest heals that heals Victarion Greyjoy’s mortifying hand establishes that red priest have healing powers.3.Ramsey Bolton demands, one of which was Melisandra. No one wants to save queen or Melisandra. There isn’t any one who could champion her cause except Jon. 4.As you said in the review Jon’s spirit can reside in Ghost, if Melisandra attempts to restore Jon’s body…
rnitoto 7 months ago
Okay I've tried to cut my post down to 500 words and it has become nonsense. I'm just going to post it in chunks. Sorry for the length...I totally agree with your suspicion that Jon is Azora Ahai. Here some more hints that might solidify it. 1. Jon has a nightmare where he’s killing foes, friends and family. He is waked by Moromont crow pecking on his chest. The crow lands near by saying three words snow Jon king snow (not necessarily in that order).
rnitoto 7 months ago
I love the Manderly pllot line. The whole thing with the "pork" pie. Where he's going on and on about how good it is, and all the Freys are eating it, not knowing they are eating their kin. Really well done.
Aegnor 7 months ago
I hate how george rr martin is introduce NEW characters so far into the series. This would piss so many off if martin did this. Spend 99% of series making you fall in love with the main characters, introduce a new character near the end. Kill off all the main characters and make this new character the hero
outforsushi 7 months ago
Joffery was killed by Stannis.. he did the thing with the three leeches to all 3 kings. they all died weird
Theb0YWh0lived1 7 months ago
Pimp: Lord Manderly
Super Pimp: Barristan the Bold
I hope the actor who plays Barristan is alive by the time they film Dance on TV.
unbeheld 7 months ago
**** POSSIBLE SPOILER, DONT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED ADWD*****
With Dany still in Mereen, do you think RR Martin can finish the series in two books? I think he might decide to add another book before the finale.
NobbyKNobbs 7 months ago
@NobbyKNobbs I hope not. For as much as I love the series, I'd like to see Martin tighten up his storytelling enough to get things wrapped up in book 7.
My guess is it plays out this way: Book 6 shows the 7 kingdoms once again in turmoil, due largely to Aegon's invasion. Meanwhile Dany returns to Meereen but with a very different approach than in DWD. By the end of the book she's wrapped things up there and is on her way to Westeros with her dragons, leading to an epic showdown in book 7
thescifichristian 7 months ago
@NobbyKNobbs
There is no way he can finish the series in 2 books. My estimation is that he will need four more books. He left so many loose ends: Rickon and the wildling woman, John Snow's mother, Benjen Stark, Coldhands, Sansa, Arya...and many more. Seriously, why can't GRRM tie up some ends? Readers are caught up in trying to remember all the characters, past and present. We have TOO many POVs. I'm so frustrated.
oyinnacyril 6 months ago
@oyinnacyril Don't worry they will be tied up next book, many were left open in ADWD because it was telling a part 2 and not exactly an entirely new setting. Also more POVs the better i feel like i know all them by heart they have such a rich background.
lucaschallenger 6 months ago
@NobbyKNobbs the Dragon has 3 heads... I am not too sure that Dany and her issues are the main focus of whatever explosion is gonna happen. Dragons YES, Dany.. not necessarily.
I think Arya and Bran are gonna go in BIG TIME... come on, they are in the training phases for something big I think. They know that they are wargs and they are using the skills. They are kids but I think they will be important.
Dany has the blood of the dragon but I am not too sure she will be the star here :)
DaniaOMGWania 6 months ago
Hey, Tyrion definitely isn't Joffrey's murderer. He's just saying he is 'cause everyone thinks he is and he can't be arsed to convince them otherwise.
"Well I did kill my dad, but I didn't kill my nephew."
"Pfft, like I believe that."
Chirios1 7 months ago
@Chirios1 I think you're probably right. The thing that still makes me wonder a bit is how open Tyrion is about claiming credit. It isn't just a lack of denial when someone else brings it up. He himself raises the issue multiple times in DWD and each time claims credit for the murder. It's enough to introduce a small amount of doubt in my mind about whether or not he's as innocent as I'd been assuming
thescifichristian 7 months ago
@thescifichristian Yeah the Queen of Thornes is the one who killed Joffrey. She had Sansa wear that special hairnet, the book mentions her touching Sansa's hairnet, and then Sansa sees one of the stones is missing, which the Queen of Thornes put in the cup to poison Joffrey.
justinld 7 months ago
@thescifichristian he claims it b/c well hell..he killed his dad and its true, why not claim his nephews murder..as a dwarf it would help make ppl fear you for even more than what you actually did
NickPet1687 6 months ago
@thescifichristian thing is, how did the strangely get in joff's cup? Just by accident It feel off her head at the opportune moment? very fishy and I had swept it under the mat until you mention thing in your video.. Maybe tyrion did play some role here... u never know :)
DaniaOMGWania 6 months ago
@DaniaOMGWania That whole part was in Tyrion's PoV. It surprised the hell out of him. Littlefinger+Tyrell is the only thing that really makes sense here.
deathdonut 5 months ago
@Chirios1 Joffery was killed by Littlefinger and that Queen of Thorn (Tyrell) with some help from Sansa who was oblivious of it, right?
outforsushi 7 months ago
I think it would have been alot better if Daeny made a move towards westeros and we had another POV in the eastern cities to tell us more about that part of the world.
As for evil characters the pope-analogous high septon rivals the Boltons - they both abuse power but hiding behind deities makes the septon worse in my book.
puttanesca621 7 months ago
I pretty much agree on all your points here. I thought the Reek/Theon chapters were amazing and once again, Martin makes us feel sympathy for a character that was greatly despised previously (like with Jaime) and almost root for him. I can't wait to see what happens with his character arc.
I think people were just disappointed that after 6.5 yrs, it seemed like nothing happened much in terms of the plot, but youre right, it needs to be thought of as AFFC part 2 to help set up future events.
DuckslikeBread 7 months ago
Aegon has a bigger clain by being the direct and oldest (being a male may just improve an already good claim) descendant of Aerys/Rhaegar. She may be a daughter of the king, but Aegon is the heir of the heir, which puts him in front of the "heir presumptive line".
Ofcourse, having the Dragons may trump that, if it comes to that. :)
marcusgaius 7 months ago
Also what I don't understand is why all of a sudden Jon decided to break his oath and march to Winterfell, of all things for a letter containing questionable truth. The letter even clearly stated that Ramsey does not have his sister Arya anymore. So why go now? That is totally out of character, inconsistent with the rest of his actions since GoT! Maybe if GRRM has trimmed the gate-keeping tedium by a couple chapters, he could've developed a better plot device to get to the same cliffhanger.
shinakuma8 7 months ago
@shinakuma8 After reading threats from the clearly mad and psycho Bolton, Jon felt the need to take the offensive. He couldn't afford to face Winterfell and the Others at the same time.
hewhostalksdeth 7 months ago
@hewhostalksdeth Feels forced. Just my opinion. I do see the character arc that's been planned since book 1, how his resolve for the nights watch been tested repeatedly all throughout. But in the end, the stake and the manner in which how it happened when he finally broke his vow didn't feel satisfying.
shinakuma8 7 months ago
I feel this book is a letdown. It started out very strong, but totally dragged on with very little plot developments to all 3 main characters. After dedicating almost 1/3 of the book to the Meereen plotline, it showed no real advancements at all. Unlike other stories where multiple POVs gave us all sides of the conflicts. Here it's all black and white. GRRM should've added a slaver/sons of harpy POV to add more depth. Or have dany make tougher choices. Instead we just have a whiny teenage girl.
shinakuma8 7 months ago
@shinakuma8 Assuming the series ends well, do you think you'll feel differently about this volume when you have the complete story? I share some of your feelings but my disappointment is more about wanting to see what happens after Dany leaves Meereen than it does with actually disliking what's in this volume
thescifichristian 7 months ago
@thescifichristian I definitely hope that the next 2 entries will redeem the series. I am still a big fan of the quality of the first 3 entries. But I don't think my views on Feast & Dance will change. 1700 combined pages is too long for poor character & plot development. Very few bright spots. Bad idea to split. If HBO does pick up the show past book 3 (fingers crossed), they should definitely trim and combine 4 & 5 into a tighter single season. I still have some faith left for the next one!
shinakuma8 7 months ago
I do agree with Meereen taking a bit too long. But in a way I understand the need, Daeny is positioned to be the savior and she really needs to go through ruling growing pains. She has to be able to control this one city, if she has any hopes of controlling Westeros. Also this gives her more time to learn to control her dragons. She is flawed in politics and this is why Tyrion needs to get to her, fast. Unfortunately that means another book.
hewhostalksdeth 7 months ago 2
@hewhostalksdeth I agree. Like I said on the review, it feels disappointing at the moment but in the grand scheme of things I think the way Martin is writing things will make for a better overall story.
thescifichristian 7 months ago
This book was great. In many ways it reminded me of Clash as it moved the pieces in place for the big payoffs of Storm. This gives me high hopes for the massive battles in the next book.
As for Varys, I believe he was ready to support the first candidate with any chance of success that reached Westeros. He had to have several plans in motion, if you put all your eggs in one basket ti could have all failed (cough Viserys).
hewhostalksdeth 7 months ago
@hewhostalksdeth I think you're probably right about Varys but does that mean that he's loyal to House Targaryan or loyal to whatever is best for the realm? What you're saying definitely lines up with his actions and seems to indicate his loyalty is to the Targaryans but what he says to Kevan seems to indicate his true loyalty is to the realm. Questions like this are why Varys is such an awesome character
thescifichristian 7 months ago
Great Review. Your review was great and this book is great. My problem with the negative reviews is that they say nothing happens. What? You nailed how I feel about the book though.
MagusX1 7 months ago
I'm not sure about the flux, I thought it might be Danny miscarrying in her final scene due to her exhaustion/berries indicating her fertility post the prophecy passing. sun rising in the east setting in the west=quentyn representing the sun due to the martell banner, the mountains blowing in the wind = the giant pyramids turning to ash and blowing in the wind and the sea going dry, she notes the dorthaki sea is slowly dying and turning brown. Might be a little far fetched though. great review
damnyouhussies 7 months ago 11
@damnyouhussies I like your theory a lot actually. Given the nature of prophecy in the series, you could very well be right
thescifichristian 7 months ago
@damnyouhussies Wow, I totally missed this, but it makes perfect sense. Only you've got it backwards in your comment. Sun rising in the west and setting in the east.
Aegnor 7 months ago
@damnyouhussies great interpretation! I hope it's true!!
rnitoto 7 months ago
nice shirt ben
jbeihl1 7 months ago
I was hoping you'd talk about Manderly's Frey Pie... :p
ree6612 7 months ago
@ree6612 Manderly turned out to be a surprisingly awesome character
thescifichristian 7 months ago
where in aDwD does it proceed aFfC and does the martell daughters come to Kings landing before Cersei's incarceration.
dbear 7 months ago
@dbear The first chapter with an AFFC character takes place right around page 500
thescifichristian 7 months ago
Matt's haircut adds to his sci-fi cred.
thedaver8 7 months ago