Martin, George R.R: A Dance with Dragons ("Buddy Read" Revisit) Start Date: April 2, 2014 [A Song of Ice & Fire #5]

[Lisa Kay]

I definitely think you're right, Renee.

[Renee]

Questions for Chapter 57 (Tyrion) - Chapter 60 (The Spurned Suitor)
(view spoiler)[

180) Do you think Tyrion was smart to escape while the escaping was good? Do you think anyone will get sick? I'm guessing Penny because I can't see how she'd be useful to the story anymore.
Yes, I was hoping he'd make a run for it and could see him plotting it, but wasn't sure how he would pull it off. Maybe someone will get sick, and if it has to be someone I hope Penny as I'm not too attatched to her yet.

181) Do you think it was wise to go to Brown Ben Plumm?
Nowhere else he could go. I think it's worth the risk.

182) Do you think maybe the reason Tyrion has saved Jorah's butt is because he's been in Jorah's shoes? A fool over a woman?
Maybe in part, and part because he might prove a useful ally.

182) So it was Penny and Tyrion in the pit. Surprised Tyrion kept Penny clueless as to what was going on?
He is trying to protect her innocence. I think she would fall apart if she understood what was really going on.

183) What do you make of Jon's dream?
All the things playing on his mind.

184) What do you make of the crow saying "King" then "Jon" then "Snow"??? Could this imply something about the future? Could he and Dany be destined for a future alliance?
I've always thought they are destined to come together. Both their storylines are so strong, and both likeable.

I wonder if that particular crow has the soul of a warg inside. They used to use the crows to communicate verbally via someone warging into the crow. Maybe this crow's warg's human body was killed?

185) That was a lot of wildings. If Jon didn't let them cross the wall they'd have died. How will they be able to sustain all those people???
How did the wildlings sustain themselves before? Hunting and gathering on this side of the wall might help. Tax Stannis for use of the Castle.

186) "But we never found the true horn, not for all our digging."The horn Joramun IS going to the the one they found in book 2 that didn't work. I just know it! But where is it???
Samwell Tarly had it last I heard. Maybe he stashed it in his room or maybe he took it with him to Oldtown. i was sure that was the one too. It seemed it was roken, but I just think the right person has to blow it so it didn't accidentally knock down the wall. And raise the sleepers and wake the stone dragons...what else can it do?

187) Looks like Wilding evacuation at Hardhome isn't going well. Wonder if any of them will make it out of there.
Not sure.

188) Wow! Hizdar zo Loraq sure is scrubbing the place of any remnant of Dany. I say he's guilty as sin of attempting to kill Dany. Why else wouldn't he eat the locust. Does anyone really see him as saying, "Oh there soooooo good you really need to try one. Oh, me? Well, I'm on a diet. Need to keep in shape for you sugar plum." *grin*
I think that looks suss too. Don't like Hizdar.

189) Sir Barristan seems to be moving cautiously. Could that end up costing him a chance of getting out of town before the bad guys come?
It's a fine line to walk. Don't really care enough about him to be worried for him though.

190) King Hizdar just proved he's not ready to rule. He's no idea what he got himself into.
Don't think he will be around too long to rule anyway. Dany will come back and he is not the right match for her. Maybe Selmy or Quentyn will take him out, or war.

191) Will the dragons survive?
Yes, they have to or I will through my book against the wall (in my mind anyway, I couldn't do that to my ereader).

192) Is Prince Quentyn stupid or what? What the heck is he thinking making a deal with the Tattered King? Prediction: Quentyn + Stupidity = Death
Don't like his chances of survival. He's not the right match for Dany either, so we don't need him. Pull out the weeds.
(hide spoiler)]

[Zonnah]

Renee wrote: "They are somewhere warmer, they have food and they are alive - that is still a better prospect than sitting around and waiting for the White Walkers to kill them and take over their bodies."

Good point.

[Zonnah]

Teresa wrote: " was glad to see what Jaime is up to as well. I think he is going to ultimately be a force for good in the Tyrion story."

I was reading an interview with martin and he was talking about redemption. You might be on to something here.

[Zonnah]

Teresa wrote: "but they way Martin left this scene made me wonder if Greyscale turns into something much worse if left. "

I was wondering the same thing.

[Renee]

Questions for Chapter 61 (The Griffen Reborn) – Chapter 62 (The Sacrifice)
(view spoiler)[
193) Geez! All these battles – past, present, future – to keep track of. Thank goodness for Wiki Ice, which I freely admit I have referred to often for this one; maybe b/c I’m doing it in audiobook form and I don’t have an appendix. Anywayz… A lot of strategic information and war plans in this chapter. Quite a bit of brutality too. Jon Connington, former Hand of the King to Aerys II, comes across more brutal and unfeeling for me than I previously envisioned him. If this dude is “reborn,” then he is a hell of a lot meaner. Especially throwing the maester out of the tower window and not caring about all the deaths of the warriors or prisoners. What do you think? Is all fair in war?
I don't know about fair, but you're more likely to win if you play dirty than if you play by the rules.

194) Predition? From Wiki Ice:
Greyscale is a disease that can leave flesh stiff and dead and the skin cracked and flaking, mottled black and grey and stone-like to the touch.
Okay, Lisarenee, you got me thinking over your comment about the Greyscale, Val’s comments, and it possible being contagious. I saw this hypothesis on the internet: What if Jon Connington gives Greyscale to Aegon – who turns to “stone” and then can turn into a dragon?
Only if they find the right horn to wake him.

195) We learn that Prince Dorne Martell married Princess Myrcella to his youngest son, Trystane. Think his son will one day be King?
Maybe, if his big sister is killed he will be king of Dorne. I don't think he will make it to the iron throne though.

196) Was Aegon Targaryen naming Ser Rolly Duckfield (AKA Duck/Rolly) Kingsguard as big a mistake as Jon Connington fears? As we’ve seen, loyalty is a pretty important factor.
Not sure (that is code for I have absolutely no idea and barely remember reading that bit)

197) Am I confused again? Isn’t The Vale – or Vale of Arryn – ruled by House Arryn (castle known as Eyrie) and therefore NOT neutral? (Espcially if Littlefinger rules the roost?) Why does Jon Connington dismiss it so lightly?
They haven't become physically involved in anything, so don't seem a threat. I think Littlefinger is biding his time to see who will be left after everyone has fought amongst themselves, not depleteing his resources and not actively making enemies.

198) Is there a possibly Dany will marry Aegon?
Maybe, I can't decide who I think she should end up with. I still think she will team up with Jon somehow.

199) I couldn’t really blame Aegon for wanting to be in the battle, and can see this boosting the morale of his men. You?
Men love a leader more who takes risks with them, but he may not be around long to love if he takes those risks.

200) BTW, what was all that about Aegon’s eye color being paler than Rhaegar's?
Maybe an indicator of how strong the dragon blood is, Dany has vivid coloured eyes.

201) Yikes! Asha Greyjoy is about to be sacrificed to R’hllor to stop the snow and the howling winds. And raped by the brutal sadist Sluggs! Yuck, what a chapter. The sacrifice was a little to descriptive for me. This isn’t a religion, it is a cult. Right?
Very graphic.

202) Even if he only wants her lands, I don’t blame Asha for following Ser Justin Massey; then I checked him out on Wiki Ice and he is a Queen’s Man (as in Queen Selyse) and therefore a practitioner to the faith of R’hllor, so that can’t be good, can it? Geez, you don’t know who to trust in this book.
Trust no one.

203) Just in the nick of time, Tycho Nestoris, (a representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos sent to the Wall to negotiate payment of the debt of the Iron Throne with Stannis) shows up with Theon Greyjoy – looking like an old man – and with Jeyne Poole in tow. Did this surprise you? Where are the others who helped in the escape?
Wasn't sure who was behind it.
(hide spoiler)]

Questions for Chapter 63 (Victarion) – Chapter 65 (Cersei)
(view spoiler)[

(204) So now we have Victarion, on his way to woo Daenerys, busy taking over ships, killing slavers, freeing slaves (sort of), burning innocent girls, cutting out tongues and throwing people overboard to the Drowned God. A real likable fella! What has Moqorro done to his arm? He seems to have superhuman strength now. Does Moqorro really see victory for Victarion, or is he just saying that for self-preservation?
I don't know. The Red god seems to have alot of miraculaous power and require alot of blood sacrifice.

(205) Who is the Other god that must not be named? I can’t help but think of Lord Voldemort every time I read this.
LOL. Most religions have two aspects to god - god and goddess, god and the devil, yin and yang. Both are needed to balance each other out.

(206) Ah-ha, the horn turns up again! No one can blow Dragonbinder and survive. What will Victarion do with it? And does it bother anyone else that it takes 1000 pages to find out what happened the last time someone blew the horn?
They are burned from the inside out. I think Dany could blow the horn and regain control of her wild dragons. If she can survive a funeral pyre, I think she can do this.

(207) I just have to reiterate how I hate the direction that Arya’s story has taken. I am extremely disappointed! That said, she must kill the evil insurance adjuster in order to get her new face. (The walls of faces were pretty gross!) So, why did they give her the new face before she killed him? And are we to understand she killed him with a coin?
I was expecting her story to take her to Bravos and learn how to be a faceless man/woman. She needed the new face to be able to kill without being traced. Maybe the coin was a sign that he was going to die, then he died of fear/shock? He is not necessarily evil. Ayra is becomeing a hitwoman, she has to follow orders without question, not a superhero out to rid the world of evil.

(208) I guess one good thing I can find in Arya’s story is that she is not losing her thirst for revenge. She still says the prayer for those she wants dead (just not aloud). Glad the old Arya is still in there somewhere!
She has so many parts to her personality now. A bit like Theon/Reek trying to remember who he is.

(209) Arya is being sent to an apprenticeship…an apprenticeship to do what??
Become a faceless woman, a hitwoman, a spy.

(210) I’m sure we’ve all learned to despise Cersei, but I have to admit that I felt sorry for her during her walk of shame. This was a really great scene, in my opinion. I could smell the filth and feel the slimy food being thrown. Will Cersei be allowed to see her son?
No. She is still holding on to so much hope. She thinks she will get out of this, I don't.

(211) OK, I haven’t looked it up and I can’t remember…are we supposed to know who Robert Strong is? I tell ya, my memory isn’t what it used to be, ladies!
He sounds young and strong, and Cersie seems to have some faith that he will save her.
wiki iced him (view spoiler)[Ser Robert Strong is a knight acquainted to Qyburn who is a giant of a man, eight feet tall.He is to fight for Cersei in her trial-by-combat.By Qyburn's suggestion, King Tommen names him the newest member of the Kingsguard. Ser Robert never shows his face, hiding it constantly under his greathelm. He apparently has no physiological necessities, consuming neither food nor drink. According to Qyburn, Ser Robert made a vow of silence, supposedly one of not speaking until "all of (King Tommen's) enemies are dead and evil has been driven from the realm."
So now I think he is the Mountain who Qyburn was experimenting on, not really dead or now undead, possibly without a head as he never eats drinks or speaks (hide spoiler)]

(212) Will Cersei’s champion prevail? The real question is, will we find out in this book?
No, and unfortunately I suspect no. I have been waiting for so long for her to die. I may actually shed a tear....if she doesn't.
(hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay]

Soooo close, Renee.

[Renee]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Soooo close, Renee."

I would have finished yesterday, but I wanted to catch up on Orphan Train. I wsa glad to finish Mists of Avalon, it was becoming tedious, but I kind of don't want to finish this now. I'm enjoying it and I think it will leave more questions than it answers, and I don't know how long I will have to wait for the next one.
And I think Cersei might still be alive, which will frustrate me, but maybe give Arya a chance to learn how to be a faceless woman and come back over and kill her for the Bank? I could live with that.

[Teresa]

Renee wrote: "I'm still working on mists of Avalon too. I think two epic fantasy buddy reads at the same time might have been a bit much. One at a time next time."

I can't imagine both of these at once. And Mists has a few characters in it as well. :)

[Teresa]

Questions for Chapter 57 (Tyrion) - Chapter 60 (The Spurned Suitor)

(view spoiler)[180) Do you think Tyrion was smart to escape while the escaping was good? Do you think anyone will get sick? I'm guessing Penny because I can't see how she'd be useful to the story anymore.

I worry about Penny because she also has no real value to Brown Ben.

181) Do you think it was wise to go to Brown Ben Plumm?

This seemed the best option. I think he has a plan.

182) Do you think maybe the reason Tyrion has saved Jorah's butt is because he's been in Jorah's shoes? A fool over a woman?

No – I think he will be useful, although he does have a soft spot for outsiders, which Jorah has become.

182) So it was Penny and Tyrion in the pit. Surprised Tyrion kept Penny clueless as to what was going on?

I think he is trying to be kind by keeping it from her.

183) What do you make of Jon's dream?

I think he is having green dreams like Bran.

184) What do you make of the crow saying "King" then "Jon" then "Snow"??? Could this imply something about the future? Could he and Dany be destined for a future alliance?

I would love to see this alliance, but think it will not lead to him being a king.

185) That was a lot of wildings. If Jon didn't let them cross the wall they'd have died. How will they be able to sustain all those people???

I have no idea, but seems like they need the people also.

186) "But we never found the true horn, not for all our digging."The horn Joramun IS going to the the one they found in book 2 that didn't work. I just know it! But where is it???

Hopefully, not with the whites or others.

187) Looks like Wilding evacuation at Hardhome isn't going well. Wonder if any of them will make it out of there.

There do seem to be stragglers, which perhaps is expected. Although, they make it sound like the others are on their heels…

188) Wow! Hizdar zo Loraq sure is scrubbing the place of any remnant of Dany. I say he's guilty as sin of attempting to kill Dany. Why else wouldn't he eat the locust. Does anyone really see him as saying, "Oh there soooooo good you really need to try one. Oh, me? Well, I'm on a diet. Need to keep in shape for you sugar plum." *grin*

Signs do seem to point to Hizdar. If not this attempt, I think he was planning one eventually.

189) Sir Barristan seems to be moving cautiously. Could that end up costing him a chance of getting out of town before the bad guys come?

I think he is going to be there to help Dany confront the bad guys when she returns.

190) King Hizdar just proved he's not ready to rule. He's no idea what he got himself into.

Very true. I don’t think he was groomed fro leadership.

191) Will the dragons survive?

I certainly hope so! Been waiting to find out who will ride them for 5 books now. At least we know one now!

192) Is Prince Quentyn stupid or what? What the heck is he thinking making a deal with the Tattered King? Prediction: Quentyn + Stupidity = Death

Seems like a bad plan, but he is definitely trying his hardest. Does everyone have daddy issues in this land? (hide spoiler)]

[Teresa]

Questions for Chapter 61 (The Griffen Reborn) – Chapter 62 (The Sacrifice)

(view spoiler)[193) Geez! All these battles – past, present, future – to keep track of. Thank goodness for Wiki Ice, which I freely admit I have referred to often for this one; maybe b/c I’m doing it in audiobook form and I don’t have an appendix. Anywayz… A lot of strategic information and war plans in this chapter. Quite a bit of brutality too. Jon Connington, former Hand of the King to Aerys II, comes across more brutal and unfeeling for me than I previously envisioned him. If this dude is “reborn,” then he is a hell of a lot meaner. Especially throwing the maester out of the tower window and not caring about all the deaths of the warriors or prisoners. What do you think? Is all fair in war?

I thought he went a bit farther than expected on the brutality as well. I think in this book, war is inevitable. However, we are getting to see how different people deal with war – some better than others. I prefer the characters that don’t engage in unnecessary brutality.

194) Predition? From Wiki Ice:
Greyscale is a disease that can leave flesh stiff and dead and the skin cracked and flaking, mottled black and grey and stone-like to the touch.
Okay, Lisarenee, you got me thinking over your comment about the Greyscale, Val’s comments, and it possible being contagious. I saw this hypothesis on the internet: What if Jon Connington gives Greyscale to Aegon – who turns to “stone” and then can turn into a dragon?

That would be crazy! I do think it could be contagious based on Val’s comments and that they gave Jon pause. But hadn’t thought of this possible conclusion.

195) We learn that Prince Dorne Martell married Princess Myrcella to his youngest son, Trystane. Think his son will one day be King?

That seems a stretch right now.

196) Was Aegon Targaryen naming Ser Rolly Duckfield (AKA Duck/Rolly) Kingsguard as big a mistake as Jon Connington fears? As we’ve seen, loyalty is a pretty important factor.

I think so. Aegon does not seem ready to rule, as shown by some of his decisions here and the ability of others (Tyrion may take his bow now) to manipulate him.

197) Am I confused again? Isn’t The Vale – or Vale of Arryn – ruled by House Arryn (castle known as Eyrie) and therefore NOT neutral? (Espcially if Littlefinger rules the roost?) Why does Jon Connington dismiss it so lightly?

So far, the Vale has not engaged at all in the war, so I suppose he figures it won’t. And Littlefinger could well sit the sidelines until he determines who will ultimately rule and move to get in good graces then.

198) Is there a possibly Dany will marry Aegon?

In some ways, it would make sense. But, there is quite a bit of telling from here to there.

199) I couldn’t really blame Aegon for wanting to be in the battle, and can see this boosting the morale of his men. You?

It seems foolish for him to risk himself this early in the campaign. I have to think someone will stop him.

200) BTW, what was all that about Aegon’s eye color being paler than Rhaegar's?

Don’t know. Perhaps he is a watered down version?

201) Yikes! Asha Greyjoy is about to be sacrificed to R’hllor to stop the snow and the howling winds. And raped by the brutal sadist Sluggs! Yuck, what a chapter. The sacrifice was a little to descriptive for me. This isn’t a religion, it is a cult. Right?

It was too much for me as well. It is certainly not a nice religion, although we seems like Martin is suggesting that they need this religion to defend against the others.

202) Even if he only wants her lands, I don’t blame Asha for following Ser Justin Massey; then I checked him out on Wiki Ice and he is a Queen’s Man (as in Queen Selyse) and therefore a practitioner to the faith of R’hllor, so that can’t be good, can it? Geez, you don’t know who to trust in this book.

he comes across as a possible ally. I gues we shall see, but being attached to Queen Selyse does not bode well.

203) Just in the nick of time, Tycho Nestoris, (a representative of the Iron Bank of Braavos sent to the Wall to negotiate payment of the debt of the Iron Throne with Stannis) shows up with Theon Greyjoy – looking like an old man – and with Jeyne Poole in tow. Did this surprise you? Where are the others who helped in the escape?

I was wondering if it was them as they rode in. But, I was sad that it was only the two of them. (hide spoiler)]

[Teresa]

Questions for Chapter 63 (Victarion) – Chapter 65 (Cersei)

(view spoiler)[ (204) So now we have Victarion, on his way to woo Daenerys, busy taking over ships, killing slavers, freeing slaves (sort of), burning innocent girls, cutting out tongues and throwing people overboard to the Drowned God. A real likable fella! What has Moqorro done to his arm? He seems to have superhuman strength now. Does Moqorro really see victory for Victarion, or is he just saying that for self-preservation?

I think that he is using Victarion to get him to Dany. I don’t know why (perhaps just wishful thinking?) but I get the feeling he is choosing his words wisely. Like saying Victarion will get his destiny…

(205) Who is the Other god that must not be named? I can’t help but think of Lord Voldemort every time I read this.

That is priceless. I though the God of Light was the only god…

(206) Ah-ha, the horn turns up again! No one can blow Dragonbinder and survive. What will Victarion do with it? And does it bother anyone else that it takes 1000 pages to find out what happened the last time someone blew the horn?

The dragon will obey the one that owns the horn? I think this is double talk again. Who actually rules the horn?

(207) I just have to reiterate how I hate the direction that Arya’s story has taken. I am extremely disappointed! That said, she must kill the evil insurance adjuster in order to get her new face. (The walls of faces were pretty gross!) So, why did they give her the new face before she killed him? And are we to understand she killed him with a coin?

No – I think this was the first half of the assignment.

(208) I guess one good thing I can find in Arya’s story is that she is not losing her thirst for revenge. She still says the prayer for those she wants dead (just not aloud). Glad the old Arya is still in there somewhere!

I would like to see her return in all her glory. And it does seem like she can’t let go of Arya no matter how hard she tries. And she is learning some interesting tricks on the way.

(209) Arya is being sent to an apprenticeship…an apprenticeship to do what??

I guess to learn more about ways to kill?

(210) I’m sure we’ve all learned to despise Cersei, but I have to admit that I felt sorry for her during her walk of shame. This was a really great scene, in my opinion. I could smell the filth and feel the slimy food being thrown. Will Cersei be allowed to see her son?

I might feel sorry for her if she was not spitting mad the whole time and the opposite of repentant. I admire the strength that she has as a “lioness” but respect nothing she does with that strength. Interesting that Martin went out of his way to point out that women were meaner to other women. Pretty sure that other women they referred to has being raped by the hordes might disagree strongly.

I think she will be kept away from Tommen. Partially, because her enemies will use this time to secure more control over him. Also, to distance him from her and her sins so that they don’t taint his rule.

(211) OK, I haven’t looked it up and I can’t remember…are we supposed to know who Robert Strong is? I tell ya, my memory isn’t what it used to be, ladies!

I have thought all along that Klegane is not dead, so I think this might be him. Or at least some form of his former being after all the “experiments” and torture. And he would be big enough, right?

(212) Will Cersei’s champion prevail? The real question is, will we find out in this book?

I suspect this will be held to the next book. I think her champion will prevail – especially if it is Klegane. Although, who will appoint the other warrior? And if she loses, will all the accusations be considered true, or just some? Is her sleeping with Jaime the only allegation she still disputes. (hide spoiler)]

[Renee]

Chapter 66 (Tyrion) - Epilogue
(view spoiler)[
I think we are all glad we are done with this book and read the last of the series so far.
I actually made the last two chapters stretch over three days because I didn't want it to be over, knowing that I would be frustrated (how long until the next one?).

212) How can Brown Ben Plum believe he'd get a castle?
You see what you want to see.

213) If Cersei has no power would her declaration to make someone a lord for Tyrion's head be upheld?
Only if Tommen agrees with her.

214) Were you surprised Tyrion slapped Penny?
No, was surprised he was as patient as he was in the first place.

215) Surprised by Ser Barristan? Did you think he'd go after the King?
Anything for Dany. I thought he killed the King, was happier when I realised he was just arrested and has a chance for a proper trial, fair.

216) Well my prediction for Quentyn was correct, but not at all the way I expected. I thought the tattered King would betray and kill him.
Wasn't sure what would happen with him, but didn't think he would get Dany or a dragon.

217) Did I read right? Were all the hostages killed?
I think so.

218) Will all that happened help strengthen Dany to be a better Queen when she finds out what happened or will it kill her?
I think it will make her stronger.

219) Hizdahr showed he believes in slavery. Yep, that was a bed slave.
He was trying to lead the city back to the way it was.

220) Who was the little boy running around the King's room? Could he have a son?
Not sure.

221) Ser Barristan's still got it. How old is he?
wiki ice, he was 60 at the series beginning.

222) So we know Quentyn really wants to marry one of his friend's sisters. What the heck was the idiot doing?
His duty - what his Father told him to do.

223) Didn't like all the carnage involved, but the dragons were cool.
Now they are all free. I think that horn will come into play to get them all back together, but who will blow it?

224) Jon! OMG! Could he have survived and what about ghost? Will Melisandre be able to save him? Will they use the method they did on Catelyn? WHY!!!
NOOOOO! I was shouting inside my mind - warg into ghost. He can't be out of the story and dead for good, I'm counting on Jon being there at the end. Jon and Dany will save the world.

225) Do you believe everything Ramsay stated in his letter? Could he have Mace? Could Mace and his ladies have been the ones who helped whisk the fake Arya away from the castle? I didn't even think of that.
I believe it.

226) What side is the Green Grace on and who exactly is she?
Not sure.

227) Dany is safe, at least it sounded like it. Don't think anyone would attempt to cross the woman eating beside her dragon. That would be insane.
They will know who she is and either help her or she will fly away on the dragon and word will get back that she is alive.

226) A little graphic with the blood there. Does this signify something? Really should have tagged all those predictions especially the one stating she wouldn't have children until something happened. Could there be a loop hole?
I thought misscarriage from first mention. I hope there will be a loophole. Trying to work out what it is. No idea, maybe she will be barren.

When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, when the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves, when my womb quickens again and I bear a living child, Khal Drogo will return to me.

227) "somewhere in the distance a wolf howled..." Could this have something to do with Jon being attacked?
I think so.

228) Just the ramblings of Dany's mind playing tricks on her or was there some good advice in those dreams/hallucinations of hers?
I think good advice. She should move on, take everything she needs and accept Ser jorrah back. To go forwards, you have to go back.

229) Dear Goodness Kevan. Didn't want to see him bite the big one. Could he have brought peace to the realm?
I think there could have been alliances and possible peace, but not the sort Varys and Littlefinger have been plotting. I think they are both working to get a Targarean back on the throne.


I think so.

231) Varys is back. He had something to do with those children at the Inn.
He has something to do with everything.

232) What thing are we still waiting to find out???
When will Cersei die!!!

(hide spoiler)]

Additional Questions about loose ends...A-Z from the last group read:
(view spoiler)[

A) What the heck was the key for? Did Varys steal it?

B) Where is the horn the Wildings wanted and what exactly does it do?
I think Samwell has it. i think it wakes the stone dragons who are hidden inside the wall...maybe..

C) What happened to Jaime? Another of Vary's plots?

D) What exactly happened to Rickon?
I want to hear his story, I think he is hidden away safe.

E) What happened to Davos?

F) Who ARE Jon Snow’s parents? What is his destiny, if he lives?
He must be alive somehow, I think his parents are Raegar and Lianna

G) Which way will Dany rule? With the all three dragons? Who really poisoned her? Will she abolish slavery?
I think she will control all three dragons, but only fly one. I think she will leave and slavery will come back

H) What will happen to Arya; will she become an assassin? If so, who will they assign her to kill? (It is sure to be a dilemma for her.) Will she reconnect with Nymeria?
Yes, Kill Cersei, yes.

I) Will Bran ever fly a dragon? Or maybe warg into one?
no, no Targarean blood. Maybe Dany, Aegon and Jon.

J) What of Sansa? Is her marriage to Tyrion valid? Will he find Tansy?
Marriage still valid, but able to be put aside easily because not consumated - Sansa still a virgin so can be verified

K) What is Littlefinger’s connection to Varys’ machinations?
I think they are working towards same goal - still loyal to Targareans.

L) Where the hell is Benjen Stark?
Maybe Bran will find him

M) What happening with the Others? When will they attack?
In the last book

N. Is Brienne tricking Jaime?

O. Will Theon and Asha be released from Stannis' hold?
Is Stannis alive?
I think he is dead. I think theon and Asha will be released

P. Where is Arya going?

Q. Is Bran turning into a tree?
Not yet, but that may be his destiny

R. What is Catelyn up to?

S. Will Tyrion return to King's Landing and escape punishment?
Alongside Dany when she takes over.

T. Will Margaery Tyrell be executed?
No

U. Will Myrcella marry the Dornish prince?
Yes

V. Will Aegon reclaim the kingdom?
Not alone, maybe with Dany

W. Will Dany forgive Jorah?
Yes

X. What is Bronn doing?

Y. Will Margaery's brother survive?

Z. What happened to Euron? (Do you think GRRM created that name on purpose? I still say it sounds like urine. LOL!)
(hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay]

Big Time Congrats on finishing, Renee!

[Teresa]

Congratulations! Amazing to finish with the Mists of Avalon in the background. Do you find yourself wanting to wear long dresses and headwear?

[Teresa]

Chapter 66 (Tyrion) - Epilogue

(view spoiler)[212) How can Brown Ben Plum believe he'd get a castle?

Right? Although, I guess if Tyrion ends up back in power, it could be possible?

213) If Cersei has no power would her declaration to make someone a lord for Tyrion's head be upheld?

Interesting. Possibly not, although she does seem to have influence over Tommen still.

214) Were you surprised Tyrion slapped Penny?

I think he was just trying to help her.

215) Surprised by Ser Barristan? Did you think he'd go after the King?

No. Although he has been honorable during the time we have known him, so perhaps it makes sense.

216) Well my prediction for Quentyn was correct, but not at all the way I expected. I thought the tattered King would betray and kill him.

Unfortunately, he brought that one on himself.

217) Did I read right? Were all the hostages killed?

There was a hint that they are killing hostage – don’t know if all of them.

218) Will all that happened help strengthen Dany to be a better Queen when she finds out what happened or will it kill her?

Make her stronger. Bring her back to finding strength in herself.

219) Hizdahr showed he believes in slavery. Yep, that was a bed slave.

I think he just said he didn’t to placate Dany until he could return things to normal.

220) Who was the little boy running around the King's room? Could he have a son?

Not sure.

221) Ser Barristan's still got it. How old is he?

Seems like in his sixties or so? Definitely still has it.

222) So we know Quentyn really wants to marry one of his friend's sisters. What the heck was the idiot doing?

I think just under the burden of being a lord? I didn’t get the feeling he was looking for power or money, but trying to do the right thing.

223) Didn't like all the carnage involved, but the dragons were cool.

Definitely. Glad they are finally free.

224) Jon! OMG! Could he have survived and what about ghost? Will Melisandre be able to save him? Will they use the method they did on Catelyn? WHY!!!

I hope he survives, and not as a zombie. He locked up Ghost, but I just don’t think their story is done. Wonder if he will warg into Ghost and go through the story that way? POV chapter from Ghost!

225) Do you believe everything Ramsay stated in his letter? Could he have Mace? Could Mace and his ladies have been the ones who helped whisk the fake Arya away from the castle? I didn't even think of that.

I thought Mace was bigger than the description of the singer, but there could be a glimmer, right? Martin is definitely suggesting it was him – who were the women, then?

226) What side is the Green Grace on and who exactly is she?

No idea – got a bit lost here.

227) Dany is safe, at least it sounded like it. Don't think anyone would attempt to cross the woman eating beside her dragon. That would be insane.

They were alone it seems.

226) A little graphic with the blood there. Does this signify something? Really should have tagged all those predictions especially the one stating she wouldn't have children until something happened. Could there be a loop hole?

I think it ws symbolic of her no longer being the mother of dragons. Hopefully, that is wrong or changes.

227) "somewhere in the distance a wolf howled..." Could this have something to do with Jon being attacked?

Not sure, could be.

228) Just the ramblings of Dany's mind playing tricks on her or was there some good advice in those dreams/hallucinations of hers?

I think the best advise of those around her came back during the dreams.

229) Dear Goodness Kevan. Didn't want to see him bite the big one. Could he have brought peace to the realm?

He certainly was more down to earth than the others trying to rule. Reminded my of Tyrion, but perhaps without the same joy of the game, more matter of fact.

230) Who is Robert Strong? Could it be Gregor Clegane come back to life?

This is my theory – although perhaps more that he never died.

231) Varys is back. He had something to do with those children at the Inn.

I am glad he is back. Seems like he would have something to do with whatever that is…

232) What thing are we still waiting to find out???

So. Many. Things. Who are Jon Snow’s parents? (hide spoiler)]

[Teresa]

I was a straggler again, but made it in the month!

Additional Questions about loose ends...A-Z from the last group read:

(view spoiler)[A) What the heck was the key for? Did Varys steal it?

No idea, but seems like yes.

B) Where is the horn the Wildings wanted and what exactly does it do?

Hopefully with Benjen Stark. If it melts all the ice, perhaps it also melts the others?

C) What happened to Jaime? Another of Vary's plots?

I don’t think Vary’s, but someone.

D) What exactly happened to Rickon?

Hiding out, but ready to return when Martin needs him – I think he could be the evil character for the Starks. Like the opposite of Tyrion.

E) What happened to Davos?

I think he is being smuggled away to return to Stanis.

F) Who ARE Jon Snow’s parents? What is his destiny, if he lives?

No idea any more. Still think he will be a force in the ultimate battle with the others.

G) Which way will Dany rule? With the all three dragons? Who really poisoned her? Will she abolish slavery?

Still think she will be a kind ruler and will lead to the abolishment of slavery.

H) What will happen to Arya; will she become an assassin? If so, who will they assign her to kill? (It is sure to be a dilemma for her.) Will she reconnect with Nymeria?

I think she will become an assassin, but will end up killing for herself. Althought, I think it would be better for her to let some of that go.

I) Will Bran ever fly a dragon? Or maybe warg into one?

Yes.

J) What of Sansa? Is her marriage to Tyrion valid? Will he find Tansy?

I think this marriage will be set aside one way or another. I think Tyrion will find Tansy, but it may not go as smoothly as we might hope.

K) What is Littlefinger’s connection to Varys’ machinations?

They feed off each other, but with no loyalty.

L) Where the hell is Benjen Stark?

With the children of the forest, ready to rush in at a critical moment in the battle with the others.

M) What happening with the Others? When will they attack?

When Martin gets the scene set.

N. Is Brienne tricking Jaime?

Yes – but I have no idea how or why.

O. Will Theon and Asha be released from Stannis' hold?
Is Stannis alive?

Yes and yes.

P. Where is Arya going?

Good question.

Q. Is Bran turning into a tree?

Quite possibly, though no permanently as of yet.

R. What is Catelyn up to?

Avenging.

S. Will Tyrion return to King's Landing and escape punishment?

Yes and no.

T. Will Margaery Tyrell be executed?

I don’t think so, although she seems to be an expendable character and certainly, Martin needs to kill off someone!

U. Will Myrcella marry the Dornish prince?

Yes – and will be a force to be reckoned with.

V. Will Aegon reclaim the kingdom?

No – he can definitely be killed off.

W. Will Dany forgive Jorah?

Yes – and I think it will be good for her in the end.

X. What is Bronn doing?

Don’t know on this one.

Y. Will Margaery's brother survive?

Yes – his death has lingered for too long to just taper off into an actual death.

Z. What happened to Euron? (Do you think GRRM created that name on purpose? I still say it sounds like urine. LOL!)

He has faded away, right? (hide spoiler)]

[Lisa Kay]

Teresa wrote: "I was a straggler again, but made it in the month!"

Yes, you did, Teresa! Big Time Congrats to you, too.

Love your answer as to what Catelyn up to. "Avenging." LOL!

[Teresa]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Teresa wrote: "I was a straggler again, but made it in the month!"

Yes, you did, Teresa! Big Time Congrats to you, too.

Love your answer as to what Catelyn up to. "Avenging." LOL!"

Thank you! Part of me wishes we had yet another book to jump in to. The rest of me got all giddy about all the extra reading time I will have for reading. I threw another 10 books or so on my list for May before I remembered that I still have a job.

Enjoyed the wrap up questions. I think I will use it for a primer before reading the next book. So many characters. So many plots. No way that is going to all stay in my brain until publishing time.

[Lisa Kay]

Teresa wrote: "I threw another 10 books or so on my list for May before I remembered that I still have a job."

LMBO!

[Zonnah]

Renee wrote: "Not sure (that is code for I have absolutely no idea and barely remember reading that bit)"

So true. I really am thinking of reading them all again and taking my time. I also was wondering what it would be like to read only the chapters of certain characters. So lets say you want to read Tyrions chapters you would start in book one and read only his till the end of the last book. I am wondering if it would shed a different light on things.

Renee wrote: "If she can survive a funeral pyre, I think she can do this."

Good point.

[Zonnah]

Teresa wrote: "That is priceless. I though the God of Light was the only god…"

That is funny.

[Zonnah]

Lisa Kay wrote: "Big Time Congrats on finishing, Renee!"

Yes, Grats Renee!

[Zonnah]

Grats Teresa!!

[Teresa]

Zonnah wrote: "Grats Teresa!!"

Thank you. And thank you to you both for the company along the way.