Martin, George R.R: A Game of Thrones (buddy read revisit) Start Date: December 2, 2013 [A Song of Ice & Fire #1] - revisit Sep 12th, 2015 - revisit May 2017 **REVISIT** June 2018

[Logan]

Okay, I'm going to start tomorrow morning on my way to work. Woohoo!

[Sarah]

Personally, when I've done buddy reads, I mostly just posted as I've read. Thoughts or questions/ideas I was having in the moment. I don't mind either how we do the discussion. I'm just excited to have someone else on this journey with me. Because, at 800 pages, this book is a quest!

[Andrea]

Ditto. Starting today.

[Logan]

Okay, I read Prologue through Chapter 3.

I love how the story opens, but I find it interesting that he starts the tale from beyond the wall. Is it a sign of where the story will end as well?

Heavy reliance on symbolism throughout, which makes me feel like - as a reader - I really need to pay attention or I might miss something.

I also find I'm paying attention to names a lot.

[Sarah]

There are so many names! I highlighted all of them, but it's still hard to keep track.

I didn't notice that in my two times read it that he starts it from beyond the wall. Very interesting idea. I think it's a possibility things will head that way.

There really is a lot of symbolism, but don't get too caught up in it. It might take away from the story.

For me in the beginning, Daenerys is the most interesting character, and has the most potential to have a great story line.

[Chelsea]

Yeah, I'm almost wondering if I should create my own character cheat sheet to keep track. But I'm mostly just trying to focus on the story and enjoy it. There's plenty of pages for everything to come together and make itself more clear:)

What I've noticed most about characters is simply to keep an eye on the underdogs because they tend to be more intelligent/skilled in order to overcome their flaws, as with Jon Snow and Tyrion the dwarf.

[Logan]

Tyrion is my favorite! And I agree with Sarah that in the beginning parts, Dany's story is the one I'm most enjoying.

Quick roll call: who all has read this before? Any others in the series? Have any of you seen the TV show?

I've watched all seasons of the show and read this book right before the first season premiere. My goal is to try to read all the books in a row now to keep it all fresh in my head.

I was just curious how wary to be about spoilers.

[Sarah]

This is my second time trying to read the book, I'm at the furthest point I've been. I have watched the TV show just not the latest season. I've heard besides the first season (which is seriously almost verbatim the book) all of the other seasons veer away from the book they correspond with. However, larger aspects I think are still involved.

[Katie]

I'm also doing grad school classes this semester, but I think I can handle 30 pages a day. I can start whenever. :)

[Chelsea]

I have never read the books or seen the TV shows before. I'm actually starting the book cuz my boyfriend wants me to watch the TV show but I told him I won't until I read the book:) So, please no spoilers!

I just realized I was counting the prologue as a chapter. So we're dividing it into sections of three but the first section really being four? Should we organize specific days to be at certain points by?

[Chelsea]

Katie wrote: "I'm also doing grad school classes this semester, but I think I can handle 30 pages a day. I can start whenever. :)"

Yay! :)

[Andrea]

Ufff ... Trying to catch up with you guys!.
So far like how the author put so much emphasis on the details. It's not only to imagine the situations but feel almost exactly as the character is feeling.

This is my first time reading this book. My brother is crazy about the Tv series so I heard a lot already and saw some chapters with him. I missed most of them because of work travel.

[Katie]

Chelsea wrote: "I have never read the books or seen the TV shows before. I'm actually starting the book cuz my boyfriend wants me to watch the TV show but I told him I won't until I read the book:) So, please no s..."
This is my first time reading the book (if I can make it through!) and my boyfriend also watches the show, but I haven't.

[Logan]

Okay, spoiler free zone! I'm excited for all the new people! For some reason I was thinking it was a lot of re-readers.

I was originally going to count the prologue as a chapter but I thought it might be easier for counting purposes to go by the numbered sections without the prologue. Plus I know a couple people have already started...and now here I am already behind since I didn't get to my chapters today! lol

I like the idea of check points. We may want to build in a couple of catch up days/break days.

[Chelsea]

Well, my copy doesn't have numbered chapters, but I'll go along with whatever way of counting you want to do.

It looks like most of us have already started, so should we set a day to start discussing? Like starting discussion on the first 3 chapters plus the prologue on Sunday? We could even pick two days of the week to answer questions and chat instead of every day. Like Sundays and Wednesdays, for example, but keeping with the 3 chapters a day. If you want a break day each week, that could be worked in over the weekend. So, then through chapter 12 by Wednesday. Then by 21 the following Sunday, etc.

[Logan]

I was following the chapter breakdown on the front page. Do we want to just copy their schedule? It works out to a little less per day and then it gives us planned discussion breaks. People who want can answer the questions and if not can just chime in like we have been. Does this work?


Reading Schedule:

Date -- Chapters
September 27 -- Prologue - 7 (Arya)
September 30 -- 8 (Bran) - 15 (Sansa)
October 3 -- 16 (Eddard) - 23 (Daenerys)
October 6 -- 24 (Bran) - 31 (Tyrion)
October 9 -- 32 (Arya) - 39 (Eddard)
October 12 -- 40 (Catelyn) - 47(Eddard)
October 15 -- 48 (Jon) - 55 (Catelyn)
October 18 -- 56 (Tyrion) - 63 (Catelyn)
October 21 -- 64 (Daenerys) - 72 (Danerys)


Here are the chapter divisions so you can all stay in sync:

Prologue - pages 1 - 11
Chapter 1 - Bran - pages 13 - 21
Chapter 2 - Catelyn - pages 22 - 27
Chapter 3 - Daenerys - pages 28 - 38
Chapter 4 - Eddard - pages 39 - 48
Chapter 5 - Jon - pages 49 - 57
Chapter 6 - Catelyn - pages 58 - 67
Chapter 7 - Arya - Pages 68 - 75
Chapter 8 - Bran - pages 76 - 85
Chapter 9 - Tyrion - pages 86 - 92
Chapter 10 - Jon - pages 93 - 98
Chapter 11 - Daenerys - pages 99 - 108
Chapter 12 - Eddard - pages 109 - 117
Chapter 13 - Tyrion - pages 118 - 127
Chapter 14 - Catelyn - pages 128 - 138
Chapter 15 - Sansa - pages 139 - 152
Chapter 16 - Eddard - pages 153 - 159
Chapter 17 - Bran - Pages 160 - 164
Chapter 18 - Catelyn - pages 165 - 175
Chapter 19 - Jon - pages 176 - 189
Chapter 20 - Eddard - pages 190 - 202
Chapter 21 - Tyrion - pages 203 - 214
Chapter 22 - Arya - pages 215 - 225
Chapter 23 - Daenrys - pages 226 - 236
Chapter 24 - Bran - pages 237 - 249
Chapter 25 - Eddard - pages 250 - 258
Chapter 26 - Jon - pages 259 - 271
Chapter 27 - Eddard - Pages 272 - 282
Chapter 28 - Catelyn - pages 283 - 292
Chapter 29 - Sansa - pages 293 - 304
Chapter 30 - Eddard - pages 305 - 323
Chapter 31 - Tyrion - pages 324 - 337
Chapter 32 - Arya - pages 338 - 350
Chapter 33 - Eddard - pages 351 - 358
Chapter 34 - Catelyn - pages 359 - 377
Chapter 35 - Eddard - pages 378 - 384
Chapter 36 - Daenerys - pages 385 - 395
Chapter 37 - Bran - Pages 396 - 409
Chapter 38 - Tyrion - pages 410 - 423
Chapter 39 - Eddard - pages 424 - 430
Chapter 40 - Caetlyn - pages 431 - 443
Chapter 41 - Jon - pages 444 - 451
Chapter 42 - Tyrion - pages 452 - 461
Chapter 43 - Eddard - pages 462 - 471
Chapter 44 - Sansa - pages 472 - 479
Chapter 45 - Eddard - pages 480 - 488
Chapter 46 - Daenerys - pages 489 - 500
Chapter 47 - Eddard - Pages 501 - 514
Chapter 48 - jon - pages 515 - 522
Chapter 49 - Eddard - pages 523 - 529
Chapter 50 - Arya - pages 530 - 541
Chapter 51 - Sansa - pages 542 - 551
Chapter 52 - Jon - pages 552 - 567
Chapter 53 - Bran - pages 368 - 582
Chapter 54 - Daenerys - pages 583 - 594
Chapter 55 - Catelyn - pages 595 - 606
Chapter 56 - Tyrion - pages 607 - 617
Chapter 57 - Sansa - Pages 618 - 627
Chapter 58 - Eddard - pages 628 - 637
Chapter 59 - Catelyn - pages 638 - 651
Chapter 60 - Jon - pages 652 - 664
Chapter 61 - Daenerys - pages 665 - 674
Chapter 62 - Tyrion - pages 675 - 693
Chapter 63 - Catelyn - pages 694 - 701
Chapter 64 - Daenerys - pages 702 - 715
Chapter 65 - Ayra - pages 716 - 728
Chapter 66 - Bran - pages 729 - 740
Chapter 67 - Sansa - Pages 741 - 750
Chapter 68 - Daenerys - pages 751 - 761
Chapter 69 - Tyrion - pages 762 - 771
Chapter 70 - Jon - pages 772 - 784
Chapter 71 - Catelyn - pages 785 - 797
Chapter 72 - Daenerys - pages 798 - 807

[Chelsea]

That sounds fine to me. Although the last day should be Oct 21, not 19.

[Logan]

Good catch! Thanks!

[Katie]

That looks good! I haven't done a buddy read before, so just to be sure... that means we should be finished with Chapter 7 by tomorrow right? And we'd be discussing prologue-chap 7? (Sorry if that's a dumb question!)

[Sarah]

Looks good to me.


Katie, you are right. :)

[Chelsea]

Are we answering the same questions that are posted on the first page or just discussing our impressions?

[Logan]

It's up to you. Everyone can do what works best for them. Some people like doing the questions and some people like to free form it. :)

[Sarah]

I don't know how the other books play out, and I know there are supposed to be multiple main characters as we follow the different story lines, however, I feel like Bran is set up to be the main "main" character (if that makes sense). It opens with his point of view. Each character (probably besides Daenerys and Tyrion) is connected to Bran, perhaps Daenerys and Tyrion will become connected in some way to Bran.

Overall, as the beginning to an epic story, I think Martin does a great job of introducing the world and the way it's set up. He explains the hierarchy and how it got to be that way without sounding like a history text.

[Andrea]

Hi Everyone!

I'm moving to the next chapters tonight. Between prologue and Chapter 7 I'll like to know what you think about:

1.- Favorite character so far:
2.- Favorite quote so far.
3.- Direwolf. Because of the symbolism of how the mother was kill and the number of "orphans" left, what was the purpose behind when they find them and the fact that every children received one?
4.- The king's proposition to Ned.

***************************************************************************************
My opinion:

1.- Favorite character so far: I liked Arya. I can already tell how strong she is and how she impose to the people around her.

2.- Favorite quote so far. Tyrion 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 powerful. In his advice Tyrion encourage to Jon to look beyond what he was categorize all his life. Like he did or would do?

3.- Direwolf. Because of the symbolism of how the mother was kill and the number of "orphans" left, what was the purpose behind when they find them and the fact that every children received one?.

I think it might be to shown who is unique between all Ned's children. I'm already anxious to know what is prepare forward for Jon and Ghost. They are both different between their "brothers and sisters", both quiet because of the circumstances. Survivors since birth.

4.- The king's proposition to Ned.
The proposition was unquestionable. Power and status. I think the only cause that put on doubt Ned's answer was what would happen to Jon. I think he is his preferred son.

[Logan]

Great questions Andrea!

1.- Favorite character so far: Tyrion, because...

2.- Favorite quote so far: ...in his third line of the book he says, "I learned long ago that it is considered rude to vomit on your brother." I love that he breaks the serious tone of the book and makes me laugh.

3.- Direwolf. Because of the symbolism of how the mother was killed and the number of "orphans" left, what was the purpose behind when they find them and the fact that every children received one? I am very curious to see how the dire wolves help or hurt the children going forward. Are their fates intertwined?

4.- The king's proposition to Ned. It would be hard to turn down Robert, not only as his king but as his friend. Yet given that we now assume Jon Arryn was murdered it seems Ned is headed toward trouble.

[Sarah]

1.- Favorite character so far: Tyrion and Jon Snow and Arya... I can't decide. LOL.

2.- Favorite quote so far: I've highlighted quite a few (I'm really glad it's on my kindle, because I refuse to highlight a book I read for pleasure) It really doesn't give me an idea where in the book this quote comes from but: "First lesson," Jon said. "Stick them with the pointy end." I believe he's talking to Arya. I also love the quote you chose Andrea.

3.- Direwolf. Because of the symbolism of how the mother was kill and the number of "orphans" left, what was the purpose behind when they find them and the fact that every children received one?

Well I don't think R.R. Martin was being very sneaky with his symbolism here. I definitely feel like there will be some sort of connection between the wolves and their masters. What that will be? I'm not sure yet. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Since he made it so obvious I think he wants us to notice the wolves just as much as the characters.

4.- The king's proposition to Ned.

Like it was mentioned before, he really didn't have a choice. If he didn't accept not only would it be an affront to his king, but to his friend. There's a hard line that he has to walk between being Robert's friend and his subject. He can't expect special treatment, or be able to do something that would normally offend the king and not expect consequences. I don't see this being a good thing for Ned.

[Chelsea]

1- Fav character: Well, I've taken a liking to the biggest underdogs: Jon Snow, Tyrion, and Daenerys. I have a feeling they are going to be very influential. But moving past Chapter 7, Arya becomes my favorite. And I already really don't like Joffrey.

2- Fav quote: I haven't been marking any quotes, but I found one that shows how Tyrion knows very well what his position is: "Dwarfs don't have to be tactful. Generations of capering fools in motley have won me the right to dress badly and say any damn thing that comes into my head." And then of course, he calls himself a bastard, showing the pros and cons of his position.

3- Direwolf: The symbolism here is pretty obvious, so it could be that something happening to a wolf will foreshadow the same thing happening to the owner. If it's absolute, the father is gone and the mother is killed, and so the children are left for themselves with Jon Snow surprising everyone in the end. We'll see how important the wolves actually are.

4- The King's Proposition: It's pretty obvious that Ned didn't have a choice. It would have been ideal for Robert to have chosen someone else, but Ned was the perfect choice from his perspective. It will no doubt tear about Ned's family, but we don't know yet whether that will help their position in the long run or not.

[Katie]

I know I'm a couple days late! Forgive me :P

1.- Favorite character so far: I actually really like Ned and Catelyn, they seem like a well-rounded power couple and I'm interested to see what happens to them separately and in their relationship.
2.- Favorite quote so far: I loved all the quotes you guys chose! One of my favorites was, "Girls get the arms but not the swords. Bastards get the swords but not the arms. I did not make the rules, little sister." -Jon Snow to Arya
3.- Direwolf: I agree with Chelsea that the wolf pups will most likely mirror their masters. I'm interested in see how the dire wolves weave their way into the story.
4.- The king's proposition to Ned: I think I would have had Ned's reaction when I heard that Jon Arryn was murdered. He knows he's walking into a den of vipers. I understand why he feels like he doesn't have a choice but to go though, especially because Catelyn's sister entrusted him with this information about the murder. It's sad that the family will be split because of it.

[Andrea]

Great comments! Thank you all for answering :-)

[Logan]

I finished today's sections and Wednesday's over the last two days. It's easy to read quickly with so many chapters. Hard to believe we're a quarter of the way through already!

I like the sense of danger now that the Starks are moving to King's Landing. What do you make of Littlefinger and the Spider? I think they are two of the more interesting characters in that I never know what they are up to.

Strange to me that the assassin would use such a unique blade. Is it all part of some long set up?

I love how protective the dire wolves are but it does come at a price. I was glad that Martin didn't need to write details about what happened to Lady and Nymeria.

Dany is taking to her role as khaleesi very well. I love that she is finally standing up to her brother. He's so awful.

[Andrea]

I was wondering about the assassin too, if it was send because Brad saw the queen or because Ned's new role.
Anyway, he wanted to be recognized because he wanted to use a particular blade, and then left it behind with the corpse?.

I found Petyr sincere so far because of his old feelings for Cathelyn. Varys sounds very dangerous.

I loved how Tyron express himself. Because he has been mocked all his life, almost all his comments are full of ironic tones and sarcasm. That made him a wonderful counselor for Jon so far. I want him too as my friend LOL.

Dany changed in 180 degrees. I felt sad at the beginning when she was forced to married and she was scare, afraid, sad, etc., but been married with Khal Drogo, I think made her feel free from her brother.

(Sorry if I made some grammatical errors, I'm still working on my english) :-)

[Sarah]

There's so much suspicion that you kind of have to be suspicious of everyone you meet in this book. At least that's how I feel. Even though Littlefinger seems sincere, I think there's still something lurking underneath. What does he hope to gain by helping Catelyn and Ned? Since there is an assassin and I would assume it was either Cersei or Jamie who sent him. Doesn't Littlefinger risk his own life by helping the Starks? Plus, Varys has birds every where someone could find out.

Dany is one of my favorite's because she changes so much in the beginning, I really don't know about the rest, but just the fact that she stands up to her brother is huge. She was so young and her brother was the only constant thing in her life.

I'm a dog lover so I'm always sad when something like what happens with Lady and Nymeria occurs in a book.

[Sarah]

I was really hoping I could continue and keep up with the reading, but I'm unable to. School is taking up way more time that I was predicting (which is usually the case). I hope you all enjoy the book and continue with the series!!

[Logan]

I am too. Good luck with school Sarah! I'm going to keep chipping away at this. :)

[Chelsea]

I'm going to try to continue, but I have too much with school at the moment to stay on schedule. Sorry for backing out:/

[Andrea]

What do you guys think if we move some dates in the schedule so everyone can catch up again?. We can still make it by the end of the month! :-)

Date -- Chapters

October 21 -- 48 (Jon) - 55 (Catelyn)
October 24 -- 56 (Tyrion) - 63 (Catelyn)
October 27 -- 64 (Daenerys) - 72 (Danerys)

[Logan]

I think I can make that work! I'll try to read chapters 24-31 today.

[Andrea]

Great! I'm in chaper 31 so far.

[Logan]

I finished through chapter 31. Exciting stuff! I loved the tournament descriptions, and the fight with the clansmen on the way to the Vale. The action is picking up in this section which is nice.

What do you think of Robert's bastard? What could he have to do with Jon Arryn's death? The plot thickens...

[Andrea]

Logan wrote: "I finished through chapter 31. Exciting stuff! I loved the tournament descriptions, and the fight with the clansmen on the way to the Vale. The action is picking up in this section which is nice.
..."

Very exciting!. Well everything seem to be involve with Jon Arryn's death so far.

Gendry shown himself very indifferent to Ed. It make me think he was forcing that attitude in order to hide something.

I'm always enjoying Tyron's chapters!. I don't think he have anything to do with the attack to Bran. I hope he can turn Catelyn's mind.

Arya gets in trouble as much as Tyrion. I think she saw Varys, I'm looking forward to know who really is it!

[Leah]

Hey everyone! I just joined this group and it so happens that I just finished Game of Thrones! Is anyone up for doing a buddy read of the second one, A Clash of Kings, with me?

[Andrea]

Leah wrote: "Hey everyone! I just joined this group and it so happens that I just finished Game of Thrones! Is anyone up for doing a buddy read of the second one, A Clash of Kings, with me?"

I'd love to. The first week of november is ok for you?

[Logan]

I'd like to keep going too. November works for me.

[Leah]

Logan wrote: "I'd like to keep going too. November works for me."

Andrea wrote: "Leah wrote: "Hey everyone! I just joined this group and it so happens that I just finished Game of Thrones! Is anyone up for doing a buddy read of the second one, A Clash of Kings, with me?"



Sounds great! Should I make a new group or do you want to continue posting about it in this one?

[Andrea]

Leah wrote: "Logan wrote: "I'd like to keep going too. November works for me."

Andrea wrote: "Leah wrote: "Hey everyone! I just joined this group and it so happens that I just finished Game of Thrones! Is anyo..."

I think a new group is necessary.

[Andrea]

Andrea wrote: "Logan wrote: "I finished through chapter 31. Exciting stuff! I loved the tournament descriptions, and the fight with the clansmen on the way to the Vale. The action is picking up in this section wh..."

Andrea wrote: "Logan wrote: "I finished through chapter 31. Exciting stuff! I loved the tournament descriptions, and the fight with the clansmen on the way to the Vale. The action is picking up in this section wh..."


I made through chapter 55! I think it's the peak of the history... I need to keep reading

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

I've rebooted A Clash of Kings discussion thread.

Let me know when you want to start so I can edit date :)

[Leah]

Does November 1st sound good for everyone??

[Angelo]

To me yes !

[Andrea]

Leah wrote: "Does November 1st sound good for everyone??"

It's ok for me.