Finished A Clash of Kings 5 days ago, on the 4th. Another great read. I liked the way the book started up by showing Stannis' court on Dragonstone, Stannis being an important but absent character in the first book. Davos' POV chapters were not the most interesting. I found Daenerys' scenes in the House of the Undying very interesting. Might this foreshadow later? Personally I do not think she is the Prince that is Promised or Azor Ahai, as that would be too obvious. Though the Dragon has three heads. Might it be three people? Might the Prince and AA be different people? Still thinking of Jon Snow being Ned's sister-son and son of Rhaegar. Reading this, though I like Tyrion, I have to question his morality in supporting Joffrey, a monster born of incest. Liked the scene where Joff cuts himself on the Iron Throne and one of Stannis' men says this shows the Iron Throne has rejected him and he is not the true King. I will begin A Storm of Swords after my exams.

Yesterday finished the first book of A Song of Ice and Fire, A Game of Thrones, on my Kindle. Really good. Goes into more detail about characters. Interestingly enough, Stannis was the one who began the investigation into Robert's children and without the private scenes Renly comes across as much nastier. Also I am now thinking of the theory that Jon Snow is not Ned's son but his sister-son, and their father is Rhaegar Targaryen.

On the 1st of March saw GOT S4 E9. The Wildlings finally attack the Wall. Reminded me of Blackwater. Penultimate episode that focused on an attack in one area, enabling us to focus more. Really exciting seeing all these characters fighting and the various deaths. It feels more like traditional fantasy, with Samwell getting back like he said. Good ending, as Jon Snow goes off to his death. Could you be like that out of depression at the death of Ygritte? I guessed her last words would be "You know nothing Jon Snow." But will Jon Snow kill the King beyond the War? Will the Night's Watch still be able to hold of the thousands about to attack?

On the 5th finished S4. Stannis is back! Loved hearing that theme as his soldiers ride out, defeating the Wildlings and capturing their King. Stannis really is awesome. Things may not be so bad for him, as he may be able to build a base in the North. Plenty of the Northerners hate the Boltons and would be ready to help him. Great duel between the Hound and Brienne. Sad watching the Hound die, even if he was trying to make himself unsympathetic so Arya would kill him. Was this her punishment to him, letting him die? Also the Hound's brother is dying. Qyburn saying he could save him while in this lab felt like something from a different show. It was sad seeing Daenerys being forced to lock her dragons up after seeing how dangerous they are becoming. We finally meet the Children of the Forest, able to blow Wights to ash. What does the old man mean by saying Bran will fly? Will he become a three-eyed raven?

Tyrion escapes, as I thought he would. Sad that he kills Shae, despite so loving her. And then kills his father. Tywin really can try for dignity, despite being in such a difficult position, on the toilet with the son he sentenced to death pointing a crossbow at him. His death does not bode well for the Lannisters. A child is king, his parents are despised, the mines are dry, Stannis is growing in power, and Dorne will not be happy at Prince Oberyn's death so hopes of that alliance don't look good. Now Tyrion and Varys, two of the most intelligent figures in this regime have left, things look even worse. They are not the only ones leaving. Arya finally uses her coin. Will she find the Faceless Men? She still has names...

26th saw GOT S4 E5. Sansa gets to the Eyrie. Quite a reveal that Lyssa poisoned Jon Aryn, setting of the series. Littlefinger's manipulations have been happening for some time. Though even he seems surprised at the eagerness to marry. Quite creepy to have Bran control Hodor and kill Locke, unpleasant as they were. Poor Hodor. Sad that Bran was so close to his brother and had to leave without Jon seeing him. And Sansa has to listen to her aunt. Surprisingly amusing.

28th saw 3 eps. E6. The trial of Tyrion Lannister. Hardly surprising he gets so angry at the end. He has to sit through this farce and then Shae betrays him, spouting out a load of lies. Impressive speech, about how he wishes he had killed Joffrey and let Stannis kill the court, after how ungrateful they are. He claims he is on trial for being a dwarf. I could feel the Richard III connections. The world views him as a monster. So is he now going to become one? The Tyrells seem so unpleasant, leaving an innocent man to pay for Olenna's actions. Is questionable how much Tywin planned with Jaime, as he is quick to agree to their plan to spare Tyrion if he returns to Casterly Rock. Also it seems that Mycroft was started to play the game. Mark Gattis as a man from the Iron Bank. An oily but powerful character. Economics are quite important in politics.

South in Essos... I expect more goat-herds will be turning up to complain after Daenerys offers the payment. Now she realises ruling is not easy, having killed innocent Masters and knowing the war was not a simple good vs evil fight. She might have conquered but can she rule?

E7. Hardly surprising Tyrion has trouble finding a volunteer to fight the Mountain. Trial by combat is a problematic way of performing a trial. Though loved the talk about Jaime fighting and thinking of the look on Tywin's face if they got killed. Now Tyrion has another supporter. Oberyn Martell. It seems Cersei hated Tyrion since he was a baby, and even since then he has been thought of as a monster. Really emphasises his claim that for his whole life he's been on trial for being a dwarf.

Ending, with Lyssa getting pushed through the Moon-Door after Littlefinger told her he loved her sister, was hardly surprising. She was quite a weird woman. As for her son I find him quite creepy.

E8. Poor old Jorah, getting dismissed from Daenerys' service. How will Daenerys fare without him?

Again terrible luck for the Hound and Arya. Turning up just too late, as another of Arya's relatives dies. Her laugh was... weird. Is her sanity slipping?

Interesting story about the cousin who liked smashing beetles. Does this show how Tyrion views the world, like an idiot smashing beetles? Oberyn reminded me of Inigo Montoya, as he kept repeating the line while using bullfighting techniques. But it seems you can't always be dazzling and have to administer the killing blow when you have the chance. A single misstep from Oberyn and the most gruesome death of GOT so far, as the Mountain yells what he did to Oberyn's sister. At least the Mountain got badly hurt and Oberyn may have poisoned his blades. Also it seems the idea of an alliance with Dorne is in trouble now the ruler's brother has been killed by the Lannister's pyschopath. But what does this mean for Tyrion? What will Jaime do?

On the 15th saw GOT S4 E1. The beginning, of Tywin melting the Stark Sword down, was a great opening, showing how the Lannisters are destroying the Starks. Jaime wants to stay in the Kingsguard but has lost the respect of his father. He seems to be trying to keep to his oath, even if it would be justified leaving. Daenerys moves on to another city. We see House Martell at last, in the form of Prince Oberyn. He certainly seems to hate the Lannisters. Might prove a threat to them eventually. Arya gets Needle back. The part where she stabs the man through the throat shows how far she has come. As does her riding along with a smile.

16th, GOT S4 E2. The Purple Wedding. Like Blackwater, episode focuses on King's Landing. Joffrey is dead at last. He went out showing how horrible he is. The part where he was accepting gifts seemed uncharacteristic, but chopping up the book Tyrion gave him sees a return to form. The War of the Five Dwarves was a moment that seemed funny but also mean and in poor taste. His death was a moment I am sure delighted the fandom. Right after he was bullying his Uncle he dies painfully. But now Tyrion has been arrested for his murder.

18th, GOT S4 E3. An interesting talk between Tywin and Tommen over what makes a good King. I would agree with Tywin. The moment between Jaime and Cersei felt odd, because of the unclarity over how consensual it was. Even imprisoned, Tyrion still shows his wit, talking of the ominous "They" and saying this murder is unique among those of King's Landing, as his sister didn't have anything to do with it.
It seems Ser Davos has an idea. I am interested in seeing this Iron Bank, that replaces rulers who don't pay their debts. As ever, finances determine the way of the world. Does this mean the rightful King will be going to the Wall soon to protect his Kingdoms?
It seems the Hound knows he can't be too likeable or his life expectancy drops. Though does have a pragmatism with robbing the farmer.

22nd, E4. Sansa is learning, she has worked out Littlefinger killed Joffrey. Great... but I don't like him either. He really does seem one of the most dangerous men in Westeros. So the Tyrells were involved. Great for Olenna. However I found the scene between Tommen and Margaery Tyrell very creepy, as she tries to seduce him. Somehow I don't like the Tyrells. They have a Tudor emblem but they are more like Stanleys. But I like Ser Pounce. Good Joffrey didn't kill him. Even while dead he continues to sound like a monster.
Not nice seeing what is going on in Craster's Keep, the girls are worse this. Feel sorry for Hodor as he is tormented by the mutineers. Now Bran and the others are captured what will happen next? I hope the wolves survive. We finally see what happens to Craster's sons. The White Walker's place reminded me of Minas Morgul. So the babies are turned into White Walkers. Who is this Horned White Walker? I hope to find out eventually.

To celebrate Valentine's Day read The Tale of Beren and Luthien again. Looked over The Lay of Leithian, also known as Release from Bondage. Wonderful love story. Unfortunately many will instead be going to a film about bondage, with a clearly designated hero. Here is a list I found of some bad moments in the book. http://theramblingcurl.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/fifty-abusive-moments-in-fifty-shades.html?m=1 Here is what someone thinks of the film. http://trilbee.com/reviews/written-review-fifty-shades-of-grey-2015 May this libertine trash go to Angband. The fandom seems largely made up of people whose social lives have a puncture, libertines, and those who just go for something 'popular' and think that makes it good. Release from Bondage, along with a beautiful love story, has Elves, Werewolves, Sauron... Tolkien considered it The Chief Story of the Silmarillion. Amidst the great deal of misery in the Middle-Earth Legendarium, there is some good. Tolkien's works are good in showing that about the world. 50 sades (not mistype) is certainly not something good, a combination of Twilight and the works of the Marquis of Sadism, an Angband to Beren and Luthien's Valinor. For now, Galu (Sindarin for Good Bye).

On the 1st saw GOT S3 E7, The Bear and the Maiden Fair. Jaimie really is becoming better. He goes back to save Brienne and jumps into the bear pit. Great scene between Joffrey and his Grandfather. Tywin walks right up to his sadistic grandson and towers over him. Joffrey may be King but it is clear who is in command. Arya is accepting that the only God is Death. Quite the Creepy Child. Exciting as she runs into the woods, only to be captured by the Hound.

When Theon was with the two girls he and the viewer seemed to know this probably wouldn't end well. Sure enough the Boy is back. But it seems even GOT has standards on what they can show.

4th saw E8. An episode of Second Sons. First the troops that come to help the Yellow City. Now Daenerys has more of an army. The Wedding of Tywin's second son Tyrion and Sansa. I suppose Tyrion is a better husband then his stepladder-stealing sister-son. It was quite nice seeing him say he won't consummate his marriage with Sansa until she wills it, despite the command of his father. I hope Tywin doesn't find out. Tyrion further looks awesome as he threatens Joffrey with a knife and then pretends to be acting out of drunkenness. Good scene between Stannis and Davos, on freeing Davos and whether Gendry should die. Stannis is one of my favourite characters. Gendry doesn't die. But the curse on the three other Kings is a great moment. How long will it take to work?

Awesome moment as Samwell destroys a White Walker with Chekhov's Knife. Though did he leave it behind?

7th saw E9. The Red Wedding was quite the wham, like the death of Robb's father. At least the Blackfish seems to have escaped. The Wedding was really well done. First Lord Frey seeming all right with the alliance, accepting the apology, saying he understands Robb. The joyous feast. Then The Rains of Castamere playing, a sinister moment, after which the slaughter began. Again I am reminded of the Nibelungenlied. But I heard this Nasty Party was based on The Black Dinner. Tyrion wasn't in this ep unfortunately, but Arya was. The Hound goes to rescue her so it seems he isn't all bad. And the Mother of Dragons has the Yellow City. What will the people think of her?

Today, 8th, saw Mhysa, end of S3. Again we see Tywin is in charge rather then Joffrey, whose evil even upsets his mother. The scenes between Tyrion and Tywin are great, Tywin saying he's doing this for family, Tyrion saying it's all for him, then hearing Tywin didn't kill him as a child because he was a Lannister. Poor Sansa, finding out of her brother's death. As for Shae don't think she has much longer to live, as she decides not to leave King;s Landing. Horrific scene in the dungeons of the Boltons, with Ramsay Snow eating the sausage. Boltons and Freys are unpleasant. I would love the Blackfish to kill one of those villainous Lords. Arya killing the Frey soldiers is an important moment. She is moving towards the worship of death. Stannis deciding to sacrifice his nephew to the Fire God is a significant moment. He will go to great lengths to get the throne, and feels the Kingdom is the most important thing. Davos and Melisandre seemed like angel and devil in that scene. Davos is a good character, so am wondering how much longer he will survive. Wonder where Gendry will end up. How fortunate for Davos that the Night's Watch needs the help of Stannis. Look forward to seeing this. Spectacular moment, with Daenerys winning the adoration of the freed people. Though I have heard the implications of that scene. What will happen in the next season, as she tries to be a Queen?