Sarah’s Comments (group member since Nov 10, 2010)

Sarah’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Right now I have out:

I'm seriously gonna try to catch up tomorrow :) I'm thinking since the show and the book follow so closely I can just skim over the parts that I watched in the show, and then read from where I stopped watching the show.

Kristina wrote: "Sarah - yeah i really liked the first one! i am not too far in Queen because I've been so busy but I'll probably read a lot of it tonight!"

I thought it was really cute, and it's such a different kind of paranormal romance that it's good. :D

Kellyflower - Aww that makes me so sad that Passion isn't very good. I was disappointed with Torment. The first book really blew me away. The only reason I'm keeping Fallen and Torment is because I got them signed by Lauren Kate at an event, otherwise, I would give them away. I think there was just too much hype going on with the books. I loved Unearthly! I'm so glad I read it and I would read it again. Have you read Nightshade by Andrea Cremer? I really liked that one and I think anyone who likes YA would enjoy it.

Kristina - Queen of the Dead is a great book! I loved it!

Kellyflower - How is Blood Red Road and Imaginary Girls? I can't seem to find those at my local library, I either have to go to one by my mom's house or buy them. Did you like Passion?

Lacy - Unearthly is a really good book! I enjoyed it. I haven't read Passion yet, but since Torment kind of disappointed me I wasn't in a rush to buy Passion so I'm thinking I'll just check it out from the library. Let me know what you think. I have City of Fallen Angels but I haven't read it yet, I've heard really good things about it though except for that it has a huge cliffhanger.

Thanks Joann!

Holds Waiting to Pick up:


Holds Not Ready Yet:


Checked Out:

Niquae, Sorry I didn't see this message until right now!

I have a review up of Wondrous Strange, I didn't think I liked it as much as the first book but I'm going to give Tempestuous a try anyways.

I just finished Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake a few days ago and I loved it! I also have a review of that up. Did you read it yet?

I returned Princess of the Midnight Ball before I got a chance to read it :( I reached my limit for books out and I had books on hold to be picked up. I'm going to try checking it out again. Did you like it?

I'm sooo behind on this book :( I'm trying to catch up girls!! We'll see if I can and answer the questions.

59) Were you caught up in Old Nan’s story about the last hero? Do you think there are still children of the haunted forest in the far North? How do you think Old Nan’s version of story ends; happy like Bran believes?

I was caught up in the story. I believe it is possible, but I don't know for sure. I think Bran wants to believe that because he's only 7.

60) Why do you think Tyrion designed the saddle for Bran? Does his doing so assure you that he had nothing to do with the attempted assassination on Bran?

I think Tyrion designed the saddle for Bran because Jon asked him to. I don't believe he was apart of the assassination but I believe he will be implicated for it. It's his dagger and no one will believe if he lost it or if it were stolen because they've already predicted that, that is something he would say.

61) Why did the direwolves respond to Tyrion with such hostility? Summer was the first to start growling; what is the significance of that? Did this change your mind about Tyrion’s ulterior motives?

It does confuse me because the direwolves are so protective I believe they can sense danger. I'm not sure why they don't like Tyrion and I don't have an ideas either. I really like Tyrion's character so I'll be saddened if he does end up being a bad guy.

62) Any doubt as to which Robert was Jon Arryn was asking for on his death bed? Do you think he was poisoned, and if so, by whom? If it was by Queen Cersei, why did she leave the castle instead of assuring the deed was done and/or no information passed from Lord Arryn to the King Robert?

I think he found out something he wasn't supposed to. Maybe he found out about the incest? I think it's possible that he was poisoned I wouldn't put it past Jaime or Cersei. I think he was calling for the King. I think he wanted to tell the King what he believed but couldn't. If she stayed at the castle she would have been a suspect, but by leaving no one will suspect her. I doubt anyone would disobey her, and I don't think she poisoned Jon herself she would have had someone else do it.

63) What did you make of Sansa & Arya’s dreams of Bran?

I think all of the Stark children are connected in some way and I think they want each other to be safe and happy. No matter what kind of bickering goes on between Arya and Sansa they do care for each other.

64) What was your first impression of Samwell Tarly; did it change any after hearing his life story? Did you agree with Jon’s thought that “it took a queer sort of courage to admit to cowardice”? What was the meaning of Jon’s dream of Winterfall?

I feel sorry for Sam. I do agree with Jon, because not many people would openly admit that especially to people they don't know. I'm not sure what his dream meant but I think he's having a stressful time on the Wall and maybe thinking of Winterfell helps him. It could be possible that he just misses home. I'm not sure.

65) Were you surprised Jon had Ghost partaken in straightening Rast out by leaping onto his chest? “Remember, we know where you sleep.” Impressed he used that variation on Donal Noye's words of advice? How close a bond has been formed between all these youths of the Night’s Guard?

Jon used Ghost as a weapon which in a way he sort of is a weapon. No one will mess with him as long as he has Ghost. I think he wanted to have some leverage to get his point across. I'm not sure a close bond has been formed but I think it's getting there. They all realize they're stuck there together no matter what.

66) What will be the consequences of Lord Stark giving up some of his own household guard to serve the Watch?

It could end up being a bad decision because who knows what will happen down the road. Who knows what enemies he will have. We already know the Lannisters don't like him, who knows what they decide to do about that. We know in some way the Lannisters were involved in Arryn's death, could Ned be next? Possibly.

67) Who holds a vital piece of the puzzle for Lord Stark: Ser Hugh (formally Lord Arryn’s squire) or Lord Stannis (the king’s brother)? Who is more likely to part with this information?

I'm not sure which one has the more vital information but I think Ser Hugh will be more likely to share his information. I think Lord Stannis will ask too many questions of why Ned wants to know.

68) What is the significance of the lineage book Lord Arryn was reading?

It might clue to something Arryn was looking for. Maybe he figured something out and needed the information in the book as evidence. I have no idea.

69) I can’t write better questions than what we ended with: “What had Jon Arryn wanted with a king’s bastard, and why was it worth his life?” Well, except to ask, which king’s bastard?

That's a really good question. I'm sure the King has multiple bastards but I don't know why Arryn would want to talk to them. Maybe to check on how they are? Maybe to see what they are doing with their lives, if they ever try to take Joffrey's place as heir? I'm not sure how that would work or if a bastard would be eligible but it could be possible. Who knows?

I'm behind but I swear I'll get my answers up to yesterday's questions and today's questions ASAP! :D

Lisa Kay wrote: "Lisa Kay's response to Sarah Answers to Vi’s Questions for Chapter 20 (Eddard) to Chapter 23 (Daenrys)

#3) "Young love never really dies."
**sigh** :)

#4) Very good point! Just how long since a..."

Yes I was talking about the King and the Lannisers. Robert didn't go through all he did just for Dany to one day have an heir. Even if she never decides she wants to go home there is still a possibility her son (or daughter) will.

I just don't see how the eggs will be viable! It could happen but it just doesn't make sense to me! haha sorry to ruin the roll! :D

1. The treasury is more than 6 millions in debt . Did that surprise you? What do you think are its implications? Do you think that it is really 6 million in debt or was it made out to be to that amount?

I'm not sure that surprises me. I believe what they said was true that Robert doesn't like counting money and taking care of what he has to do as a King. He lets Cersei get whatever she wants I'm sure. Plus, it's his idea for the tournament, and Joffrey seems spoiled enough to never want for anything.

2. Based on the chapters so far, what is your opinion of Robert? Were you able to get a handle on him?

I really don't think he's the person Ned sees in his head. Robert has changed, as I'm sure becoming King would change anyone. He's gluttonous. He doesn't care about anything really except for his power. I don't know if I have a handle on him yet but I can tell if Ned goes to him for anything it won't go the way Ned wants it to.

3. Do you think the Starks were wise in trusting Littlefinger? Does Littlefinger still think of Catelyn favorably?

I think Littlefinger really cares for Catelyn so I don't think he'll do anything to put them in harms way. Except for maybe Ned, I don't think he likes Ned. I think he still cares for Catelyn a lot. It wouldn't surprise me, in another chapter it said he challenged Brandon when he was 15 to marry Catelyn. Young love never really dies.

4. Do you think that the North and the Wall with its beyond is being taken too lightly? Due to the long summer, have people forgotten about it? What do you think of Mormont's request?

I don't think anyone is taking anything beyond the wall seriously. That goes for the people who work the Wall and the people who know of the Wall. I don't think people have forgotten about it because of the long summer, it seems like it's been in neglect longer than that. Mormont's request is a good request, he really wants to help the people on the Wall. He wants to make sure that if there really is a threat they have sufficient supplies to take care of it. He can't train the men because he isn't getting the type of men who should be manning the Wall. He needs supplies. I'm not sure what Tyrion will do though in order to help.

5. Tyrion's leaving the watch. Have you any idea/theory behind Tyrion's journey? Is it to analyze the strength/weakness of the Night watch if in case of war?

I don't have an idea or theory behind Tyrion but that could be because I really like him as a character. I really hope he isn't anything like his siblings. I want him to be a good guy. But, alas, he could be doing just what you suggest, looking at the strengths and weakness of the Wall and the Night Watch.

6. Jon seems to have heeded Tyrion's and Donal Noye's advice. And after Bran's news, he seems to have matured a bit. We also learn that Ben is also missing. And Jon's statement also seems to be some kind of omen. Has anything happened to Ben? Will Jon have to go after him?

I don't think Benjen will return. As in the prologue I think the Others have gotten to Benjen. I think Jon will want to go after him, and he might get that opportunity but not yet. I don't want him to only because I know it'll be very dangerous.

7. Ned's advice to Arya is full of wisdom. Arya seems to understand that but what about Sansa? Will Arya and Sansa ever reconcile?

Sansa is in "love". She won't understand anything anyone tells her unless it has to do with Joffrey. She might look back at this when she's older and realize the error in her ways but there is nothing now that will make her do that. She wants to be a princess and she thinks the world of Joff even though he's a vile teenager. Something will push Arya and Sansa together, and make them reconcile but I don't think on their own they will go to each other and do that.

8. I was surprised when Ned had Arya taught "dancing" lessons. Were you surprised? Looks like this will shape Arya and Sansa's future. Agree or Disagree?

I think Ned finally realizes that Arya will never be like the other girls and she just wants to be a tomboy. He is giving her something that will discipline her and keep her out of trouble. But it's also something she wants to do. I wasn't surprised, it really seems like it's something Ned would do. I think it will shape Arya's future more than Sansa's.

9. Oh Boy, I knew Dany would be ass-kicker if only given the chance. And Vicious had got what was coming to him. What do you think of that incident? Do you think that Dany will have a greater role as time goes on? Especially given the last scene in the chapter where Dany takes command?

I think she's finally! finally sticking up for herself! It's great! I think she will no longer worry about Viserys retaliating against her, and I think she'll stick up for herself more. She's finally realizing that as Khal Drogo's wife she has power, where she didn't have power as Viserys's sister.

10. Man, looks like the eggs might just turn viable. Are we going to see dragons? Does this have any significance more with Dany as the one who might "Wake" the dragon? Such an interesting possibility, isn't it?

I think it is an interesting possibility but I don't think the eggs will be viable. I don't see how it would be possible. They've been stone for so long, I couldn't imagine a living creature being able to come out of it. Unless there was some way that Dany being pregnant somehow made the eggs viable but I don't know how that would work.

11. And looks like Dany is pregnant (As an aside, so soon???). What will be the significance of the baby? And with the dragon egg on the other side as well?

I'm not surprised she's pregnant so soon, Khal Drogo didn't exactly only sleep with her the one time. I think the baby will cause problems for the people who do not like the Targaryans.

Tugce Nida - I completely agree! I don't really pay this much attention when I'm reading for fun, usually only when I read for school! But I find it's still fun to do on my own! :D I like the questions and I find it makes me think more and form my own opinion about what's happening in the book.

So I've been thinking and what I'm thinking is this:

Catelyn was supposed to marry Brandon Stark but he died so Ned offered to marry Catelyn instead. This was very common and not unusual in that time period. However, that doesn't mean that Ned necessarily wanted to marry Catelyn. While he was away with Robert maybe he fell in love with Wylla and when she had Jon, Ned decided to take him. It could be possible that Wylla died during childbirth. Also, it would explain why Ned is so ashamed; not only did he have an affair but he also loved the other woman. It explains why he doesn't want to talk about her and why he doesn't want anyone to know about her. He married Catelyn out of duty but he didn't necessarily love her. It is possible that he loves her now after being married for 15 years. I also find that there is something unusual about the relationship that Catelyn has with Petyr. Maybe she loved Petyr when they were younger?

Those are just my thoughts on it. I don't think Jon is Ned's nephew.

1. Gah! They killed Lady and then Micah. I thought Micah would get off with just punishment not death. Did anyone see that coming? Wonder where Nymeria is? I love how the wolves are so smart.

I'm sure Arya hid out with Nymeria and then put her some where when she knew she was going to be caught. As for Mycah, I think that's very sad. I believe he only died because he ran because of what the Hound said.

2. Thoughts on Bran's dreams before he woke up? Do you think he'll remember everything? Do you think it was a dream or will he now see things? Could he have the same powers as Varys whom Catelyn referred to as a spider?

I am intrigued by his dream. Especially, because he could see everyone and everything that was going on. Maybe it's a clue into the fact, that since he won't be able to walk he will be able to observe everyone. I think subconsciously he knows he saw something he shouldn't have but I don't know if he'll ever have the ability to tell anyone. I don't know if he'll have visions now or if it was a one time thing. I think he would be very interesting if he started having visions, it would explain how he saw everyone.

3. Do you think the Lannisters went to the wall so they could keep an eye on Bran's situation without being obvious? Why did they go to the wall in the first place?

I don't know how close the Wall is to Winterfell so I don't believe that the has anything to do with it. Maybe they wanted to do some scouting. Ned's brother Benjen works on the Wall so maybe they want to keep tabs on all of the Starks. Including Jon.

4. After hearing about the Dagger being Tyrion's do you suspect he's more involved with his siblings plans then you may have previously thought?

I don't see Tyrion being that ruthless. Maybe it was a set up by Jaime? Could it be that someone took the dagger from Tyrion and gave it to the assassin in order to frame Tyrion? The assassin didn't see very smart so he might not have known who he was talking to.

5. Do you think Catelyn was wise to leave home?

I think Catelyn should have stayed and sent someone she trusted. The safest place for her would have been at Winterfell and I believe Robb is too young to go by himself.

6. So what are your thoughts on the mantra "Winter is coming"? What do you think it means? Could it be another way of saying be prepared?

I think it exemplifies everything the Starks stand for. Ned can he as ruthless and strong as winter so it could be a personification of the Starks but also they are way more capable to survive Winter than any of the other Houses.

7. Do you think it was a mistake for Jon to come to the Wall?

I think he should have thought more before going to the Wall. I understand he felt desperate to belong somewhere and make a place for himself but I don't think he knew what it meant to be on the Wall.

8. Initial thoughts of Donal Noye and the advice and the information he gave Jon?

I'm a little unsure how I feel about Donal Noye's advice. But it was true. The only way Jon will survive the Wall is to maintain a low profile. If he makes the wrong people mad there is nothing stopping them from killing him. He's only a young boy and he has no real important position in any family (just like anyone else on the Wall).

9. Jon made an enemy. That cannot be good. Any thoughts on what Ser Alliser will do?

I'm sure there will be a way for Ser Alliser to torment Jon but I'm not sure what kind of actions could be taken.

10. Do you think Tyrion is a "nice" guy or is he hoping to turn Jon against his family?

He might have an alternate plan but I believe underneath whatever his family stands for he is a nice guy. He helped Jon and he reprimanded Joffrey. Yet, it could be possible that he really is just working for his family.

11. Bran named his wolf Summer. Does this mean he'll have something to do with them getting through whatever terrible events are coming?

I definitely think it's important because it was the first words he said when he woke up. Maybe it's something to keep them looking forward. If they focus on Summer coming again then they can have a chance of making it through Winter even though Winter can last generations.

Questions for Chapter Eddard (12) through Chapter Sansa (15)

1. We've had a lot of speculation about Jon's parentage. Robert was with Ned the year he was away and mentions Wylla - Jon's mother. What do you think of this new development? If Wylla is Jon's mother then who was Ashara to Ned? Could it be that he had more than one affair?

2. We finally find out that Rhaegar did rape Lyanna. Does this change anything for you?

3. Ned advises Robert that "no one man should hold both the East and West". Do you think this could be foreshadowing something? Or is it just advice?

4. Does it surprise you to find out how Jaime Lannister got his nickname of Kingslayer? Also, what about Ned finding Jaime sitting on the Iron Throne?

5. What do you think about the young boys called "Rapers" being taken to the Wall? Does it shock you?

6. Does this sentence say anything important about the Lannisters? "The Lannisters took what was offered" (120). Think about it in reference to what Ned said about Jaime sitting on the throne. Does it change anything about Jaime Lannister?

7. What do you think of the bond between Jon and Tyrion?

8. Who do you think the man was, who was sent to Bran's room? Who do you think sent him? Why?

9. Many have shown dislike for Theon Grayjoy, how do you feel about him being allowed to hear what Catelyn has to say about the Lannisters?

10. Even after 15 years Catelyn does not consider herself to be a Stark. She tells Robb to stay at Winterfell because "there must always be a Stark at Winterfell" (137). Why do you think Catelyn chooses to exclude herself from being a Stark?

11. Is it significant that the "wilder" children look like Starks and the "tamer" children look like Tullys? Why?

12. What do you think about the fight between Arya and Joffrey? What kind of repercussions do you think will follow?

I haven't posted questions yet! Sorry it's been a hectic morning! I'm going to do it ASAP!

Here is what I have checked out from the library currently (I kinda have a system going on how I'm going to finish them but not really LOL):

Lisa Kay wrote: "Responding to Answers to Lisa Kay’s Questions for Bran(8) – Daenerys(11)
@Sarah #1 & 2 - About how far into the book is the HBO series now? Or is it all finished? If not, will you finish the book..."

Umm I'm not exactly sure how far it is because I haven't been able to watch it for the last couple weeks. I'm not sure if I'll pass the show but what's interesting is the way we are breaking down the book follows the episodes of the show.

The whole incest thing pushes my ick button! haha

Is Magister Illyrio the one who was banished? If so then that is even more incentive for him to be on their good side.

The Dothraki especially would have wanted a public bedding. But I think Khal Drogo wants Dany to like him.