Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion

This topic is open for discussion of A Dance With Dragons by George R.R. Martin. Be prepared for SPOILERS.

Goodreads Description:
In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance once again--beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has three times three thousand enemies, and many have set out to find her. Yet, as they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.

To the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone--a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge yet. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.

And from all corners, bitter conflicts soon reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all. . . .

Date Chapters Question/Comment person
October 22 - Prologue - Chapter 3 - Lisarenee 
October 23 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 7 - 
October 24 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 11 - 
October 25 - Chapter 12 - Chapter 15 - 
October 26 - Chapter 16 - Chapter 19 - 
October 27 - BREAK 
October 28 - Chapter 20 - Chapter 23 - 
October 29 - Chapter 24 - Chapter 26 - 
October 30 - Chapter 27 - Chapter 30 - 
October 31 - Chapter 31 - Chapter 34 - 
November 1 - BREAK
November 2 - Chapter 35 - Chapter 37 - 
November 3 - Chapter 37 - Chapter 41 - 
November 4 - Chapter 42 - Chapter 45 - 
November 5 - Chapter 46 - Chapter 52 -
November 6 - Break 
November 7 - Chapter 53 - Chapter 56 -
November 8 - Chapter 57 - Chapter 60 -
November 9 - Chapter 61 - Chapter 65 -
November 10 - Chapter 66 - Chapter 68 -
November 11 - Chapter 69 - Epilogue - 

Here are the chapter divisions so we can all stay in sync:

Prologue - pages 1 - 15
Chapter 1 - Tyrion - pages 16 - 30
Chapter 2 - Daenerys - pages 31 - 45
Chapter 3 - Jon - pages 46 - 59
Chapter 4 - Bran - pages 60 - 70
Chapter 5 - Tyrion - pages 71 - 82
Chapter 6 - The Merchant's Man - pages 83 - 94
Chapter 7 - Jon - pages 95 - 111
Chapter 8 - Tyrion - pages 112 - 122
Chapter 9 - Davos - pages 123 - 133 
Chapter 10 – Jon - pages 134 - 147
Chapter 11 – Daenerys - pages 148 - 160
Chapter 12 – Reek - pages 161 - 168
Chapter 13 – Bran - pages 169 - 178
Chapter 14 - Tyrion - pages 179 - 191
Chapter 15 – Davos - pages 192 - 202
Chapter 16 - Daenerys - pages 203 - 217
Chapter 17 – Jon - pages 218 - 231
Chapter 18 – Tyrion - pages 232 - 242
Chapter 19 – Davos - pages 243 - 252
Chapter 20 – Reek - pages 253 - 266
Chapter 21 – Jon - pages 267 - 275
Chapter 22 - Tyrion - pages 276 - 292
Chapter 23 - Daenerys - pages 293 - 305
Chapter 24 – The Lost Lord - pages 306 - 319
Chapter 25 – The Windblown - pages 320 - 331
Chapter 26 – The Wayward Bride - pages 332 - 350
Chapter 27 – Tyrion - pages 351 - 371
Chapter 28 – Jon - pages 372 - 381
Chapter 29 – Davos - pages 382 - 394
Chapter 30 – Daenerys - pages 395 - 406
Chapter 31 - Melisandre - pages 407 - 419
Chapter 32 – Reek - pages 420 - 433
Chapter 33 – Tyrion - pages 434 - 447
Chapter 34 – Bran - pages 448 - 460
Chapter 35 – Jon - pages 461 - 472
Chapter 36 – Daenerys - pages 473 - 483
Chapter 37 – The Prince of Winterfell - pages 484 - 499
Chapter 38 - The Watcher - pages 500 - 513
Chapter 39 – Jon - pages 514 - 523
Chapter 40 – Tyrion - pages 524 - 535
Chapter 41 - The Turncloak - pages 536 - 548
Chapter 42 – The King's Prize - pages 549 - 563
Chapter 43 – Daenerys - pages 564 - 578
Chapter 44 - Jon - pages 579 - 592
Chapter 45 – The Blind Girl - pages 593 - 604
Chapter 46 – A Ghost in Winterfell - pages 605 - 617
Chapter 47 - Tyrion - pages 618 - 631
Chapter 48 – Jaime - pages 632 - 646
Chapter 49 – Jon - pages 647 - 660
Chapter 50 – Daenerys - pages 661 - 672
Chapter 51 - Theon - pages 673 - 686
Chapter 52 – Daenerys - pages 687 - 699
Chapter 53 – Jon - pages 700 - 716
Chapter 54 - Cersei - pages 717 - 729
Chapter 55 – The Queensguard - pages 730 - 740
Chapter 56 – The Iron Suitor - pages 741 - 753
Chapter 57 - Tyrion - pages 754 - 768
Chapter 58 – Jon - pages 769 - 782
Chapter 59 - The Discarded Knight - pages 783 - 792
Chapter 60 – The Spurned Suitor - pages 793 - 800
Chapter 61 – The Griffen Reborn - pages 801 - 813
Chapter 62 - The Sacrifice - pages 814 - 826
Chapter 63 – Victarion - pages 827 - 834
Chapter 64 - The Ugly Little Girl - pages 835 - 847
Chapter 65 – Cersei - pages 848 - 859
Chapter 66 – Tyrion - pages 860 - 871
Chapter 67 - The Kingbreaker - pages 872 - 886
Chapter 68 – The Dragon Tamer - pages 887 - 898
Chapter 69 - Jon - pages 899 - 913
Chapter 70 - The Queen's Hand - pages 914 - 928
Chapter 71 - Daeneyrs - pages 929 - 943
Epilogue - pages 944 - 959 

Questions for prologue - Chapter 3 (Jon)

1) So we finally learn about the wilding killed by Jon in the third book(I think it was the third book). The one we were all sure had turned into an eagle when he died. He is a warg and wargs are skin changers. Able to go from one animal or person to another, thereby able to live indefinitely. What do you think of Lump?

2) Do you think all the Stark siblings are Wargs or only some? Could this mean Sansa could transfer into someone else? We've already seen Bran do it.

3) Tyrion is alive and drinking. Do you think he was starting to get suicidal? Do you think that is why he picked the mushrooms? Do you think serving mushrooms to Tyrion was clever of Illyrio?

4) Thoughts on what Magister Illyrio would use Tyrion for?

5) Do you think Tysha and Tyrion will ever get back together? Can he find her? If she is alive would he still be married to her. If so, does that mean his marriage to Sansa is no longer legit?

6) Yay! Dany's back. How do you think she's faring so far as a ruler?

7) What did you think of the bones the man presented her? Could her dragons have killed a child or are they being framed?

8) This chapter really confused me. This seems to be taking place before the end of the last book. Looks like we'll get a glimpse of what really went on in Jon's brain before he sent Gilly off with the wrong baby.

9) What do you think of Melisandre's interest in Jon Snow? What did you think of her last comment--"Then you know nothing, Jon Snow"?

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 4 (Bran) – Chapter 7 (Jon)

10. Pitiable Bran and his little group. Ghastly weather! And starvation. Terrible way to die. Is Jojen going to make it? And what about Summer’s non-healing wound? How do you feel about Bran warging into Hodor? Poor Hodor is so confused. Anyway, Bran seems to have a better grasp of which reality he is “in” – as it were.

11. What do you think of Coldhands and his spying ravens? Did you expect more indignation out of Bran about the dead followers being men in black? If they were Night’s Watch, who were they? Does anyone still think Coldhands could be Benjen Stark? Meera believes Coldhands is lying to them. Does this bode ill? What about his reveal that his master is the Three-Eyes-Crow – or rather “the last Greenseer.” That he is “Bran’s monster”?

12. So, is the old one-eyed wolf Varamyr Sixskins, from the prologue? If so, what does this mean for Bran? And, will Varamyr be able to warg out of that wolf or is he hopelessly lost in there now?

13. The wolves eating human flesh grossed me out, but I was trying to figure out the identity of the human corpse with the sword in one hand and a leather bound stump for the other. Who was that?

14. Illyrio tells Tyrion about how he and Varys became friends. Did he share everything? Was he truthful? What did you think when learning that paranoid Mad King Aerys is the one who recruited Varys and his little “mice”?

15. Illyrio has piqued Tyrion’s curiosity about Daenerys, but now he is not revealing much. Did you believe him when he said he didn’t expect Dany to survive the Dothraki? Does that imply his plans for her were not a long ranging as I believed? If he is telling the truth, then for whom is all this political maneuvering?

16. This trusted advisor Illyrio speak of, Griff, is really Jon Connington, the former Hand of the King and boyhood friend of Rhaegar Targaryen. Can Tyrion trust him?

17. What did you make of the story of King Hugor Hill? Are there more dragon eggs in Dragonstone? Or some other hidden treasures? If so, what?

18. Man-oh-man! It seems a lot of men want to marry Dany. Do they want her or her dragons, remains the eternal question? What do you think of Quentyn Martell? He is Prince Oberyn Martell’s nephew, right? Given his problems with females, not to mention Dany’s desire to remain single, do you predict he will be successful in his pursuit of Dany’s hand?

19. Did your perception of Quentyn change any after he was in agreement with Gerris about defecting from the Windlblown after signing on?

20. WTH? Why was Jon Snow so harsh with Gilly? Does it take this to “kill the boy” – as Maester Aemon advised – in order to make him into an effective Lord Commander?

21. I must admit, I did like the hanging cum execution of Janos. But what of the Melisandre’s warnings of hidden foes? Should Jon Snow have sent Giant away?

22. Well, King Stannis doesn’t want to listen to Jon Snow in any way, shape, or manner. Can Jon continue to put off signing that paper? For how long? Comments?

22. A bit of overlap here with Sam; still, will they be able to find Valyrian steel elsewhere? Ah! Maybe in Dragonstone?

Questions for Chapters 8 (Tyrion) - 11 (Daenerys)

24) Well now we know what they want Tyrion for. Do you think he'd help Dany against his own family? He does still seem to hold a grudge, but would he totally betray them?

25) We're starting to learn about the Dance of Dragons and now know where the book gets its name. What do you think of about the tale? Do we truly have the full picture of what happened yet?

26) Could Stannis trust the Three Sisters? I believe that is what Davis is trying to do--form an alliance with them or keep them loyal? I'm a bit confused about what is happening in Davos' chapter.-

27) Do you think Stannis can win the wildlings to his cause?

28) That darn Dornish song is back. Why? There must be some significance to it.

29)What do you think of the horn being burned and Mance being killed?

30) Seems like Jon is having second thoughts about taking Stannis up on his offer to take his father's name and lands.

31) Being in charge of the wall seems like a lonely position.

32) Do you think Dany will open the fighting pits?

33) What do you think she'll do about her dragons? What do you think she should do?

Questions for Chapters 12 (Reek) through Chapter 15 (Davos)
May I just say that I miss Brienne, Jamie and Cersei?
34. Did anyone suspect the real identify of “Reek” in this chapter?

35. This chapter was really high on the “ick” factor. Do you think Theon/Reek has gone crazy? Do you think he has gotten what he deserved? It’s hard to remember everything he did, but taking over Winterfell and killing innocent boys no doubt deserves some sort of consequence. Has he been punished enough?

36. Do you think Lord Ramsay has good intentions toward Reek, considering the hell he has put him through? Why do you think he asked Reek to be his wedding attendant?

37. Oh my! When the fake Arya arrives, will Reek rat her out or hold his tongue?

38. The Ranger tells Bran & co. that the caves are warded so the wights cannot pass. Meer asks him, “What about you?” He answers, “The cave is warded” implying he cannot pass either. So, we have suspected up until now that this person is not human, now we know for sure. We just don’t know what he is exactly. Not a wight, surely?


39. Bran enters Hodor’s body to fight the wights. This didn’t bother me as much as the time he entered Hodor before. What did you think?

40. Thoughts on the Little Woman and the Greenseer? Is she really more than 200 years old?

41. Any idea why the Greenseer has been watching Bran his whole life? When he says Bran will fly, does he mean on dragons? I hope so! I can totally see Bran and Tyrion riding the dragons!

42. In Tyrion’s chapter, he thinks a lot about history, especially about dragons. I suspect it could be foreshadowing that he’ll play a role with Dany and her dragons. They better get a move on. This book is already dragging! 10 pages of Tyrion eating biscuits and watching a naked septa swim. Must we wait until the next book for Tyrion to meet Dany?

43. When the giant turtle makes an appearance, Tyrion thinks Gods and wonders always appear to attend the birth of kings. What does this mean? Does he think someone on their boat will be a King? Is there a King being born somewhere? I felt this could be significant but I had no idea what it meant. (Incidentally, I am still holding on to hope that Dany’s baby is still alive somewhere).

44. Well, Davos is on his way to see Manderley. *sigh* BUT….just maybe… Cersei was lying about Manderley killing Davos, or she was misinformed. Interesting to hear how people are talking about Dany and her dragons.

Questions for Chapter 16 (Daenerys) through Chapter 19 (Davos)

45. Do you agree with Dany’s decision to wait longer to return to Westeros?


46. Why does Dany not trust Xaro Xhoan Daxos? Do you think he’s working for her enemies?

47. Does anyone understand the bloody glove? Dany says it means war…war with whom?

48. Jon Snow gives Stannis battle advice, and even tells him where to find 3000 more fighters. Doesn’t this go against his vow to not take sides? Do you think by sending him to find the 3000 fighters he’s just trying to get Stannis out of his hair for awhile?

49. What do you think will happen with Melisandre, since she’s staying at the Wall? And how will they feed all those Wildlings??

50. Speaking of Melisandre, what’s up with the ruby on Rattleshirt’s wrist? She controls him with it? Weird.

51. OK, now I feel dumb. Am I the only one who didn’t figure out the mystery of Young Griff? Now I understand the “kings are born” remark (question 43). I need to pay more attention! I did think the kid was unusually well-educated for a sellsword’s son. I must say this is a clever plot twist by GRRM.

52. Have we seen the last of Tyrion? I’m guessing not. (I haven’t peeked ahead at the chapters)

53. Did you get the feeling that Manderley and his family are afraid of the Freys and Lannisters? Wylla was the only one brave enough to speak the truth. Davos is sentenced to death, but will he really die?

Lisa Kay’s Questions for Chapters 20 (Reek) to 23 (Daenerys)

54. Ick. What a chapter. Everyone is insane, not even bordering on insanity. They’ve all crossed over into it, not just Theon/Reek. The Ironmen don’t bury their dead & they’re eating them? Comments.

This was so brutal. The Ironmen leaders must have realized that leaving that castle unprotected would be deadly. So why did they? Were they trying on purpose to get rid of the men there?

55. Geez, I had to look up who Victarion was when I heard his name. I’ve forgotten so much; how do people do this with years between books? Way too many characters to think about!

56. So, Theon/Reek recognized Jeyne Poole and it almost sent him over the edge even further, if that is possible. Will he do anything about it? Is there any chance that Theon/Reek will come back from this brainwashing? I think if Theon wants to stay alive he'd best keep his mouth shut. I hope he is rescued. I am feeling sorry for him.

57. Is Ramsay’s insane casual cruelty to the prisoners going to come back to haunt him? When people find out that surrendering is a worse fate than fighting to death in an honorable battle? I am wondering if his father approves of his actions. I think eventually Ramsay will get his just desserts. Seems like all the "bad guys" eventually are punished in this series.

58. What is your impression of Bowen Marsh? When his own effort to be voted the new Lord Commander, he supported Janos Slynt. I’m worried about Jon Snow. What did Jon Snow mean by telling him that Lord Commander Mormont was killed by his own black brothers? Does this mean he is becoming more cautious? I think he knows he has enemies within the Night's Watch.

59. What did you think about Jon Snow telling the men they could fight for the Watch, but didn’t have to don the black? Is this a wise decision? I don't think it was unwise. He needs bodies, but they don't need to be sworn brothers. I'm a little worried about the women and children though.

60. What is the significance of the Thenns, the ferocious wilding warriors, leaving and not taking any food? Not sure...they can hunt their own food? They want to be self-sufficient?

61. Yay, Tyrion is alive! Okay, I check Wiki Ice again and Aegon/young Griff is one year older than Jon Snow. You’d never know it by his maturity in losing at cyvasse. I know he has been sheltered, but still. And why is Tyrion giving him advice? I thought he was going to go to Dany? Right, I thought he was in his early teens, or even younger. I believe the plan is to go to Dany. Tyrion thinks it may be more effective for him to go to Westeros, and that will lure Dany back.

62. Speaking of which… to which queen is Tyrion going to be delivered? (And Jorah Mormont is seeking out whores that look like Dany. What is the significance of that?) I don't recall anything about Jorah looking for whores? As to which Queen, I hope it's Dany but it's probably Cersei.

63. WTH? Do you think Dany is seriously considering marrying Hizdahr zu Loraq? Will he be able to bring peace for 90 days? I think Dany is in a very tough spot and she has no idea what to do. The only advisor I trust is Berristan Selmy. I don't think she would actually marry Hizdahr.

64. And she is lusting after Daario? Whoa! Isn’t he proposing he own brand of a Red Wedding? (BTW, what a way to tell if someone is lying! Yikes.) At least she banned him from her presence. Comments. I expected Dany to jump on him, after all the prep she went through to see him. LOL I think Dany would ahve no problem killing the Harpies if she knew for sure who they were. Problem is she doesn't know and doesn't want to kill innocents, especially children. I believe she banished Daario because she doesn't trust herself with him.

65. Which prophesy is right? The one made by Galazza Gahare, the Green Grace, or the one from Qaithe? I have no clue!

Questions for Chapter 24 (The Lost Lord)- Chapter 26(The Wayward Bride)

66) So Griff thinks Tyrion set up his own escape. Interesting. So no help from them.

67) So the prince is going to follow Tyrion's advice. Was the advice wise or setting the small prince up for failure?

68) It would seem that many people now know about Prince Aegeon. How fast do you think word will spread? When will they wash the blue hair dye out?

69) What do you think of all the rumors being spread about Dany? Unbelievable. Some are actually kind of sickening.

70) Looks like Connington has the grey scale disease. Was that from fishing Tyrion out or from something else?

71) Do you think Quentyn even stands a chance with Dany?

72) Do you think Dany will survive with so many enemies? Do you think she should flee to Westeros or take a husband? For some strange reason the song 'I will survive' keeps dancing through my head for Dany.

73) Quentyn has taken up with the tattered king. Interesting. Is this a wise or stupid thing?

74) What do you think of the tattered king's plan to infiltrate Dany's stronghold?

75) In the past books I thought Dany was a kick @ass sort of person. Now she's just seemingly week. Why do all GRRM's woman have to end up being week?

76) What did you think of the scene with Qarl and Asha? I thought she was being raped but by the end I guess not. Very strange scene.

77) So did Asha get married without a ceremony? Her uncle just declared her wed?

78) What did you think of Bolton's letter to Asha? Was it her brother's skin?

79) Who attacked Asha's castle?

80) Did Asha survive and, if so, what will happen to her?

Reserved

I will be dividing up the chapters shortly. What should we put at as a start date? Any thoughts on how many pages/chapters we should read for this one? Should we go with 2 or 4 chapters a day? 50 or 100 pages per day?

For me, it would be best to start after October 4.
I think 50 a day would be reasonable. 100 may be tough for me.

I'm doing three or four, need to check, buddy read this month so 50 is good.

FYI: I am now "patron 4 of 8" on the library reserve list, with 3 copies available.

Getting closer, Lisa Kay!
I am looking forward to this book, but will be a little bummed when it's over since the next book probably won't be out until, what, 2015?

Really!

Sandy, Since it looks like only 3 of us are continuing should we wait for Lisa to get her book? I'm working on the chapter divisions. Seems like they're smaller than the last book.

Sorry, just checked my status on the library site and it hasn't changed. I totally understand if you go on without me. Up to all of you.

I have no problem at all waiting. :-)

Let us know when you get your copy.

Okay, I'll check everyday and keep you posted. I hope you ladies are fine with it not happening this month. Check out periods can be up to 21 days.

I don't mind. I have plenty to read in the meantime.

Question, will we still begin the new series read in November, even if we're not finished with ADWD?

Yes.

My status still hasn't changed. :(

Are you waiting for the audio version? Did you listen to the previous books? I don't think I could follow the story if I was listening. I had to re-read a lot!

I am going to try the audioversion, Sandy. I think you may be right, but the text "library hold list" is in the hundreds. You and Lisarenee will probably have to straighten me out. Especially with names. I ususally need to see those in print. Maybe Shelfari will be able to help me out.

I am now patron 2 out of 8.

You moved up 2 spots in 1 week!

Yeah. The library has three copies. Just checked my status again and it is unchanged.

Game of Thrones Casting news!

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/10/10/gam...

Thanks, Sandy! BTW, my status is unchanged.

That's ok, I'm in the middle of 7 books right now. :-)

SEVEN! Whoa! You have me beat. I go a little crazy at more than 4.

Yeah, I get a little carried away. I tend to finish one and then start two more.

I've had a cold; I don't know how many I tried to start and didn't continue. I think I had about 5 opened at one time and laying about the bed... terrible to feel terrible.

Oh, no! Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks, I'm better, but I say that every day. I don't think I've ever slept so much with a cold. But maybe that was just b/c I'm worried about completing my challenges.

I was in photobucket when I saw you were sick.

Oh, thank you, Lisarenee. I love it! ☺ I need some tea like that.

I am now patron 2 out of 9, so someone jumped on the band wagon.

No change in status today.

Yeah! My ship came in. Or should I say book? No, maybe dragon. Anywayz... I have been downloading the audiobook to my iPod/Touch all night since just after midnight. Wow! This sucker is almost 49 hours long and is taking about 10 mins to download for every hour of audio. So, it should be done in 8 hours and 16 minutes from start.

Thought it best to have on my iPod/Touch in case we go over 21 days.

YAY!!!!!!!
:-)

:-)

Here's hoping ADWD is better than AFFC!
You'll have to share what the audio is like.
I've never been able to really get into audio books. I have tried, but my mind tends to wander!

If I wander, you two will have to set me staight. I got confused with the printed word in this series as it was, LOL!

Hey guys I've been under the weather. Went to emergency room Thursday night/Wednesday morning and still not doing well. Had pain from chest that wrapped around back, but majority was in back. Heart is okay, but they think I pulled or tore something. When I went to doctor on Fiday they said I have an infection to boot - bladder or urinary. Anyway Satudauy I got a killer headache and could keep no food down. Yesterday started feeling better, but back pain came back in lower back. Latter the pain Deirdre to mid back. Today I feel nausea and very weak. How long do you have the audio? Sorry about the typos typing on my iPad and am to sick to feel up to fixing them right now.

Oh my gosh, Lisarenee, I wish you a speedy recovery!

Good Lord, Lisarenee! Please take care of yourself and get better soon. Not to worry about me. I'm downloading it to my iPod/Touch and it won't go away until I delete it myself. So we can delay starting this one until you are in the pink.

BTW, have they ruled out kidney stones? Or anything kidney related besides urinary infection?

It is amazing the number of people who come into the hospital with a UTI. I think there is a correlation.

Eek! I didn't have something matching on my import setting and have to start over. Luckily, it is supposed to take 2.5 times faster to download. **sigh**

Lisa Kay, are you sure you'll still have the book after 21 days? My library books I transferred to my Nook and computer have automatically deleted when the checkout time expired. Maybe your library system is different?

Sandy, I checked with a couple of people and they said no. Plus, as a precaution, I don't plan on synching the device (iPod to computer) until after the book is finished.

Excellent! :-)