Finished A Feast for Crows on the 18th and the Appendixes on the 19th. This is often considered the weakest and I can understand why. The other books had climatic moments, deaths of major characters. This doesn't. There is a feeling of incompleteness. I liked the Ironborn storyline, which feels like it is building up to be really important. Euron has set his Crows Eye (his sigil reminds me of Sauron, and in The World of Ice and Fire an Ironborn Priest called Sauron Salt-Tongue is mentioned) on the Iron Throne and plans to conquer all Westeros with dragons. It's delightful to see those incestuous lions and false flowers have another foe to deal with.

This book seems to show the fallout of the war, the realm, especially the Riverlands, is in chaos. As Rodrik Harlaw says, crows are now squabbling over the corpse of Westeros. I wonder if that title could also refer to the Crow's Eye, who is feasting on Westeros. Other crows are the Bloody Mummers. Their fights with Brienne were climatic, but in the grand scheme not particularly important. I am interested in knowing what Brienne will do next with the Brotherhood.

TBWB may have harsh methods, but they have the sympathy of much of the Riverlands as they hang Freys and other villains. Delighted the Blackfish got away and wonder if he will join TBWB or if he went to Greywater Watch, where Stark loyalists and Frey foes lurk. Perhaps he will attack Riverrun, now held by the Freys, or the Twins. It says a lot about Brynden Tully that he is well past the prime of his life, yet the Freys and Lannisters are really worried about him escaping. There is the groundwork for an attack on the Freys. Also, Tom O'Sevens of TBWB is in Riverrun and was left alone with Edmure, who convinced his uncle to yield. There is something going on there.

Also good to see trouble for the Lannisters and those treacherous Tyrells. Cersei shows herself a terrible ruler, ruining her own cause, filling her Small Council with people she thinks she can control rather then those who are competent, while thinking she will show herself greater then her father. Love her uncle Kevan telling her she is a terrible mother and ruler. She can't even abide a little bit of satire, as shown by the puppet show. I have heard Varys may have been behind this. It is quite sinister not knowing where he is, considering how well he knows the passages in the Red Keep. Sending people of to Qyburn is not endearing people to Cersei.

Then there is Cersei dealing with the faith, getting rid of a huge debt, but creating a bigger problem.The two Queens, Cersei and Margaery, are now imprisoned. I have a liking for the High Sparrow/Septon, as he seems to be somebody who genuinely wants to do good rather then use dubious means to gain power. Selling the crown and jewels for money for the poor demonstrates this. Delightful to see him outwit Cersei. I love how after she gets imprisoned Aurane Waters leaves with the ships she spent a fortune building. Then there is the matter of the prophecy with the Valonqar. Suspect it will come true but there will be a twist. Jaime was born after Cersei, so is her little brother, however the prophecy describes them using their hands to strangle her. It might refer to a little brother, who is not Cersei's, or it could be a gender-neutral term that means little sibling. Cersei has upset a lot of younger siblings. The Starks, Baratheons, Daenerys hates the family...

Aemon has died, but it is very interesting what he says about Azor Ahai. I don't think Daenerys will be AA, as it is too neat for ASOIAF. Delightful irony in Sam meeting another of the Starks, though this time not knowing it. Very interesting in how Arya is losing her identity, taking so many names. Killing Dareon shows how far she has come, especially in how she refers to Arya killing him.

However the attack on Dragonstone is an example of this book having the feeling of exciting things happening off-page. There is a feel we have been left out, like when Davos' death is described. I know ADWD will fill these in, but it still feels unsatisfying. Will Loras die in the next book, or were rumors of his demise greatly exaggerated, to trick Cersei? The book seems to be building up to exciting events, Victarion is sent East for the "rightful Queen" (according to her), Stoneheart continues her vengeance and the Blackfish is lurking in the Riverlands. It doesn't really have a climatic ending, ending with Marwyn preparing to go to Essos to help Daenerys and the reveal that a Faceless Man is hiding in the Citadel.

Overall, I get why this is not well-rated among the books. Still, enjoyable and I look forward to reading ADWD.

On the 28th finished Steel and Snow. On the 4th finished A Storm of Swords. Great writing. Better then the first 2 in my opinion. POV chapters from Jaime, showing his character, the beginning of the deconstruction of Daenerys' plans, the Red and Purple Weddings, the deaths of three Kings. Hope Balon dies soon in GOT and we see Euron. As for series, have just finished Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken. Quite a disturbing ending, but better then the Sept scene between Jaime and Cersei, as it felt more in character.

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.