game of thrones – Paws & Paperbacks

The Ultimate Game of Thrones Book Tag

Published on May 21, 2019May 20, 2019 by Breanna4 Comments

Wow, it has been a long time since I’ve done a book tag. Thank you so much to Alexandra @ Whimsy Pages for tagging me! As I’m sure most of you have figured out, I’m a huge fan of Game of Thrones. And while there were a few things I really enjoyed about the season finale (and final season in general), I was mostly left feeling disappointed and lost. I have a lot of unanswered questions and I’m hoping the ending GRRM has is a little more fleshed out and fully explained (or totally different, let’s be honest here). Anyway, since I love all things GoT, I’m super excited to be doing this book tag!

This tag was created by orang-utan librarian!

PART I

“WE DO NOT SOW” – A BOOK YOU WOULD NOT BE WILLING TO INVEST IN

Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas. But really any upcoming book written by her. I have a lot of issues with her writing and the recurring themes she uses in all of her stories.

“FAMILY. DUTY. HONOUR.” – A BOOK ABOUT STRONG FAMILY TIES

I recently finished Finale (Caraval #3) and I absolutely adore the loving relationship between sisters, Tella and Scarlett.

“WINTER IS COMING” – YOUR FAVORITE WINTER READ

Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyers and The Bear and the Nightingale series by Katherine Arden. Both have snowy settings, atmospheric writing, are inspired by fairytales, and have a dreamy quality to them when reading!

“OURS IS THE FURY” – A BOOK THAT MADE YOU FURIOUS.

Hmm, there are a few different books throughout the years that have truly angered me. I’ll never forget accidently ripping a page out of Reached (Matched #3) by Allie Condie as I turned the page furiously. Also, The Crown (The Selection #5) by Kiera Cass and Dawn of Legends (Blood of Gods and Royals #4) by Eleanor Herman were both t e r r i b l e conclusions to their respective series and had so many moments of WTF that I end up quitting both of them midway through.

“FIRE AND BLOOD” – A BOOK THAT PRODUCED STRONG EMOTIONS IN YOU.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I am an emotional reader. However, I will never get over the feelings I felt after reading The Bird and the Blade by Megan Bannen. I even knew going into the book what to expect and was still wrecked by the ending. I’m getting emotional just thinking about it. You can read a review of this amazing book here.

“A LANNISTER ALWAYS PAYS HIS DEBTS” – A BOOK YOU FEEL INDEBTED TO.

There are a lot of books from my youth that helped me become the reader I am today, but The Magic Treehouse series by Mary Pope Osborne have a particular spot in my heart and really cemented my love of adventure/fantasy and nurtured my imagination.

PART II

WOULD YOU WIN OR DIE?

I’ll be the optimist and say I’d win.

WHAT HOUSE ARE YOU IN?

House Stark 🐺

I’m not even going to take the quiz because there’s literally no other house I would ever feel like I belonged to.

TAGGING: Nikki | Flavia | Tasya | & anyone else who wants to join!

Game of Thrones: Favorite Moments

Published on March 31, 2019March 27, 2019 by Breanna5 Comments

Hello and welcome back for another Game of Thrones themed post! The greatest thing about both the show and series is that you never know what is going to happen next. There have been some really amazing moments throughout the show, and I decided to talk about some of my absolute favorites! P.S. If you aren’t caught up with all seven seasons, turn back now as there are spoilers ahead!

THE BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS

I can’t even pick my favorite moment, because this whole damn episode is amazing. I could watch it over and over. The entire battle was a cinematic masterpiece. I can’t remember ever being so engrossed in an episode like that before! And the fact that they succeed in retaking Winterfell and the revenge Jon has on Ramsay made my little heart so happy.

JON AND SANSA’S REUNION

I didn’t even know I wanted this reunion to happen until it did. This is honestly on the most emotional scenes in the whole show, and you’re lying if you say it didn’t tug on your heartstrings. After six seasons, these are the first two Stark siblings to reunite and it was everything. Kit and Sophie did an amazing job with this scene; their body language and facial expressions are so expressive and you can practically feel the emotion coming from the characters through the screen.

THE HATCHING OF DRAGONS

Other shows should take note on how to end their first season. The moment after Daenerys emerges from the smoke and ashes of the funeral pyre with three newly hatched dragons was glorious. This moment made me so freaking excited for the next season and for her future storyline. It was the perfect ending to a new and unpredictable tv series that was (correctly) predicted to be the next hit show.

THE KING IN THE NORTH

Last week I had mentioned that Jon slowly became one of my favorite characters. Not only is this moment awesome because of the ferocious Lyanna Stark, but my boy Jon gets everything he never thought he could have or deserved. There’s a ton of foreshadowing in the books pointing to this moment, but it was so amazing to watch. For whatever reason, this King in the North crowning felt way more emotional and important than Robb’s, and I think it’s because of how much Jon (and Sansa) have suffered to get to this point. Robb already had the North’s loyalty because of Ned, but Jon had to earn their trust.

REVENGE ON THE FREYS

I nearly screamed out loud when Arya took off her face. What a BADASS and the best way to get revenge. And also, what better way to begin a new season and draw watchers into the story, all the while setting the stakes of what is to come later on. Here’s to hoping Arya gets more revenge and crosses more names off her list in season eight!

DAENERYS CROSSING THE NARROW SEA

I mean, we only waited like, six seasons for this to happen? There was something so satisfying at seeing Daenerys with her the army and supporters she has amassed throughout the series finally crossing the sea towards Westeros together. Was I excited about what that means for the people of Westeros? No. But ignoring the fact that she’s about to attempt to conquer the same country she wants to rule, that scene was pretty spectacular to watch.

JOFFREY CHOKING

Another wedding in which I wanted to weep: tears of happiness, that is. I remember watching this with friends and how the mood in the room was instantly uplifted after this scene. People have many different opinions when it comes to this show and the books, but I think the entire fandom is united in their hatred of Joffrey.

RAMSAY’S DEATH

I still can’t decide who is worst: Joffrey or Ramsay. I will say that I was equally pleased by both their deaths. But the thing that brought me greatest happiness was that it was Sansa who finally got to serve some revenge on her abuser. And the way she choose to administer death? Beautiful.

“HOW DO YOU ANSWER THESE CHARGES, LORD BAELISH?”

By this time in the series, I should be expecting to be surprised, but that was one fantastic twist. I was so thankful that Petyr Baelish finally met his end, and at the hand of the two Stark girls no less. This is the man who set into motion the events that would eventually start the War of the Five Kings, who was directly or directly responsible for the deaths of multiple characters, who sold Sansa to the Boltons. The whole trial is amazing: from Littlefinger’s confusion, to Arya’s knowing smirk, to Sansa’s sass and fierceness.

Thanks for reading! What are some of your favorite moments from the book or show? Let me know in the comments!

Game of Thrones: Favorite Characters

Published on March 24, 2019March 23, 2019 by Breanna20 Comments

As a huge fan of both George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire and the HBO series Game of Thrones, I’m extremely ecstatic (and sad) about the upcoming final season. The books and show are one of my favorite things to talk to others about, and I decided in honor of the premiere coming soon, I will be posting a fun Game of Thrones inspired post every on various Sundays before the first episode airs and throughout the season. If you’re a fan of either of the show or books, please chat with me in the comments with your thoughts and opinions!

For my first post, I’m so excited to talk about all of my favorite characters! The great thing about Game of Thrones / ASOIAF is all the different characters present: good, bad, and every shade of gray in-between. There are many POVs in the books (and on the show) that I enjoy reading/watching, but don’t particular hope they succeed in their endeavors. And then there are other characters whose storylines I cannot get enough of and wish all the happiness in the world for (HA. We all know GRRM by now).

SANSA STARK

My Queen in the North. All I want is for her to end up alive, happy, and surrounded by her loved ones in Winterfell. The amount of hate she gets is not only completely unwarranted and uncalled for, but extremely upsetting and frustrating. People are always so surprised when I tell them she’s my absolute favorite. Must of her hate stems from the fact that she’s a female character that is not oversexualized in the show but is also not a “fierce, warrior” type woman, and so they believe her to be useless – despite the fact that she is sharp, intelligent, kind, and arguably the character with the greatest character growth. People blame her for her idealistic, naive behaviors/thoughts she had when she was a CHILD and continue to hold it against her. The fact that is 2019 and there are still so many people who think she deserves all the abuse/rape/trauma that has happened to her is sickening and you can miss me with that bullshit.

JON SNOW

Given my track record with favorite male characters, you may be surprise to learn that I didn’t like Jon Snow at first. It actually took me until season 4/5 until I really began to like his character. While reading the books, however, he was quickly one of my favorite POVs to read. BookJon and ShowJon have many similarities, but BookJon is a bit more harder and possesses a more questionable sense of honor than in the show – and I kind of dig it. His chapters also helped me appreciate his show character so much more, and it has made a tremendous difference. The last couple of seasons, besides Sansa he is the one character I treasure and hope all the best for.

CERSEI LANNISTER

Let me preface this by saying I do not like Cersei Lannister, but she is a fantastic character – book and showise. In the show, Lena Headey does such a marvelous job with her character. While I never want her to succeed in her schemes, she is just so damn entertaining to watch. In the books, I still despise her as a person and pray for her demise, but I’d be lying if I said her chapters aren’t some of my absolute favorite to read. Cersei’s mind is so interesting to be inside of: she’s diabolical, manipulative, and vain. A Feast for Crow was the most boring book of the series for me, and one of the only redeeming qualities was all of the Cersei chapters.

ASHA / YARA GREYJOY

Asha – known as Yara in the show – is such a badass female character and I love following her! She’s an easy character to root for and I really want her to claim the Seachair in the Iron Islands. Throughout both the books and the show, she has proved herself to be a strong, intelligent, courageous woman. I’m still making my way through A Dance with Dragons, but I’m excited that there will finally be more chapters from her POV!

ARYA STARK

She’s about as opposite as you can get from her sister, but I really enjoy her character. Throughout the story, Arya has gone through some really tough shit. I’ve enjoyed watching her grow as a character immensely, and I absolutely love every time she gets revenge on someone. She was so close so many time to reuniting with different members of her family; it was both heartbreaking and extremely frustrating. I was ecstatic when she finally made her way home to Winterfell.

DAENERYS TARGARYEN

She is such a fascinating character, and I’ve really enjoyed reading and watching her transition into an anti-hero as the time has gone on. As with Cersei, I don’t necessarily like her as a person, but I love being in her mind. Even though there a lot of things she does that I don’t agree with and that make her a borderline villain, there are a few situations in which I rooted for her and applauded her success. There’s no denying the fact that Daenerys sets out to do good, and yet the way she gets things done is not always right or just. Do I want her to ultimately sit on the Iron Throne? Gods, no. Have I enjoyed watching her journey to the throne? Hell yes.

Thanks for reading! Do you watch or read Game of Thrones? Who are your favorite characters? If you enjoyed this post let me know below and be sure to look for my next Game of Thrones themed post next Sunday!

#SixforSunday: Questions for George R.R. Martin

Published on May 6, 2018February 24, 2019 by Breanna1 Comment

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! #SixforSunday is a weekly meme hosted by Steph @ A Little But a Lot. I just came across this meme a few weeks ago and I couldn’t wait to join in! I tweaked the theme for this week a bit because as soon as I saw the prompt – questions you have for authors – I was struck with inspiration. After I finished reading A Storm of Swords, I had so many questions for George R. R. Martin! One day, I hope they will all be answered haha.

1. WHO IS THE KNIGHT OF THE LAUGHING TREE?
The main theory that everyone, including myself, seems to believe is that the Knight of the Laughing Tree is Lyanna Stark. And while there is some evidence in the book that it could be her, in typical GRRM fashion, he seems to avoid outright stating it.

2. WHAT IS THE TRUTH IN REGARDS TO ASHARA DAYNE AND HER STORY?
There is a ton of mystery surrounding her and a lot of other characters seem to be connected with her untimely demise: Ned Stark, Brandon Stark, Jon Snow, Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy. There’s obviously a lot more to the story than we know and I can’t wait for everything to be revealed.

3. WHAT REALLY HAPPENED BETWEEN RHAEGAR TARGARYEN AND LYANNA STARK?
Again, there are so many theories – and I have my own beliefs regarding them – but I really hope in the future books GRRM comes out with the actual truth.

4. WHAT CAUSED THE TRAGEDY AT SUMMERHALL?
Another story shrouded in mystery and rumors. I’m so interested to know what started the fire and what was actually going on in that castle.

5. WHAT NAME WAS JON SNOW GIVEN AT BIRTH?
I really think this is going to differ from the show. I refuse to believe it’s Aegon; there’s so much foreshadowing in the books that suggests it’ll be Aemon.

6. WHEN WILL THE WINDS OF WINTER BE FINISHED?
I’m going crazy here, and I just started reading the series last year! I can’t imagine how other fans feel that have been waiting even longer than I have.

If you could ask George R. R. Martin anything, what would it be? Is there any author you’d like to sit down and chat with? Tell me in the comments!

REVIEW: A Game of Thrones – George R.R. Martin

Published on November 29, 2017April 17, 2018 by Breanna1 Comment

Title: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)
Author: George R.R. Martin
Rating: ★★★★★

“Let me tell you something about wolves, child. When the snow falls and the white wind blows, the lone wolf dies but the pack survives.”

I went into A Game of Thrones with a lot of hesitation. For years and years, I refused to read the books because I was convinced I would hate them. In addition to multiple POVs, for some reason I was also under the impression that GRRM’s writing was dense and difficult to get through. I had prepared myself to either hate it or struggle to finish it. I’m so happy that not only was I able to read the entire thing, but found myself really enjoying it!

“The cold winds are rising. Summer is at an end, and a winter is coming such as this world has never seen.”

I honestly think the fact that I’m such a huge fan of the TV show really helped me with the book. It was easier to follow along, especially with all the different characters and names that are dropped, and I was already aware of the overall plotline. Reading from the viewpoints of familiar characters was a unique experience. It heightened my love and understanding for some characters (Jon Snow, you angsty bastard) but it also changed my opinion for others. I surprisingly found myself really disliking Catelyn whereas before I was more sympathetic towards her. Having already seen the show also helped me pick up on all the foreshadowing that is present, and there is a lot! Some of which really cemented my own theories that I have for things I believe will be happening/revealed in later books.

“When you play the game of thrones, you win or die.”

I’m glad I gave this series a chance, especially considering the obnoxiously long wait until Season 8. I’ve already bought (and started) A Clash of Kings and I look forward to reading the rest of the series! Hopefully by the time I’m all caught up, GRRM will be releasing The Winds of Winter soon 😉