Tag: george r r martin

#SixforSunday: Questions for George R.R. Martin

Published on 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 by Breanna1 Comment

985873Title: 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 😉

The New York Times “By the Book” Tag

Published on by BreannaLeave a comment

I’ve been itching to do another book tag, especially since I’ve been in such a reading slump lately, and the first few questions really caught my eye! I first saw this tag on Thrice Read’s blog a while ago and it seemed really fun!

WHAT BOOK IS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND RIGHT NOW?

Well, technically, my Kindle is on my nightstand. But I’m currently reading The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding by Alexandra Bracken and Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff. Like I said, I’ve been in a reading slump lately so I’ve been really unmotivated to read anything, which is a shame because my ARCs are starting to pile up. 

WHAT WAS THE LAST TRULY GREAT BOOK YOU READ?

The Dark of the Moon by E.S. Bell was the last book I gave five stars to. Not only that, but I wrote a pretty long review gushing all about it which is pretty telling about my feelings for a book. 

IF YOU COULD MEET ANY WRITER – DEAD OR ALIVE – WHO WOULD IT BE? AND WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW?

This is one of the questions that drew me to this tag. Without a doubt, George R. R. Martin. SPOILERS to those who haven’t watched season 7 of Game of Thrones yet! There are quite a few questions I would like to pick Mr. Martin’s brain about, but mostly: please, please tell me Jon’s real name is not actually Aegon in the books 😒. Also, Jonsa is totally going to happen, right?!

WHAT BOOKS MIGHT WE BE SURPRISED TO FIND ON YOUR SHELF?

Okay, because I’m a huge nerd, I actually have a two different bookshelves. I have my regular bookshelves and then I have a smaller bookshelf which is where I keep all my “nonfiction” books. Mostly, it’s made up of textbooks I’ve kept over the years and a whole ton of books about different world mythologies/folklore. 

HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE YOUR PERSONAL LIBRARY?

I like things to be neat and orderly, so my books are all in alphabetical order by author. 

WHAT BOOK HAVE YOU ALWAYS MEANT TO READ AND HAVEN’T GOTTEN AROUND TO YET?

There are a few books that would fit to answer this question, but I think I’ll go with The Zookeeper’s Wife by Diane Ackerman. I’ve started it so many times but can never seem to get past the first chapter.

DISAPPOINTING, OVERRATED, JUST NOT GOOD: WHAT BOOK DID YOU FEEL YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO LIKE BUT DIDN’T?

Hmm. If anyone has ever ventured onto my Tumblr, it’s quite clear how I feel about the Throne of Glass/A Court of Thorns and Roses books. I’ll just keep it simple and say Sarah J. Maas’ books are not for me (anymore). 

WHAT KIND OF STORIES ARE YOU DRAWN TO? ANY YOU STAY CLEAR OF?

I’m definitely drawn to YA/Adult Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Historical Romance. I also love a good mythology/fairy-tale retelling. I try to stay away from contemporary, although there are a good number that I’ve really enjoyed. There are certain tropes, though, that I’m a sucker for that will make me pick up a book. 

IF YOU COULD REQUIRE THE PRESIDENT TO READ ONE BOOK, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

There are so many different ways to answer this question but I don’t feel like being too political so I’m just going to skip it. 

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO READ NEXT?

Oh gosh, there are so many books downloaded on my Kindle right now. I’ll probably read Warcross by Marie Lu since I won a copy of the book and I can’t wait for it!

If anyone else decides to participate in this tag, post a link in the comments, I want to read your answers! I would also love to hear any ideas on how to get out a reading slump! It’s been months and this is the longest slump I’ve ever been in.