A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4)

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

This thread is to discuss A Feast for Crows, the fourth book in the A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin.

Pages: 1125 pages

Length: 2 Months (November and December)

Participants: Ruthie, Trisha.

Everyone reads at their own pace during a Buddy Read. Because participants can be at different parts of the book at different times, it is extremely important to mark spoilers so that the book is not ruined for someone who is not as far along as others!!!

Mark spoilers by placing {spoiler} before the text and {/spoiler} after the text but use the < and > instead of the { and }.


Happy Buddy Reading!

[Ruthie]

Hi Trisha! I got this from the library! Want to try and read it closer together this time?

[Serena]

Hi! I also have it early if you wanna start, Trisha and Ruthie. Sorry, I don't think I'm signed up technically as a buddy reader. I'm still not totally sure how buddy reading works? But I'm here lurking haha

[Trisha]

Hey ladies, my copy was delivered in two days! :D Let's start reading this!

Serena, buddy reading is easy. You basically suggest a book in the sign-up thread if you want to buddy read it. You can check for books that are already suggested for buddy reading and ask the moderators to add you to those. If the buddy reads are already posted, like this one, you can join the discussion on your own. Easy! Pasting the buddy read sign up thread below for your reference:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

PS: I'm one of the two Buddy Read Moderators, should you have any questions, feel free to ask. Ruthie can help you too, she is an active buddy reader! :)

[Ruthie]

YAY! We are happy to have you join Serena!

My audiobook doesn't have chapter numbers, just names. I think that's how the physical book is too. Should we plan to pause and discuss after the first Brienne chapter or the first Arya chapter?

[Trisha]

Sorry, I haven’t had a look at the book yet :( How long do you have the book with you? Let us decide on the number of chapters we read in a day. And I won’t force you to read at my pace because I know you listen to audiobooks which is faster than reading physical books. But we can decide on sharing our updates here on a daily basis, at least I’m gonna do that. Remember how I couldn’t prevent posting my thoughts every other day last time? Only because this series is so much fun!

[Ruthie]

I have 13 days! Yes you're right we can post as we go along.

[Serena]

Literally just opened up the book and already have some thoughts haha.

What are y'all's views on maps? Do you take the time to thoroughly pore over them and reference them throughout the book to keep your bearings or do you hardly ever look back at the maps?

My partner always laughs at me because I'll be like, "How did they end up here?" or "where are they going?" and he'll say, "well, did you check the map?" and invariably I'll say no. He is so into maps at the beginning of novels. If a fantasy or adventure novel with a big world doesn't have a map at the beginning, he gets frustrated. I, on the other, almost never reference the map. I don't know why, I think it just takes me out of it to some extent (or alright I may be just a tad lazy).

[Trisha]

I love maps and I spent a whole lot of time hovering on them while reading the last book. Most of the characters were on the move and their journeys intersected at a few points, but none of them came across each other except for Bran warging in Ghost and meeting Jon and the wildlings by chance. This made me constantly go back to the map and follow their route, especially comparing the routes taken by Jamie and Brienne’s duo with that of Arya. They almost took the same route and nearly missed each other by half a day or so. Maps keep me active and make me feel a part of the adventure.

I am with your partner on this, Serena! A fantasy/adventure novel has to have a map in the beginning. Period.

[Ruthie]

Since I've switched to 99.9% of my readings being audiobook it's been a while since I've seen a map at the beginning of a book. But, I think we have a copy of A Feast for Crows so I'll have to pull it out. I do somewhat remember the map-opening of the Game of Thrones show though so I can kinda picture that in my head when they are mentioning the different places. I did really appreciate that opening when watching the show so I kinda knew where everyone was.

[Ruthie]

Early in the book "The Prophet" chapter or the end of Prologue

(view spoiler)[

I really wonder who was given The Citadel Key. He said he was "No one" so a member of the guild that Arya was going to join? Thoughts?

I don't remember this from the show (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Early in the book Samwell Chapter about 12% into the book

(view spoiler)[

I really liked this scene of the argument btw Sam and Jon and John is basically angrily encouraging him that he can go to Oldtown and that he needs to stop calling himself craven

I don't remember Sam being scared in the show, in fact I think he was the one who broached the subject with Jon. Wishing that the show kept to the argument scene because I thought it was funny and also a good moment btw them (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

I still haven't started this, Ruthie! I'll start soon and respond to your spoilers! Don't get demotivated with the absence/lack of responses!

[Ruthie]

Ok no worries at all! :)

[Ruthie]

Just random thoughts about this book. I was told by multiple people that I wouldn't like this one as much as the others because "It's filled with people we don't know" and while there are some parts with people we don't know, I don't agree. I'm enjoying this one almost as much as the others. It's hard to follow A Storm of Swords because that one is so good but I think this one is just as good as the first two there are some people we don't know but even the people we don't they are still in parts of Westeros that I want to know more about like Dorne and the Iron Islands and the Citadel. I like seeing from these fresh perspectives especially Asha because she's BA!

[Ruthie]

Samwell chapter about 33% in

(view spoiler)[
The show never showed how hard motherhood was for Gilly and how the babe was sickly on the ship and in fact, I don't know that the show even did the storyline that's going on in the book where the babies were switched and Gilly is grieving for her baby that Jon kept. I'm upset that they didn't because motherhood difficulties need more representation in movies and shows. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Arya chapter about halfway through

(view spoiler)[
We finally meet the Waif. Now I remember when watching the show there were some crazy theories about Arya and the Waif including that they are the same person and Arya is imagining the Waif. I'm excited to try and get more info from the book to see if any of those theories seem plausible. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Just random thoughts about this book. I was told by multiple people that I wouldn't like this one as much as the others because "It's filled with people we don't know" and while there are some part..."

That’s news to me! Had no clue that this would have characters we didn’t already know about. But I agree with you, if it’s got to do with places that you mentioned, I am sure that I’ll enjoy reading this one.

[Ruthie]

I finished it and thought it was really good! not as good as A Storm of Swords but still good. I have a few more notes I haven't added yet. Will do so when I have time!

[Ruthie]

About 47% Samwell

(view spoiler)[

Samwell stopped in Bravvos before going to old town, thought that was interesting. Wondering why they didn't show this in the show and how it might affect future events (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

About 70% Cersei chapter

(view spoiler)[
Wondering why the show took Cersei's friend out of the show. It seems to bring a different side of Cersei and help explain some of her actions around this time. Her wishing that her father saw her like the sons as powerful. Her wanting to act powerful and see how it felt for Robert. I'm wondering how Cersei's friend will affect the overall story (hide spoiler)]

[Serena]

Hey there just checking in! I'm still alive! Haven't dived too deeply into the book because grad school has me by the jimmies, but I finally turned in a big paper, so I'll be getting back on the wagon soon! Thanks for helping me stay motivated to keep reading! Y'all are so dedicated. :)

[Ruthie]

No worries!!

[SarahKat, Buddy Reads]

This thread has been moved to the December Buddy Reads folder

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Early in the book "The Prophet" chapter or the end of Prologue..."

True, this was not shown in the tv show. This scene gave us some insight into the workings of Citadel. Not everyone who goes there becomes a Maester and the time taken by students to become a Maester is different for each. Also, we see discrimination between students based on their social standing. I was always curious about the Citadel so found all these details interesting.

I agree with you, Ruthie. He could be one of the faceless men, can’t wait to find out.

[Trisha]

I finished the second chapter too - The Prophet, (view spoiler)[ again the chapter was brimming with details about the Ironborn people which we never got to know in the tv show. There is a slight difference in the way Balon Greyjoy dies in the book from that in the show. In the show, he is killed by Euron, while in the book, we are told that Balon was crossing a bridge when he fell and dashed upon the rocks below. It is also told that Euron was not present in the castle at the time of Balon’s death and sailed into Lordsport a day after Balon’s death. Did Balon slip on his own then? Was he killed on Euron’s order? (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Early in the book Samwell Chapter about 12% into the book



I really liked this scene of the argument btw Sam and Jon and John is basically angrily encouraging him that he can go to Oldtown and th..."

Ruthie, contrary to what you said, I clearly remember Sam (view spoiler)[ being a coward for the first five seasons of the show and he kept saying that himself and behaved like one throughout because of which he was mocked at by his family and other black brothers.

The only difference that I noticed was in the way he was sent to the Citadel. In the show, he convinced Jon to send him there while in the book, we see Jon sending him to Oldtown by his choice. Minute difference! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Read through Brienne’s chapter, currently at page 206/1060 -

(view spoiler)[ The maester at Duskendale told the story of the defiance of house Darklyn against King Aerys and how that ended in the extinction of the houses Darklyn and Hollard. I don’t remember listening to this story before. Was it there in the show? It is also told that the Defiance of Duskendale triggered Aerys’ madness. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Samwell chapter about 33% in


The show never showed how hard motherhood was for Gilly and how the babe was sickly on the ship and in fact, I don't know that the show even did the storyline that's ..."

Umm, no! The show did have a scene where (view spoiler)[ Sam and Gilly were onboard a ship to old town and the baby was seasick. And so was Sam. But yes, the switching of the babies was not there in the show which is okay for me because fitting so many plots in a season would have been impossible. Also, in the show, by this point, Sam and Gilly had slept together once back at the wall. I’m glad that is yet to happen; I’m liking the slow burn. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Arya chapter about halfway through


We finally meet the Waif. Now I remember when watching the show there were some crazy theories about Arya and the Waif including that they are the same person a..."

Same here, Ruthie! Arya was my favourite tv show character and she has continued to be my favourite in all the four books. Especially her stint at the house of the black and white is the most interesting of all her life phases. I’d really like to know more and put some of those theories to test.

[Trisha]

I’m reading Cersei’s chapter and there is a line that she says -
(view spoiler)[
“No mother should outlive her children, and no captain should outlive his ship.”

What an irony! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Read through Brienne and Sam’s chapters; some thoughts - (view spoiler)[

▪️In Brienne’s chapter, we hear of a group of outlaws being led by Lady Stoneheart. I remember reading about this one before, of this this was not shown in the show and would have made an interesting sub-plot. From what I remember, Lady Stoneheart was Lady Catelyn Stark resurrected from dead who was seeking revenge from the Frey’s.

▪️We also hear of a bunch of wolves being led by a huge she-wolf. There was a theory that this was Nymeria, Arya’s dire wolf.

▪️Arya’s cameo in Sam’s chapter was interesting. This should have been in the show. Btw, why did Arya not inquire about Jon Snow when she knew Sam was a sworn Black brother? Was she being spied by the waif so had to pretend being a no one? (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "About 47% Samwell



Samwell stopped in Bravvos before going to old town, thought that was interesting. Wondering why they didn't show this in the show and how it might affect future events"

Just wrote about this in my last spoiler. I agree that this might have been an interesting addition to the show.

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "About 70% Cersei chapter


Wondering why the show took Cersei's friend out of the show. It seems to bring a different side of Cersei and help explain some of her actions around this time. Her wishi..."

I was thinking on the same lines. The tv series did show (view spoiler)[ Cersei competing against her own brothers and telling Jaime time and again how she was more Tywin’s blood than him. But this part with Taena Merryweather was totally discarded off the show. I’m really enjoying the sections when both the ladies are together since we get to see a cautious yet candid Cersei and often get to hear her musings. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Just read Jamie’s chapter, about 70% through - (view spoiler)[

I loved the conversation between Jaime and his aunt (Tywin’s sister). What a smart lady - truly a Lannister. I think she is the first person to draw the conclusion that Tyrion was more Tywin than Jamie, although Tyrion had mused about this a few times in the last book. It was fun knowing about Tywin’s other brothers. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Read Alayane’s last chapter and boy am I so impressed with Littlefinger, (view spoiler)[isn’t he the most wicked and cunning of all men engaged in the game of thrones; he is also the finest storyteller in the entire series. Love the way he makes Alayane understands his plans, never fully but just enough to let her know her part and give her reason to do as he please. This marriage contract between Alayane and Harry the heir is such a clever bargain, although I don’t know if it might actually take place or not. Now that Sansa’s storyline has completely taken a different route from that of the tv show, I can’t contain my curiosity. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

I finished and I’m being honest when I say that I enjoyed it just as much as the other books. If not for some of my favourite characters missing from this book, I would have rated this a perfect 5 on 5. Incredibly entertaining!

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "I finished the second chapter too - The Prophet, [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[

"Euron was not present in the castle at the time of Balon’s death and sailed into Lordsport a day after Balon’s death. Did Balon slip on his own then? Was he killed on Euron’s order?"

I forgot what made me think this but I thought it was a ruse and that Euron actually was behind his death even though it "seems" like he slipped (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "Ruthie wrote: "Early in the book Samwell Chapter about 12% into the book



I really liked this scene of the argument btw Sam and Jon and John is basically angrily encouraging him that he can go to..."

(view spoiler)[
Sorry I meant I don't remember Sam being scared about going to Old town because he was the one who wanted to go (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "Read through Brienne’s chapter, currently at page 206/1060 -

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[
"The maester at Duskendale told the story of the defiance of house Darklyn against King Aerys and how that ended in the extinction of the houses Darklyn and Hollard. I don’t remember listening to this story before. Was it there in the show? It is also told that the Defiance of Duskendale triggered Aerys’ madness."

No I didn't remember this in the show either (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "Ruthie wrote: "Arya chapter about halfway through


We finally meet the Waif. Now I remember when watching the show there were some crazy theories about Arya and the Waif including that they are th..."

YESSS!

[Ruthie]

(view spoiler)[

{{{{▪️In Brienne’s chapter, we hear of a group of outlaws being led by Lady Stoneheart. I remember reading about this one before, of this this was not shown in the show and would have made an interesting sub-plot. From what I remember, Lady Stoneheart was Lady Catelyn Stark resurrected from dead who was seeking revenge from the Frey’s.

▪️We also hear of a bunch of wolves being led by a huge she-wolf. There was a theory that this was Nymeria, Arya’s dire wolf.

▪️Arya’s cameo in Sam’s chapter was interesting. This should have been in the show. Btw, why did Arya not inquire about Jon Snow when she knew Sam was a sworn Black brother? Was she being spied by the waif so had to pretend being a no one?)))

Yes I SO wish the "Lady stone heart" and Nymeria theories were explored in the show but that's ok at least we get to read about it because it's pretty cool. That's a good point about Arya. I'm not sure why but I think you're right she realized she couldn't have said who she was or get thrown out of the house of black and white. (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "Ruthie wrote: "About 70% Cersei chapter


Wondering why the show took Cersei's friend out of the show. It seems to bring a different side of Cersei and help explain some of her actions around this ..."

(view spoiler)[

"Cersei competing against her own brothers and telling Jaime time and again how she was more Tywin’s blood than him. But this part with Taena Merryweather was totally discarded off the show. I’m really enjoying the sections when both the ladies are together since we get to see a cautious yet candid Cersei and often get to hear her musings. " Yes I totally agree it was super interesting and added more facets to Cersei (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "Read Alayane’s last chapter and boy am I so impressed with Littlefinger, [spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[

"isn’t he the most wicked and cunning of all men engaged in the game of thrones; he is also the finest storyteller in the entire series. Love the way he makes Alayane understands his plans, never fully but just enough to let her know her part and give her reason to do as he please. This marriage contract between Alayane and Harry the heir is such a clever bargain, although I don’t know if it might actually take place or not. Now that Sansa’s storyline has completely taken a different route from that of the tv show, I can’t contain my curiosity. "

Yes he seriously is! It is crazy. I'll be wondering what's going to happen next also (hide spoiler)]

[Ruthie]

Trisha wrote: "I finished and I’m being honest when I say that I enjoyed it just as much as the other books. If not for some of my favourite characters missing from this book, I would have rated this a perfect 5 ..."

Yes it was really good! I didn't quite like it as much as a storm of swords but I liked it a lot

[Ruthie]

Do we want to plan A Dance of Dragons yet?

[Trisha]

Ruthie wrote: "Do we want to plan A Dance of Dragons yet?"

It’s already confirmed for next month. Do you want to change it to another month?

[Ruthie]

Oh sorry! No next month is great