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

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

I would also like to start as early as possible.

I'm in!

I'm joining this one!

This is for me to keep track of my challenges, and also Buddy Reads and Books of the Month that I take part in.

Challenges in The Challenge Factory

All About You Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

January: Read your Birthday Month
7/7

✔ J - The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1); by Jasper Fforde [1/22] ♥♥♥
✔ A - A Walk to Remember; by Nicholas Sparks [1/29] ♥♥♥♥♥
✔ N - Sabriel (Abhorsen #1); by Garth Nix [1/30] ♥♥♥
✔ U - Uglies (Uglies #1); by Scott Westerfeld [1/28] ♥♥♥♥
✔ A - Affair; by Amanda Quick [1/25] ♥♥♥
✔ R - Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1); by Richelle Mead [1/24] ♥♥♥
✔ Y - Insurrection (The Insurrection Theory #1); by Robyn Young [1/31] ♥♥♥



February: Read your Birthstone
5/6

☆ G - Svavelvinter (Krönikan om den femte konfluxen, #1); by Erik Granström
✔ A - Brave New World; by Aldous Huxley [2/13] ♥♥
✔ R - Rebecca; by Daphne du Maurier [5/23] ♥♥♥
✔ N - Springa med åror; by Cilla Naumann [3/26] ♥♥
✔ E - Stridens skönhet och sorg; by Peter Englund [2/18] ♥♥♥
✔ T - A Long Winter; by Colm Tóibín [2/5] ♥♥



March: Read your sign
4/8

✔ A - Lirael (Abhorsen #2); by Garth Nix [7/24] ♥♥♥
☆ Q
✔ U - Undercurrents; by Tamara McKinley [7/15] ♥♥♥♥
☆ A - A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4); by George R.R. Martin
✔ R - The Casual Vacancy; by J.K. Rowling [11/26] ♥♥♥
☆ I
☆ U
✔ S - Pretties (Uglies #2); by Scott Westerfeld [6/2] ♥♥♥♥

I've become kind of hooked on the challenges thing, but then there's one thing I'm wondering about... There are a number of challenges, both in this group and in other groups, which ask of you to read a big number of books, or read books with difficult requirements (eg. a book written by an author starting with Q, a book set in continent Y, and so on). Is it okay to plan the same book for several different challenges, whether it be several NBRC-challenges or a challenge from NBRC and a challenge from some other group? I can't seem to find any real information on this anywhere...

I realized I haven't introduced myself yet!

Birthday: January 26th
Favorite Color: Pink. Or red. Or deep green.
Favorite Food: Japanese chicken karaage. I love most anything with chicken though.
Any Pets: Two cats, Mum's two birds. Lost my 11 year-old dog a week ago. :(
Favorite Book Genre: Fantasy
Finish the line: I know I'm a book addict because.... bookshelves have always dominated any room I've lived in, and "a huge stylish library" is top of my wishlist for my build-my-own-house dream (it's even above "walk-in closet").

Author Alphabet Reading Challenge
Duration: January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2014

Completed: 17/26

☆ A
☆ B
✔ C - Springa med åror; by Cilla Naumann [3/26] ♥♥
✔ D - Rebecca; by Daphne du Maurier [5/23] ♥♥♥
✔ E - Things I Want My Daughters to Know; by Elizabeth Noble [3/25] ♥♥
✔ F - The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1); by Jasper Fforde [1/22] ♥♥♥
✔ G - A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2); by George R.R. Martin [1/21] ♥♥♥♥
✔ H - Bridget Jones's Diary; by Helen Fielding [10/31] ♥♥♥♥
☆ I
✔ J - Star of the Sea; by Joseph O'Connor [7/10] ♥♥♥
☆ K
✔ L - The Husband's Secret; by Liane Moriarty [1/9] ♥♥♥
✔ M - Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1); by Richelle Mead [1/24] ♥♥♥
✔ N - A Walk to Remember; by Nicholas Sparks [1/29] ♥♥♥♥♥
☆ O
✔ P - Stridens skönhet och sorg; by Peter Englund [2/18] ♥♥♥
✔ Q - Affair; by Amanda Quick [1/25] ♥♥♥
✔ R - The Casual Vacancy; by J.K. Rowling [11/26] ♥♥♥
☆ S
✔ T - A Long Winter; by Colm Tóibín [2/5] ♥♥
☆ U
☆ V
✔ W - Uglies (Uglies #1); by Scott Westerfeld [1/28] ♥♥♥♥
✔ X - Brave New World; by Aldous Huxley [2/13] ♥♥
✔ Y - Insurrection (The Insurrection Trilogy #1); by Robyn Young [1/31] ♥♥♥
☆ Z

January Challenge: Vices or Vitues?
Duration: January 1, 2014 - January 31, 2014
Level: Devil in the Details (3-4 books)

Completed: 4/4

✔ E - The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next #1); by Jasper Fforde [1/22] ♥♥♥
✔ N - Sabriel (Abhorsen #1); by Garth Nix [1/30] ♥♥♥
✔ V - Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1); by Richelle Mead [1/24] ♥♥♥
✔ Y - Insurrection (The Insurrection Trilogy #1); by Robyn Young [1/31] ♥♥♥

Chapters 24 - 27
(view spoiler)[1) 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 did think the story was interesting and I would have loved to hear the ending. But however much I wish for a happy ending, I think it's a sad one.

2) 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 assignation on Bran?

It doesn't assure me of anything, however I hope that he didn't have anything to do with it, and that he designed the saddle just because he feels sorry for the boy and wants to be useful.

3) 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?

Sadly, this made me think that maybe he actually had something to do with Bran. However, maybe the wolves just felt that he is a Lannister?

4) 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 was poisoned, but I have no idea by whom. I would like to think the Lannisters were directly involved, but I don't know how they would have been. And I don't know which Robert he was referring to.

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

Not sure.

6) 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?

My first impression of Samwell was that he didn't seem to fit there at all, and it didn't change much after I knew his story. I felt a little bit sad for him, having a childhood like that, but still I don't...feel much for him. However I do agree that it takes some courage to admit that you're a coward. It will be interesting to see what happens to him later on.

7) 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?

Not that surprised, no. There are strong bonds between the children and their direwolves, and I kind of expect the wolves to be a lot involved in the lives of the children, helping them out. And it seems to me that there are already bonds being formed between the youths. Maybe not so strong yet, but I think they will be important in the future.

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

Obviously he will be more vulnerable to the Lannisters and their allies, but it might prove to be a wise decision if something actually happens at the Wall.

9) 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 think that both of them hold vital information, but it might be that Ser Hugh is more likely to part with that information.

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

Obviously it does have some significance, but I fail to see it.

11) 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? (I mean which king, Robert?)

Well, that is indeed a good question, and I don't have an answer. I just want to keep on reading to eventually have the answer given to me! (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 28 - 31
(view spoiler)[1. What did you think of Catelyn this time around? Do you think she did the right thing or should she have talked to Tyrion before having him taken into custody?

I think it would have been wiser to talk to him first, but I guess she just wants to be able to get him under her control so he can't go and hurt her children more.

2. Do you believe Tyrion about never betting against his family? Did your opinion of him change? Do you believe him?

Yes, I believe him about that. He is too clever to do that, since he knows them so well.

3. Did what Tyrion say make you think less of Littlefinger?

I haven't thought much of him to start with, but this made me like him even less.

4. Sansa looks like Catelyn did when she was younger. She was receiving a lot of attention. Do you think Littlefinger would ever do anything to her? His attention seemed a little creepy to me. Anyone else think so too?

Well, I hope he doesn't do anything to her, but I think she will get a lot of attention.

5. Did you think Prince Joeffrey would escort Sansa to her room? Do you think her opinion of him changed any because he didn't?

Actually I did think he would escort her, but then I just felt like a fool because I thought so - of course he wouldn't do that. I hope her opinion of him changed.

6. Why do you think the Queen was so upset? Is it because she likes to be the center of attention? Started picturing Snow White's step mother. I got a "Mirror, Mirror on the wall...." vibe.

Probably just because she likes to be the center of attention.

7. Did you get a little nervous about Sansa being along with the Hound?

A little nervous, yes, but at the same time not. And I wanted to get to know him more.

8. What did you think of The Hound's story about Ser Gregor?

It was terrible and sad, and gave me a better understanding of him.

9. Did you suspect the young knight that died would be the one Eddard wished to speak to?

Yes, I did. It seemed kind of obvious.

10. If Littlefinger is lying do you think Eddard's in more trouble than you previously thought?

Yes, definitely. I always thought he was in much trouble.

11. Varys' information was interesting. What do you think Ned will do with the information? Sounds like someone may be trying to kill the King. Anyone else wonder why after the King spilled his wine they were so insistent he have more? Could someone be trying to poison him or am I just getting a little wild with my thoughts?

Yes, I believe someone is trying to kill the king, but not with poison. That would be too suspicious if the same persons killed Jon with poison. As for Ned, I think he should tell the king.

12. Do you think Catelyn is more likely to listen to Tyrion since he saved her?

I hope she will, but I'm afraid she won't listen good enough. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 12 - 15
(view spoiler)[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?

Of course Ned could have had more than one affair, but I don't think it's very likely. But I could be wrong, I am usually very bad at realizing what characters really are like. Still wondering about those two women and their connection to Ned.

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

It didn't surprise me, and I can't say it really changed anything for me.

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?

At this point I think it's just advice, and good 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?

Not at all surprised about any of it. He seems power-hungry to me.

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

It doesn't shock me. It seems like a way to get rid of unwanted persons from the society without killing them off, pretending that they will do something useful. (I say "pretending" since I have the feeling that not many people believe the people on the Wall are really useful.)

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?

It just makes me more certain of their hunger for power. Whatever is in their reach, they will take it, whether or not it is theirs to take - that's the feeling I get from them.

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

I like both of them, or at least I'm interested in both of them, and I just hope that the bond between them will turn out to be something good, not something bad.

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

I have no idea who that man was. I believe he was sent to make sure the secret about the Lannister twins isn't revealed, but then he must have been sent by someone who knows about that...

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?

I don't have an opinion of him yet.

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?

In one way, I think she meant there needs to be a male Stark there to rule. But in another way, I think she still thinks of herself as an outsider because she has stronger bonds to her own blood - obviously - and that is most important to her. That, and her own children.

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

It might be significant, but for now I just think it's a bit amusing.

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

I think it will result in something bad. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 16 - 19
(view spoiler)[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.

Nope, didn't see that coming. I think it was way too harsh, both killing Lady and murdering Micah like that. Neither of them deserved what they got, but by now it's clear that this will be a book full of evil and death.

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?

It was a very interesting dream, I think. As for how much he will remember, only time will tell. My hope is that he will have some kind of strange powers from now on, that would add a nice touch to the story.

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 would like to think Tyrion has nothing to do with the attack towards Bran, and that he just has his own secret reason for going to the Wall. Maybe he just wanted a chance to spend more time with 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 still hope it's some kind of trick to make him suspicious, and that he doesn't have anything to do with it.

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

Wise, or not wise... I don't know.

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?

It definitely sounds like a way of saying "Be prepared for harsh times and bad things happening".

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

Actually no, I think he has a part to play in all this and that his place might very well be on the Wall.

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

I haven't made up my mind about him yet, but I think his advice was good. It's better to make friends than enemies in a place like that, where you might have to rely on the people around you one day.

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

I guess Jon will be attacked by him in one way or another, however I don't think Ser Alliser would risk doing anything really bad to him - without making it look like an accident of course.

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

No idea, but I hope that he isn't a "bad" guy. I would like if he has his own agenda which isn't intended to really hurt anyone but keep the peace, and I hope that he won't turn Jon against 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?

That would be nice symbology. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 20 - 23
(view spoiler)[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?

Not that surprised, but a little shocked that it might be that much in debt. In reality it could very well be either more or less, but I am certain the debt is huge.

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

I feel like he is a character that doesn't want to get too involved in complicated situations, he would rather turn a blind eye to things than having to step in and do something about a situation. He just wants peace and quiet in his kingdom and a good adventurous life.

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

I think it is risky for them to trust anyone at all, but I don't yet have an opinion of Littlefinger.

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?

Yes, I think it is being taken too lightly and that people don't care about it as much as they should do.

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 have no idea what's on his agenda, but I'm curious to find out.

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'm not sure that Jon will be sent after him, but I'm glad to see that he has matured. I think he will play an important part in the story, whatever part it will be.

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?

I'm afraid they won't reconcile, but I hope they will. Although it might have to come to something really bad or dangerous before they do.

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 wasn't surprised, but I was also very happy about it. Arya will always be the way she is, and Ned is wise enough to see that she will keep doing what she wants no matter if she has permission or not. I guess he realizes it's better if he allows it in secret than forbidding her.

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?

Finally she shows some power! I definitely think she will have a greater role in the future.

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 really hope there will be dragons!

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?

If the baby wouldn't turn out to have some importance to the story, there wouldn't be a baby, in my opinion. As for what will happen with Dany and her baby, I can't guess. (hide spoiler)]

I have been terribly behind on the reading and then I haven't had time to sit down and post my replies to the questions. But now I thought I would try to do some catching up on that.

That being said, I really like this book and I'm totally hooked by now!

Prologue through Chapter 3
(view spoiler)[1. Many fantasy stories have a "medieval" feel. They incorporate elements that seem or are very fitting to the medieval time period. Why do you think authors do this?

I think that by setting a story in a medieval time period where science and technology hasn't progressed as much as in our modern times, you have more freedom to give magical explanations to all sorts of things. That time period being so long gone in itself makes it magical to us - or at least to me.

2. Tolkien was asked many times how WWII affected his writing of The Lord of the Rings. Was it allegorical? Tolkien always insisted that it wasn't. That being said, does Martin "mean" anything by setting the North vs. the South? Those things obviously "mean" something to us- the Civil War, North and South Korea, Vikings, etc.

I can't really see how this is about North vs. South.

3. For some reason, many epics start with an execution (or perhaps a death/murder). What is the author's purpose in doing that?

I believe it is a way to establish the feeling of brutality and tough times that is usually very central in epics. It is also a good way to catch the interest of the reader.

4. Does the direwolf, and her pups, appearance foreshadow anything? What do you make of the pups numbering the exact amount of Stark children?

That's totally foreshadowing. And I'm certain that there is a purpose to the number of pups, I don't think that it's only symbolic.

5. The orphan is a powerful literary symbol. Especially historically where one's birth determined career, marriage, etc. Orphans are free to, sort of, create their own destiny. What, if anything, will Dany (Daenerys) choose to do to break with her "destiny"?

So far I can't see how she will be able to break free. Her brother has so much influence over her. (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 4 - 7
(view spoiler)[1. We now know what was so significant about how the direwolf was killed. The fact the antler was the means of death suggests the King, whose symbol is an antler, must somehow cause the death of Eddard (aka Ned) leaving his children orphans. The question is should this be seen as a warning as to what could happen or a prophecy of what is to come? What do you think? Knowing what could happen can the outcome be changed?

I really can't make up my mind about that yet. It could be that it will happen and nothing can change that, or it could be that it's just a warning and the outcome can be changed if those involved work towards that other outcome. It could really be either one of them.

2. Knowing how close the King and Ned were do you think Catelyn was right to encourage her husband to become the King's Hand?

I can see why she did it. He will be in the middle of everything that happens and might have a chance to influence the king and his council.

3. Do you think Jon Snow's jealousy of his siblings tureborn siblings will cause trouble in the future?

I couldn't really see that he is jealous of them. I got the impression that he loves them a great deal. However, he wishes to be as accepted as they are.

4. Were you surprised that Catelyn would ask that Jon either go with her husband or become one of the brother's of the Night's Watch?

No, I wasn't at all surprised. The fact that Ned has taken care of his bastard son shows that he is very fond of him - or of the boy's mother. With Ned gone, Catelyn doesn't want to take care of a child that reminds her of her husband's affair, so I see it as a rather understandable reaction.

5. Walls are usually put up for a reason. Any ideas as to why the Wall was put up thousands of years ago? Do you suspect it had something to do with the Others? What do you think the Others are?

I think it might have to do with the Others (although I have no idea what they are), but there could also be another reason.

6. What do you think of Tyrion's advice to Jon? "Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armor yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you."

I think it's good advice.

7. What character(s) do you find the most interesting so far?

I really like Jon, and I also find Tyrion interesting. I can't seem to get if he's one of the "bad guys" or one of the "good guys" and that always makes me extra interested in those characters.

8. Thoughts on why the Lannisters would want to get rid of Jon Arryn and then foster his son?

No real thoughts on this. I guess they wanted Arryn out of the way for some reason and then make sure they could turn his son into "one of them".

9. Sounds like Rhaegor did something to Ned's sister. Any thoughts on what that was?

Maybe he was responsible for her death? (hide spoiler)]

Chapters 8 - 11
(view spoiler)[1) Before you found out what happened, were you apprehensive about Bran climbing all over Winterfall, especially when you discovered he was crawling the outer walls fraught with loose mortar? Did his direwolf cub’s growl cause you to have a sense of impending doom?

I wasn't that apprehensive about him climbing, but when his direwolf growled, that's when I knew something would happen.

2) Did it take you long to figure out who the man and woman were whom Bran overheard? Did you surmise both their identities at the same time, or just one?

It took me some time to figure it out, I guess towards the end of that conversation. But then I realized who both of them were at the same time.

3) We learn from their dialogue that these two wished the King ill; did you think eavesdropping was an effective way to learn this? “That frighten cow shared Jon Arryn’s bed.” What do you deduce from this statement?

All I get out of this is that they want power.

4) Since Bran is a POV character in this story, it would be surprising if he died so early in the story; therefore, what condition do you think he will be in after the push? (Any comments about the push?)

My first thought when he fell was, he's gone. But then I realized he would probably live. However, I dare not guess in what state. Memory loss, completely broken, paralyzed - or miraculously recovered more or less completely? No idea.

5) Were you surprised Tyrion slapped Prince Joffrey not once, but twice? What do you think his reasons were for emphatically insisting Prince Joffrey put aside his contemptuous attitude and seek out Lord and Lady Stark?

No comments except that he deserved it.

6) How much do you think Tyrion knows about the secrets of Queen Cersei and her twin, Ser Jaime, the Kingslayer?

I can't say. He could very well know much about it, but choose not to interfer and mind his own business. Or he could actually know nothing about it. No idea.

7) How did you feel about Jon Snow defying Catelyn in order to say good-bye to Bran? Why do you think she told him about her prayers?

I was glad that he defied her. He loves his half-siblings and most of them love him, he did the right thing to say a proper good-bye to Bran. But I'm not so sure why she told him about her prayers.

8) Forget Viserus’ brooding boorishness at the wedding; to me, Magister Illyrio seems overly invested in Daenerys’ behavior. Are his reasons of a pedantic, prurient, or purely solicitous nature?

I'm suspicious of Magister Illyrio. He probably made his own secret deal as well.

9) Are the three dragon eggs gifted to Dany by Magister Illyrio still viable? If so, does he know this? Are his actions and gift-giving consistent with his moral nature and personality?

I believe they are still viable, but I'm not sure if he knows or not.

10) Looks like Khal Drago can only communicate to Daenerys with one word, but he uses it effectively, no? Comments.

He does. I slightly changed my mind about him throughout the chapter, it will be interesting to read more about him later. (hide spoiler)]

I really need to start reading more, and I've been wanting to read this series for a while. So I'll join you, however I have to get my hands on the book first before I can catch up.