Vikram’s Reviews > A Game of Thrones > Status Update

‘Tyrion’ as a captor with the battle of wits with Catelyn, seething losing at every turn. Then he saves her in a battle after he’s armed with an axe. ‘I’m willing if she is’ and the start of a beautiful friendship with Bron. ‘Arya’ now heavily influenced by the water dancer Syrio chases cats, finds dragons and deceitful plotters….

‘Sansa’ is so enamoured with the tournament. The chapter ends with a chilling recital of Sandor Clegane’s burning of his face by his brother ‘The Mountain’ setting up one of the great character arcs in the series. Sansa remains poised but is but a child. Charmed by Joffrey. Ser Lloras Tyrell steals her heart. The eerie presence of Peter Baelish also just so awkward.

‘What would the Hand want with a King’s bastard - and why would it cost him his life’… the chapter sows all the seeds of mystery with a big reveal begging more questions. The history of the Lannisters’s origin - deceit and wit. The vivid descriptions of the town. The wildness of the tourney and the councils laughter at Stannis.his piety with Lord Arryn prior to the hands death and Stannis fleeing….

Jon at the wall was brilliant. The introduction of the craven, cowardly Samwell Tarly. His insidious father - cutting out the deers heart saying ‘I should love to hunt you like the pig you are.’ Samwell’s cowardice sets the backdrop for Jon’s newfound leadership. His integrity. And the reason you love him. Great feel good chapter as he’s accepted by his new brothers in a way he never was @winterfell

One of the slower chapters. Ned and Pycelle discuss Lord Arryns death and then Peter Baelish and Ned have a long dialogue following Arya’s Syrio inspired water dancing on one leg.
“Distrusting me was the wisest thing you’ve done since dismounting your horse” the chapter ends…

One of the most uncomfortable chapters but that of ‘bastards, cripples and broken things’.
A convoluted tale of Uncle Brandon, Grand Uncle Brandon, ‘Brandon the builder’ and stories from Naan that made the hair stand on my neck. The introduction on Hodor as Old Naan’s great grandson. And repeated reference to Bran ‘s flying promise from the crow. Tyrion’s gift to the Starks & the wolves attack.

Danny turns 14 at the end of the chapter and with child. Was a brilliant chapter where she starts out in heavy depression- ready to commit suicide. Hating Drogo, in pain and a slave to her arsehole brother. By the end of the chapter she’s transformed into a Khaleesi, orders her brother to walk, standing up to him in the best way imaginable. She mounts Drogo, appreciates nature and dreams of dragons. Feel good!!!

‘Arya’ is perfection. The pain she feels for Micah, her friend, killed by the hound. The guilt. The pain. The loss of not only Micah but her brothers and life at Winterfell. It’s all too much for her as she retreats to her room to cry. The scene with Ned and Arya one of the most precious in the entire series for a father. ‘Summer is the time of squabbles. Winter is coming and the lone wolf dies alone’

Tyrion chapters are always entertaining. His wit to dismiss Ser Alliser Thorne sharp as ever. His wisdom and sincerity when dealing with lord commander Mormont’s requests for men with integrity and his friendship with Jon Snow charming. This chapter set up the larger narrative for the song of Fire and Ice… Winter is coming….

‘Eddard reflects on the long journey to Kong’s landing but this chapter is all about sly, scheming Peter. His incessant quips and antagonising word plays with Eddard. His suggestion that Catelyn is in a brothel. But what I really noticed were two throw away lines. Ned was used to making alliances with people who he hated. How Sansa pleaded for him not to kill the wolf as Lianna once did. Wolf kill omen…