Tyrion, whole arch. Completely stole the show, I thought. He took on the same role as Arya in Storm, or Brienne in Feast, but in a completely different world. And he was perfect for it. This is the character who wanted to follow in the footsteps of his missing uncle and see the lands across the narrow sea, and who went to the wall because it was there, but had never been allowed to leave Westeros. I loved seeing the journey and sights slowly brought him back, and how we saw how horrible and cruel the lands of Essos could be. In a way, hes the moral compass of the entire story he reminds us of whats at stake should Dany leave the bay to the slavers.
Theon, whole arch. Amazing writing. Also a slow recovery story, but in much more dramatic terms. Ramsay did not need to be solidified as much more of a villain, but bloody hell, mission accomplished. GRRMs love of repetitive thoughts (rhymes with ___ and remember your name) were much more powerful here than they typically are, as they give us an up close look at Theons mindfuck. I am probably more inclined to be sympathetic to Theon anyway, as Ive always found him more pitiful than villainous. It was lovely to see him slowly remember who he was, albeit sad and painful. Also Mances elite spearwife storm troopers were kind of awesome.
Jon Snow, final chapter. This one was satisfying because you could feel the noose slipping around him the entire book. He really wasnt often wrong (though his plan to lead an expedition to hardhome was probably too ambitious), but he pushed too hard, too soon, and had too few allowances for the men who werent able to move at his speed. Marsh and Yarwick were good men, as he said, yet he did nothing to make it appear as though he may think of them that way. Sent away his friends, took in the wildlings too quickly, walked to close to the line to Stannis, and jumped over it with his last act. It was still kind of shocking, though he should have known better. Really, from the second Ramsays letter arrived, this chapter has you on tilt.
The wolves. Arya, Bran, and Manderly. Aryas and Brans chapters were obvious deeper glimpses into the complexity of the world weve seen hints about since GOT. Wyman Manderly
the north remembers. He and Doran Martell would be great friends, I think.
Aegon VI. As stupid as I thought the baby Aegon theories were, I really liked this kid. We spend all this time thinking about Danys Targaryen invasion, and here we have another play hidden all along. I dont recall Dorans exact words, but it was something like we princes make such plans, and the gods make cruel japes of them all. But the truth is, I like the Gold Company, I like Connington, and I like baby Aegon. I wish the best. I also love that at the end of the say, were still ultimately just watching the schemes of Varys and Littlefinger.
