Mirliz’s Comments (group member since Dec 05, 2013)

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

Chapter 12-15

(view spoiler)[27. Interesting that the comet came into view when the dragons were born. Daenarys sees this as a sign of where she should take her people. Interesting. Any ideas as to how she'll come to be a contender for the throne? What do you think of the three people brought to her by Jhogo?

I'm very curious. And I hope those people won't harm her.

28. Finally find out more about Ser Jorah. Do you think his feelings for Daenerys will benefit her or prove to be a problem later?

I also think he will do anything for her.

29. Jon and his "brothers" are finding abandoned and empty towns. Forest void of wild life. Anyone thinking we're going to have an interesting night very soon? Where did everyone go?

It will indeed be interesting to see what happens to them.

30. Out of the frying pan and into the fire. Anyone surprised that Yoren didn't let the soldiers in? Why would they kill everyone including the men in black? Do you think they were after Gendry?

Not surprised. And they probably were.

31. Do you think Arya will regret helping to free the three men who were shackled in the wagon?

I hope not.

32. Cersei must really have hated Robert. She keeps killing his bastards. Do you think it's because they might make people think her children weren't his, or did she just hate Robert that much that she wanted to wipe all signs of him from the earth?

I think she's just afraid of what would happen to her and her children if anyone found out the truth.

33. What do you think of Littlefinger's plan to have Stannis' daughter's paternity come into question?

An ugly plan, of course, but I guess it will work out the way they want it to.

34. What did you think of the secret passage? I had no idea what Tyrion was up to.

It made me wonder how many other secret passages there are around the city... (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 14-21

(view spoiler)[22. He totally shouldn't have gone looking for that letter. That made it so obvious that he was desperate she shouldn't read it.

23. The more I discover about their relationship, the more I think of how unhealthy it seems to be.

24. I'm still not sure that I like Connor. And I don't think Tess should start dating again already.

25. I do hope that Rachel doesn't decide to take matters into her own hands. Then it will certainly end in a bad way for him.

26. I can't imagine being in her situation. It's just terrible to think about. Having lived with someone for twenty years, having children together, and suddenly get to know that he's a completely different person than you always thought he was? What a nightmare! (hide spoiler)]

I've been thinking of re-reading this series for years and years, since I stopped reading at book 8 or 9 or something last time. I might join you.

Chapter 8-13

(view spoiler)[17. I guess that he has something to do with Janie's death, but not neccessarily that he was the murderer.

18. I can understand how he feels, and I'm glad he told Tess.

19. I must say I hope they don't end up being friends in the way they were before. Going back to being able to spend time together, okay. But if I were Tess, I wouldn't be able to trust Felicity again.

20. The party was a nice chapter to read, it was good to be able to relax with Rachel.

21. Oh I love the way all the characters are written! The voices of them, they way I'm able to connect with them all. (hide spoiler)]

January 15-17: 48 (Daenerys) - 59 (Tyrion)
January 18-20: 40 (Catelyn) - 47 (Eddard)
January 21-23: 60 (Sansa) - 69 (Bran)


Isn't this part of the schedule a bit odd?

Chapter 8 - 11

(view spoiler)[17. Tyrion is flexing his power; think there will be repercussions? If so, from whom? Do you trust Ser Jacelyn Bywater to be loyal to Tyrion? Or to Varys?

There will be if he doesn't take care. I don't think his sister will dare to do anything in person, but he could still be in danger. I don't know about Bywater.

18. “The storms come and go, the waves crash overhead, the big fish eat the little fish, and I keep on paddling.” Varys made this statement. What is your current take on him? Or hasn't it changed.

I haven't changed my opinion much about him. I still am very suspicious of him.

20. Arya and Bull; think they’ll become allies? Looking at the map, they are not even half way to their destination and Arya is seeing a lot of “scorched earth” from the warring factions; what effect will this have on her?

I think they will at least become friends. And I also think that she will grow up faster now, and she needs to.

21. Do you think the wolves Arya encountered in the forest knew she was who she was? (That they knew Nymeria and thus recognized her – or just that she was a Stark?)

I'm not sure. Though I hope that Nymeria is around.

22. What is your take on Davos? Cautious, loyal, trustworthy, wily? Is there a distinction between him as a smuggler and Salladhor Saan as a pirate?

He seems very loyal to Stannis. I think that pirates could be more brutal than smugglers.

24. King Stannis has burned the Seven gods and put his faith in his “red hawk”. Davos warns him his people will not love him for this. Comments?

I think Stannis has put himself in a dangerous situation.

25. Theon Greyjoy was getting a blow-job while thinking of his coming crown. A bit arrogant, right?

Yup. I was correct not to particularly like him from the start.

26. Like Theon, I fear I know which unprotected plum Lord Balon is planning on taking. You?

I'm not sure. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 4-7

(view spoiler)[9. I gotta ask: What are your theories regarding the wolves howling and Bran's reaction? (it might be childish but I have a feeling it might be important later on?)

I also have a feeling it might be important later on. I think that something happened to Bran after he fell, that he somehow became able to -I don't know- connect to other creatures?

10. The dream Bran has when he's supposed to have a dreamless sleep: what is he dreaming as? Is he a dire-wolf? Or is it symbolic of a time to come?

I think he has become able to connect to other creatures, and that he has a special connection to his own direwolf. So I think that when he falls into deeper sleep he is able to ... I don't know ... enter his direwolf's mind?

12. Finally we get a little bit history on the King's history. I confess I got lost sometimes. Question is does this information serve any purpose later on?

I guess it will serve some purpose. But I don't mind getting some more information, I love that and I love history, so I'm happy.

13. Whew, look at the list of demands in the treatise. It's more unbelievable as each item is read. Young as he is, I felt the terms could have been better. What's your thoughts?

I don't think they will agree on anything on that list, it's too long.

14. Was Robb wise in letting the River lords depart? Maybe he could have granted them a reprieve instead of permanently? I can't help feeling that divided like this is not good.

No, he shouldn't have let them go. They are better off together than divided. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 4-7

7. Ah - the suspense! If the letter really is what John-Paul claims, why would he not want her to open it?

I think it's some kind of confession, something he'd rather let her know about when he's gone already instead of having to answer her questions or see her reaction.

8. Will seems to think it is important that Tess knows he didn't actually sleep with Felicity. Do you think that is a good thing? (For me it in some ways makes it worse as it means he believes he is in love with Felicity, that it is not just a physical thing.)

In a way I think it makes it worse, because it feels like if he'd say "I love someone else now, but I have to stay loyal to you since we are married, so I sacrifice myself and my feelings", or "See, don't you think I'm a very good boy? I know my responsibilities so I will not sleep with her yet even though I love her instead of you".

9. Tess' mother guessed that it was Felicity and Will. Does that mean it was obvious to everyone but Tess?

It doesn't have to be obvious to everyone else. Mothers usually have some kind of sixth sense. And something similar might have happened when they were children.

10. There have been a few references to the Berlin wall, first in "Cecilia's chapter" and now in the flashback to Rachel and Ed. What do you think is the relevance of this?

I see there have been very deep discussions about this questions. I'm afraid I can't add to that, but I think there have been very interesting ideas. The Berlin Wall could be just a symbol, or something important could have happened there that affects the story now.

11. The reveal of what happened to Rachel (with Janie) was heartbreaking. Do you think she is being an over bearing mother-in-law with Jacob, or is it understandable?

It is totally understandable, but at the same time I agree that it is not so healthy for her to let all of her remaining life be about Jacob.

12. Cecilia starts to theorise about what is in the letter (an affair, revelation her husband is gay etc.) Do you have a theory?

I have a few theories, but I don't think any of them will be correct. I'm usually not very good at guessing outcomes...

13. The meeting between Tess and Cecilia was interesting as we got to see Cecilia from another person's POV. Your thoughts?
"Tess blinked. It was like being buried in an avalanche of detail. The myriad of tiny logistical manouvres that made up someone else's life"

This was very interesting. I love how we get to follow these characters from their own POV and then see them from another character's POV. That gives them a completely different depth than what I'm used to when I'm reading. And it proves that other people will think of you in a different way than you think of yourself.

14. So the school is what brings together the meeting of Cecilia, Tess and Rachel although I'm still not sure how/if they will become 'friends'. I quite liked Tess' mum being honest with Rachel "Of course I'm sure it's exciting for your son and daughter in law. It's just that after all you've been through, losing Janie like - the way you did, and then your husband..."

I've started to like her. She is honest and isn't afraid of speaking her mind.

15. Connor Whitby could be a love interest for Tess? Or am I way off base?

I hope he won't be a love interest. I have a bad feeling about him.

16. Oh the awkwardness of the conversation between Tess and her father! I loved how it was described "It was always excruciating. No matter how hard she tried she could never seem to synchronise her conversations with her father" Have you ever found yourself in this kind of situation?

I find myself in that situation sometimes, not too often but it happens. I loved how it was described, it felt natural and very awkward.

Chapters 1-3

1. What are your initial impressions? Do you like the writing style?

I like the writing style very much. I also like the distinctive voices of the three main characters.

2. Thoughts on the passage about Pandora prior to chapter 1? This seems to fit the cover with the jar!

My first thought was Pandora's box = the letter. Didn't think about the cover though.

3. Cecilia is a very precise person who "knew exactly where each tiny piece of her life belonged, and where it needed to be slotted in next". Do you like her character?

I can see parts of myself in her, she needs to keep every piece of her life in perfect control to manage. I'm not such a complete control freak as she seems to be, but she doesn't drive me nuts since I do have some understanding for her.

4. What do you think you would have done with the letter if you were Cecilia?

I wouldn't open it. I probably wouldn't even have taken it from the attic. Even though I am a very curious person, I am also a very firm believer in privacy and trust. My curiosity might have led me to ask my husband about "the letter I happened to see in the attic", but I wouldn't open it if he told me to wait until the right time.

5. It seems each of the main female characters (Cecelia, Tess and Rachel) may have something ugly or hidden in their past. For Cecilia it is the spiderman boy, Rachel it is something from 1984, Tess has "debilitating nerves". Do you think this is what will ultimately tie them together, or something else?

Yes I think something in their past, or in John-Paul's past, will tie them together.

6. Thoughts on the relationship between Will and Felicity? Do you think they went about telling Tess in the right way? (Is there a "right" way?!)

I don't think there is a right way to tell a thing like this. It was very cruel of them both, and I don't know who I want to put the most blame on.

Prologue - Chapter 3

(view spoiler)[1. A little confusing at the beginning. We're introduced to new characters and I was lost as to who they were. Took a while to figure out where they fit in. Anyone else feel the same way?

It didn't take me so long to figure out who they were and where. I was happy to finally get some story from the inside regarding Stannis.

2. The comet thought to be Dragon's breath. Comets do tend to symbolize things in literature. I'm guessing it symbolizes the rebirth of the dragons.I'm thinking this is an omen in favor of Daenerys. Anyone else?

It is undoubtedly an omen, and most likely an omen of war and bad times. But I wouldn't speculate about who it's in favor of.

3. First impressions of the red lady, Lady Melisandre?

She shouldn't be underestimated, and I don't like her.

4, Well, finally we get to meet King Stannis. Initial thoughts? Should he have listened to Cressen?

It would probably have been wise of him to listen.

6. Thank goodness Arya is okay. I was sooooo worried. I thought maybe the queen had gotten her paws on her since everyone claimed she had both of the Stark girls. What do you think will happen once they get to the wall? Will they send her home? I'm a little confused on this.

I think they do intend to send her home, but I wouldn't be surprised if she finds a way to go with them all the way to the Wall to see Jon. Or something happens on the way there.

7. Poor Sansa. She's finally gotten it. Poor dear. Any ideas how she'll get out of this fine mess?

She will have to practice being clever and choose her words carefully if she wants to stay healthy and alive.

8. Still loving Tyrion even though he's a bad guy. Anyone else? Could he be good?

I don't think of him as a bad guy. He seems very neutral to me, like he's totally following his own agenda and just wants to keep peace. I have liked him from the start and still do. (hide spoiler)]

Well then, I'll just read in my own pace and see when I finish. :) Probably 1-2 days per section.

What about the reading schedule? Do we keep to the same amount of days per section as with the last book?

I have found it extremely difficult to not start reading it yet, since the start date is 2nd, and I decided not to start early!

Chapters 34 - end

37. What I really liked about this book is how there was so much "wrapped up" at the end so I felt satisfied with the read, but it still left enough open to make me really excited for book 2. Do you agree?

I agree completely. I had so many questions throughout the book, but almost all of them were answered in the end. Now, there are only the usual between-books-cliffhanger questions left.

38. Were you surprised about the truth with Megan and Prof? There were a few theories we threw out there and I know some of you wondered about them!

I feel so embarrassed right now, because I seem to recall myself writing only a day or so ago that I didn't believe Prof was an Epic. Well, that's how good my guesswork is... Anyway, it was a great twist to it all, and I both felt stupid for not realizing it, and amazed at the skill of the author.

39. I was so glad when Nightwielder was finally killed. What did you think of these last action scenes?

Well written, action packed, and a nice way to finish the book. I was happy that they got rid of Nightwielder so they got the sun back.

40. We were so close about the truth with Steelheart! David was really clever to have figured it out! Thoughts?

I myself wasn't close enough though. But it was very clever of him, and I just keep getting fascinated by the many ways that Epics function and their weaknesses and all.

41. Book 2 is called Firefight. Does that mean the Reckoners will now have to fight Megan? How do you fight someone who can just come back to life?

The question is, will they fight her, or not? I would rather they persuade her to join them against the evil Epics.

42. Will you read the rest of the series including the Novella Mitosis?

Yes, definitely!

43. Final thoughts?

I ended up liking this book more than I thought I would initially. The characters are interesting, well-written and evolving, and the story turned out to really capture me. I look forward to the next part.

Chapters 29 - 33

31) So Megan is dead. I was totally surprised. Did you expect this to happen? Were you surprised, angry, or indifferent?

I didn't exactly expect that to happen, but when it did I kind of didn't feel so much actually. I was a bit sad for David, but then I'm so used to people being killed off in books that I read.

32) Prof behaved in a strange way while saving Megan and David, more like an Epic than human. Why?

I don't think he's an Epic, but I do think he has something to do with the Epics in a very close way. If the Epics were created, I believe he might have been part of that. Or maybe his bad mood is because he once made a mistake with the gloves, causing something terrible or bad.

33) Conflux is a slave Epic, that is an interesting turning point in the knowledge about them. Do you think it may have some other consequences for the story, are there any other "types" of Epics?

If there is one slave Epic, there could very well be more of them. It does make it more interesting because it adds a lot more possibilities regarding fighting against the evil Epics and so on.

34) "The truth is not a downer," Abraham said in his lightly accented voice. "The lies that you pretend to accept are the true downer." I like this quote. It seems that this story touches some important moral issues of faith, honesty, humanity and courage. Do you find it thought-provoking or only entertaining? Do you have some favourite quotes?

I like that the book has these sort of quotes and these themes, but that it doesn't get too heavy. It's enough to make you think a bit about it, but not so much that it becomes "a book about issues", so to speak.

35) We have some more options of Steelheart's weakness. Which one is the most possible in your opinion? Do you have some other ideas?

My bet is on something like crossfire or being accidentally shot by someone who tries to protect him.

36) So, The Reckoners have the plan to kill Steelheart. What are their chances? And is it really the only solution?

The chances have never been very good, but I'll cross my fingers.

Chapters 64 - 67

(view spoiler)[2. Eddard did die after securing his daughter's place. I frankly, wouldn't have believed they would have kept her safe. I figured once he was gone she would be exterminated (Sorry Doctor Who going on in the background). What did you think? Surprised she's still engaged? (I sound like a broken record, huh?)

For some reason they want to keep her around - as a hostage maybe? Which is understandable.

3. Sansa finally gets it, and you called it Lisa Kay, she's getting smacked around. Anyone surprised? Apparently Joffrey sees heads as appropriate tokens of affection - how romantic NOT!

I'm not at all surprised of anything in this situation.

4. Has anyone taken notice of all the Sigils being presented? There are unicorns, bears, fish, lions, deer, wolves, golden roses, Falcons, dragons, kraken, etc. Which would you want for your Sigil? Which is the least appealing? Which would you like to see come to life in the book? I hope this mean more of the sigils will come to life in the book. I want to see kraken and unicorns.

I'd love to have a unicorn or a wolf as my sigil! Mythical and strong.

5. Okay now that I've taken a slight road trip I'll get back on track. Ayra has been surviving on the streets around the castle. Do you think Yoren from the wall will harm her? He seemed a little rough with her.

I hope he doesn't harm her. I mean, why else would he keep calling her 'boy' and make her shut up every time she was about to reveal herself? I think he's going to save her.

7. Osha looks like she may play a more key role than I previously would have thought. Anyone else surprised?

A little surprised maybe, but pleasantly surprised since I find her interesting. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 68 - 72

(view spoiler)[1) You called it Lisa Kay there were repercussions from burning down the temple. Mirri Maz Duur was a witch to do that to Dany. Dany tried to help in the only way she could and Mirri Maz Duur took everything away. Did you expect her to kill Dany's baby? I kind of wondered if that was the life she was referring to when she said there had to be a blood sacrifice. I kept hoping he was still alive. That maybe she just took him like Rumplestilskin wanted the princess' baby. Dang!

I was so sad when I read this part! I like Dany and kept hoping she would have her baby. This was so unfair!

2) What did you think of the dragons suckling off Dany and her being unscathed by the fire? Why do you think her brother wasn't immune to the fire?

I love dragons. But them suckling off Dany was...weird. I did see it coming though, the dragons being born and Dany taking care of them. As for her brother, I guess he just wasn't worthy.

3) They want Robb to be king. Did you see that one coming? I still mourn for Eddard. *sniff* I still like Jon more than Robb.

Didn't see it coming, but happy about it. I like the Starks.

4) There appears to be no going back for Jon. He either stays at the wall or he dies. Anyone else disliking that? The way the Old Bear talked I thought there were times when they could leave.

He already knew that when he took the vows. Yes, it's tough, but he made the decision himself. Now he has to live with it like a man. He has responsibilities now.

5) Out of curiosity, those of you of the *cough* "weaker" *cough* sex like me, would you have sided with the peace that Catelyn proposed or are you of the "off with their heads" crew? Okay, I'm somewhere in between.

I would prefer peace, but make it more in my own (in this case, the Starks') favor.

6) Tyrion finally is acknowledged by his father as his son. Jamie is being talked poorly of. The Lannister family secret (all of Cersei's children being Jamie's) has still yet to be revealed. Were any of these things surprising? How do you think Tyrion will act. What do you think of his thought of taking his whore (why do I always feel bad using that word?) with him? Do we know how old he is? I kept thinking it would be ironic if the "whore" turned out to be that long lost wife of his, but I don't think that would be possible. I'm guessing that happened a very long time ago and he'd recognize her.

I always liked Tyrion and felt bad for him when wasn't recognized by his father. I did like that he decides to take his whore with him, defying his father.

7) Thoughts overall on the book? Will you continue with the next book? Anyone up for reading it soon? Any thoughts as to whether we should read the series (as it won as our next series read) like this buddy read - 4 chapters at a time?

Overall thoughts? I love this book! The characters, the storylines, the descriptions, everything. I can't wait to start with the next book in the series!

8) A last minute add - Why have we not met Lord Stannis? I kept thinking we'd get to at least meet him in this book. He doesn't seem like he'd be that great of a King.

I do want to meet him, and hope we will in the second book. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 19 - 23

18. I'm kind of glad I was behind so that I didn't have to wait to read that cliffhanger with Nightwielder! I can't decide if David is brave or an idiot (or both - he is an 18 year old boy after all). What do you think of his character now that we're almost half way through the book?

I'm impressed by his courage and quick-thinking, but his impulsiveness could turn out to be dangerous for his team. I hope they find a way to work well together.

19. Why do you think Prof hates Steelheart as much as David? Do you think Steelheart has done something personal to him, too?

Must be something personal.

20. For YA this book is kind of bleak! "We're not revolutionaries." (I'm thinking of the exchange between Prof and David on page 182 in the hardcover edition). YA usually seems, at least to me, to have more hope. Do you agree or disagree? Do you think this makes this book better or worse than other YA you've read? Do you think this attitude will change as we get further into the book, and the characters will try to improve things instead of just killing Epics?

I don't feel it's too bleak. I think it's positive and hopeful for the most part.

21. I was surprised by Megan's reason for being cold to David. She thinks Steelheart is the best of a bad lot, and they shouldn't be messing with him. Do you agree or disagree with her opinion?

Everyone comes from different places and sees things in different ways. Coming from where she does, then Steelheart might not seem so bad. I think it's only natural, basing your opinions on your own experiences.

22. Why do you think the guards didn't see them in the elevator shaft?

No idea.

23. What's the propaganda room all about? Do you think it has to do with Steelheart's weakness? My personal theory is that he can only be hurt by someone who believes he's good, so he actively tries to be bad to make sure no one believes in him.

Oh that's an interesting theory. That would explain the propaganda, and maybe also why he was hurt by David's father.

24. Abraham is one of the Faithful. What do you think about this? Do you think there's a possibility that good Epics could exist?

I find it a bit hard to believe there are good Epics. But there are always believers, like Abraham.

Chapters 24 - 28

25) Megan thinks the Epics are part of a test of power. What do you think they are? Do you wish we had a better understanding of them by this point in the book or do you like the mystery?

I like the mystery. I like having to try and figure it out at the same rate as the main characters while they are trying to fight them.

26) David was smart to figure out Firefight's trick! Would you rather face a man of fire or an illusionist?

I think I'd rather face a man of fire. At least I would be sure of what I'm up against then.

27) How heart wrenching for David to see his father's body preserved like that! Do you think it was a bit callous for the Reckoners to bring David back to the bank?

I think it was good for him to have to go there and see his father like that. Last time at the bank, he had to run for his life and he didn't have time to mourn at the scene. Now at least he could get some kind of closure, and maybe be able to see things in another way, being able to look at the scene more closely.

28) David has a new theory about Steelheart's weakness. Is he on the right track?

I think he is on the right track, though I'm still not sure of what the weakness really is.

29) I love the action sequences! Do you? Are they easy for you to follow what's happening or not?

They are easy to follow, and I've come to like them more than I thought I would, considering they're modern kind of action with guns and stuff.

30) Nightwielder seemed to be expecting them. Do you think David really saw a green motorcycle following them during the chase scene? Is there a traitor in the Reckoners?

Oh I don't know. It wouldn't surprise me if there is a traitor among them, but at the same time it would make me sad since I've come to like all of them, more or less.

Chapters 17 - End

47) So I think we all predicted how this section would end--Door is saved and avenges her family, Richard gets his life back, etc. Door opening up a door that did not lead to heaven was a nice touch. Did it bother you that we don't know what happened to Door's sister? This one left a lot to your own imagination. Do you like when an author does this or not?

I usually don't like so much when an author does that, but in this case I actually didn't care so much.

48) Did you like that Richard was given a choice and then a second chance to live in London Below?

Yes, that made me feel happy for him - that he eventually got what he wanted in the end.

49) Did you like that Door ending up rescuing herself?

Yes, I liked that.

51) Overall thoughts of the book? What will you rate it?

To be honest I didn't like this book as much as I hoped I would. I liked the general idea of it, the whole thing about a London Below with magic and myths and creatures and monsters really existing. But I didn't really feel like I got into the book as much as I usually do, and I couldn't really connect to the characters. I will give it two or three stars.

52) So if you had to pick between your current life and a Neverwhere which would you pick?

I would choose my current life. Sure, a little more adventure would be fun and interesting, but Neverwhere seems too scary for me. Too much adventure...

Chapters 56 - 59

(view spoiler)[1. We now know that the mantra of the Lannisters is "Hear Me Roar." What is your opinion of it? I think it is not all that inventive or great.

I agree that it's not very inventive. But I guess it fits them....

2. Tyrion is finally back home. What did you think of the interaction between him and his father? I'm not feeling the love.

Well, there is no love, is there? Not that I have managed to find anyway, no matter how hard I try. I feel sorry for Tyrion, not having his father's love or approvement in anything.

3. Anyone wondering how Tyrion's newly formed motley crew will effect the games (game of thrones that is), or do you think Tyrion's father will kill them? Could insisting that Tyrion was theirs until they were compensated lead to their downfall?

I honestly have no idea where to place them in all of this at the moment. But I don't think Tyrion's father is so happy about having them around.

4. Bronn saved Tyrion's butt, but it sounded like Tyrion didn't have a high regard for him. He brought up the fact he'd changed sides. Anyone surprised by this?

Nope, not surprised after everything that's happened in the story so far.

5. Sansa. What can I say? Anyone else like to smack some sense into her? Anyone else surprised she is still considered engaged to the young King? Do you think he likes her? I was a little confused by it until I read Eddard's chapter.

I do want to smack some sense into her - a whole lot of it since she lacks so much. I don't think he likes her, and I don't believe he wants to marry her but try to find a way to avoid that marriage. With the help of her mother, in that case of course.

6. I must confess, I was a little afraid to read chapter 58. I didn't see any other Eddard chapters. I feared our relationship with him had come to an end. Anyone else relieved it wasn't? Do you think he'll cave in because of Sansa?

He loves his children so much, so I believe maybe he will cave in for her sake. But still, honor means so much to him. Either way, they'll destroy a part of him making him choose.

7. So as I and I believe a few others of you suspected, Catelyn didn't fully believe herself a Stark. I'd think that after 5 children and several more years of being married to her husband she'd have felt she was a Stark. Anyone else think she really had a problem with her husband's infidelity? Could that be the reason?

I don't know what the reason really was. Ned's infidelity could be a part of it. But it could also be that she has so strong bonds to her blood-family that it was very difficult for her to see herself a member of another family.

8. What did you think of the agreement Catelyn reached with Lord Frey? That was an awful lot to ask for passage.

That was an awful lot, yes. But she was desperate to get passage, and he was desperate to get rid of some grandchildren. Fair enough. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 60 - 63

(view spoiler)[1) Uncle Benjen is still missing; what are the odds that he’s going to come back as a Zombie Leader and fight Jon Snow? Or am I totally barking up the wrong tree here?

Didn't think of that possibility, but... well, why wouldn't that be possible? I mean, that would be a terrible twist, and it would add to Jon's change of person now that he is so vulnerable.

2) Something more than WOW! for the end of Chapter 60? Was it the biggest surprise of the story for you? If not, state your biggest surprise thus far.

That was one big surprise!

3) Let us say, for the purpose of this question, our suspicions about Jon Snow being the love child of Rhaegar and Lyanna are correct (of course, if they married, then he’s a Prince, right?). Question: Having read the Old Bear’s reveal, what do you make of him gifting Jon with Longclaw?

I always hoped for him to have a great destiny.

4) Daenerys has no stomach for rape or slavery. When Ser Jorah tells Dany she is like her oldest brother, Rhaegar, we get a completely different picture of him. Comments on either of these statements?

I found that interesting. Not like the picture I've got of Rhaegar this far.

5) First impressions on Mirri Maz Duur? Do you think there will be consequences to their burning the temple?

I liked her.

6) What do you think of Lord Tywin placing Tyrion and his wild “motley crew” in the vanguard? Do you believe Tyrion knows exactly what his father is doing? Do you think that there are limits on what a person can forgive?

There's definitely a limit on what a person can forgive. As for the going-ons during the battle... I don't think either of them knows exactly where the other stands.

7) Was Tyrion’s defeat of the knight intelligence or luck? Were these battle scenes either too long or too graphic for you or were you too caught up in the telling to notice?

I would say it was a combination of intelligence and luck - as is so often the case for him.

8) Were you impressed that Lord Robb Stark was more cautious than Lord Tywin expected?

Yes, I'm impressed with Robb. He's going to become a great leader if he survives.

9) What are the Starks going to do with Jaime? Surely not let this Lannister brother go as easily as the first.

I hope they guard him well, and don't let him come to harm. He can be very useful to them.

10) Any change from your initial impression of Theon Greyjoy? Quote: “And Lord Tywin?” Catelyn interrupted. “Have you perchance taken Lord Tywin, Theon?” Catelyn asks an eloquent question of him. How is his arrogance different from Jamie’s?

I still don't feel or think so much about him, to be honest. But he is one of those characters that stay a bit in the background, but give them a chance and they could cause so much trouble. I hope this one doesn't... (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 14 - 18

12) What do you think of the theory that something in the bank vault caused Steelheart's temporary vulnerability? Is it Kryptonite? :)

It's a pretty good theory, but I can't fully believe that there was something in the vault that caused it. But I don't have any better theory yet either.

13) That was a pretty bold move by Abraham to let the underground thugs shoot him! Are you impressed by the technology the Reckoners have acquired and developed?

Yeah that was bold! But I like the way he thinks about that situation. I'm also very impressed by the Reckoners' technology.

14) David's terrible metaphors just get better and better (or is it worse?). Do you like this trait of his?

I just think it's very funny and kind of cute.

15) Do you agree with David's self-assessment that he's not smart and just persistent? Is there a difference?

There is a difference between being smart and just being persistent, but I don't agree with David. I believe he is really smart, not just persistent. Just figuring out how to not be taken away but still have the chance of getting all the information and knowledge he wanted and needed - you have to be smart to succeed with that.

16) The Reckoners pay for their weapons with Epic DNA. Thoughts?

It's an interesting idea of new currency, however it makes me think that weapons are meant only for those strong, powerful or lucky enough to manage to take DNA from Epics - not for anyone who wants a weapon.

17) What a chapter to end on! What is David thinking?!

He's obviously got a plan. Hopefully it will end as he hopes it will, or without any big trouble at least.

Chapters 7 - 13

7. As they head to David's apartment we get an insight into the amount of research he has done into Epics. Do you think it is possible no-one has been 'keeping tabs' on him (as a threat)?

I think it is possible that he has been careful enough not to draw attention to him. And since he's been doing it for so long, if someone had been keeping an eye on him, I think they would have taken him out earlier, before he could become a real threat.

8. I liked how David threw out the idea that "Limelight" is a new Epic and threat to Steelheart. Cody seems pretty impressed with David. What are your thoughts?

He seems to have a good and clever mind, I like that. He is able to think fast in situations where that is needed, and not do something really stupid - so far.

9. The idea of tensors is pretty interesting. I wonder if there are other 'powers' that non-epics can learn to copy?

I also think there are a number of powers that can be copied by non-Epics.

10. I found it really intriguing that Steelheart is so incredibly paranoid despite being almost invincible. Theories on what his weakness is?

It is rather common though that people (dictators) with such powers are more or less paranoid. As for his weakness... I'm thinking it has to do with the attacker's mind or purpose of attacking him, or something like that?

11. Prof seems to be excited by David's plan, while Megan isn't sold on the idea. If you were a Reckoner what do you think you would prefer to do?

I would probably go with the Prof, and go after Steelheart. After all, the Reckoners have taken down many lesser Epics already, but to make a real difference they would need to take greater chances and go after the Epics that have the real power.