A Song of Ice and Fire (books 1-5) | Review + Discussion

Click "SHOW MORE" for more info :)
► Support my channel on PATREON:
/ impressionblend
► WHERE ELSE TO FIND ME:
LETTERBOXD - letterboxd.com/...
INSTAGRAM - / impressionblend
THREADS - www.threads.ne...
GOODREADS - / impressionblend
WEBSITE - www.impressionb...
Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored. All images are copyright material of their respective owners. Some of the links are affiliate links.
BOOKS MENTIONED
A Game of Thrones
Amazon: amzn.to/1LzzZQc
Book Depository: bit.ly/1bRVFto
A Clash of Kings
Amazon: amzn.to/1cbHakf
Book Depository: bit.ly/1EF6QRl
A Storm of Swords
Amazon: amzn.to/1BNrbil
Book Depository: bit.ly/1HERqMl
A Feast for Crows
Amazon: amzn.to/1HBPDJq
Book Depository: bit.ly/1T8H9wC
A Dance with Dragons
Amazon: amzn.to/1tChiU1
Book Depository: bit.ly/22gun5k

[@ImpressionBlend]

ABOUT "SKIPPING" BOOK ONE: You guys... Years later people are still losing their minds over the whole "skip book one" thing :) Let me reitterate, because I feel like some are just reading top comments, and not actually hearing what I said in context: I said I still recommend reading the ENTIRE book series, and my comment about MAYBE (!!!) skipping book one was just for a specific group of people who are after major differences between TV show and books, and find reading five giant novels intimidating. I did NOT say that you straight up don't need to read AGoT, that's just silly because AGoT is amazing :)

[@hakimrabhi9665]

how much time did u take to finish each one of the books ?

[@liz6595]

Why would someone read fantasy if they had a problem with big novels

[@MrHenrytc]

If they skip book one because they have a problem reading 5 giant books what makes you think they will read the rest of the books which are even bigger than the first one?

[@danielshuter3737]

Hello my Daniel I full this books season Vers I like new arts don't mind this book i others George RR Martin some thing to now , from Daniel 👍

[@danielshuter3737]

In book ice and free just now thing in books season next book I think vary one to you now from Daniel

[@anobjectiveninja]

Please don't skip Book 1 if you're getting into the series. Ned's dreams are far too important to be ignored.

[@kingjeffry6125]

The 2nd book is my favorite, but book One is super important.

[@PercNowitzki913]

The books explain so much plot holes from the tv series as well

[@alexmooney388]

Best book in the series for me

[@chrisn.5496]

Brans visions and his warging. The Stark children's relationships with their direwolves. Daenerys and her dragon dreams and connection to fire. Basically every fantasy element that was downplayed in the show.

[@naziahumaira7437]

Guess what i did? the exact thing, i tried skipping the first book because i thought that if i watched season 1, it would be fine, but it was not. i couldnt understand a thing in the 2nd one. Regrets!

[@MrHenrytc]

How can you say "skip book 1" ? Ned's chapters are way too important.

[@leon1234578]

If you watched the tv show first, you can skip the first book

[@MrHenrytc]

+leon1234578 i know but i wouldnt recommend that bc the first book is one of the best and george explains what every character thinks and in a tv show you dont see that

[@MoejiiOsmanTV]

the first season of GOT was word for word done from the first book so if u watched season 1 u can skip GOT...u can watch youtube videos of Neds fever dream bcuz thats the only thing missing from season 1 of GOT but after that u have to read the books starting with A CLash of Kings..Feast for Crows is the best book of ALL 5

[@kaywop7582]

+Moejii Osman BOI Feast for crows was the most boring book of all !

[@yrtzscbr]

+leon1234578 in the series we don't really know much about nymieria, whilst in the book we do. I consider that to be important. Plus other little things that don't appear in the series but in the book are important (?

[@MrMusicM67]

I don't enjoy reading and I've never read that big of a book. That being said, I purchased all the released book and read them twice. Also book 1 is the MOST important. There are so may little things that deal with later events in the series. Especially in Ned's chapters!.

[@ImpressionBlend]

MrMusicM67 I clearly need to re-read Ned's dreams-it's been so long, I don't remember that much about them.

[@Mieknara]

+Impression Blend Thanks to KZbin's suggested viewing, found this channel. Watched the season 5 reviews and enjoyed them. Yeah, go back to books and 1 and 2. There's a lot of dreams/prophecies (which the TV show has made a deliberate choice NOT to do until the opening of season 5) that will now pop out as having come true (such as Milesandre's competing visions revealed to Stannis about Renly.) Since the books and show are mostly caught up (book 4/5 riverlands and greyjoy storylines that were skipped coming in season 6?), reviewers can do some comparisons about choices being made in TV show adapting. Tyrion meeting up with Danny and replacing Selmey, that's OK. But how did Dorne go so wrong after Oberyn...Doran Martel--great. The rest...Like you and other reviewers, I'm not a book purist, but please make the changes make sense D&D.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Mieknara Welcome to my channel :) I'm with you, I'm on board with changes when it comes for adaptations as long as they make sense. I'm actually very interested in what Tyrion and Varys will be up to together at Meereen-I love their dynamic together. But Dorne... just WHY?!

[@Mieknara]

In one way, I was sad to see Varys show up. They had done a great job of "losing" him (people were actually asking, "where is he?") and it would have been such a great moment to show up like he does in the books. So they kind of wasted a huge "gasp" moment in the TV show as the other pieces from that point in the book are now in place.

[@MultiFlori100]

+Impression Blend You know what an incredible detail is? Latter in the books Tyrion always sings a melody,and in the first or second jon snow chapter in GoT,when he talks with Tyrion outside the hall,it is sai: And he went away humming a melody. It was THAT melody he sand with Tysha... mindblowing

[@UnknownSoldier1917]

I agree with everything you said EXCEPT I think you should definitely NOT skip book 1

[@ImpressionBlend]

Well no, I don't think you should skip book one. I just meant that if you're REALLY trying to just get through the plot-the first season of the show is very close to the first book. But of course, I suggest reading the entire series.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

I absolutely love how you talked so eloquently about the series and didn't have to stop to edit your video every 5 seconds like 99 percent of other youtubers.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Thank you :)

[@justApigeon.]

“hopefully soon.” Laughs in 2019

[@ImpressionBlend]

LOL about that...

[@Ignisan_66]

Hopefuly Winds will come out in 2020.

[@sweetl8687]

@@Ignisan_66 will hopefully we will not laugh on that on 2021

[@dhavaldesai6202]

It's 30 th April 2020 he promised in June in new Zealand.

[@manpq670]

@@dhavaldesai6202 well...

[@pubixcube27]

Oh damn, the greatest series written in all of fiction.

[@watercolours798]

ehhh Lord of the Rings was my favorite thing in the whole world all through my childhood but now that I'm recently an adult I strongly believe A Song of Ice and Fire is superior, for adults atleast. It's so much more fascinating and developed IMO.

[@laujack24]

Boom Ol try wheel of time

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

C B Butthurt Lord of The Rings fan. Crybaby.

[@BiteThis]

@C B LOTR was a bit too Disney superhero for me, even the Silmarillion, not to say that I didn't enjoy it. I really enjoy GRRM's take on good and evil with most characters being gray, and the "good" characters not always being the victors, in contrast to Tolkien. Tolkien created modern fantasy which he will always be praised for, but just cause a guy created the first hamburger, doesn't mean it tastes the best.

[@grail__knight3872]

@C B Lord of the rings is too light and cheery and all of the characters live! I even though I'm a fan it's still too cheery and it doesn't get me on the edge unlike a song of ice and firr

[@carterdahl9654]

"Hopefully we get the next book soon." *Laughs in George R R Martin*

[@FrankiePicks77]

I saw the year of this video and I started laughing

[@armstrongcanon7833]

Where is elden ring george?

[@InJouHande]

Still laughing...

[@soutrikpal3466]

Hurts

[@aathifabdulla3433]

@@soutrikpal3466 troo

[@TheLaguli]

For me a Feast for Crows was the best one until now of the series. Because of all the política inside it and how all the things that happen in that boom get you totally excited for The Winds of Winter. And I enjoyed the Greyjoy Storyline the most of all. Ir was to me just great. There are too many misteries, well, new misteries set up in this book and I really enjoyed the Ending.

[@ImpressionBlend]

+TheLaguli Interesting! I have to say, I'm not the biggest fan of the Greyjoy storyline, but I know a lot of people enjoy it. One of the best things about this series is that there is something for everyone :)

[@moekamil1613]

This series of books are the first books i read in my life lol.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Wow, that's a nice starting point for reading!

[@therealjesus1317]

Same

[@anshagarwal7618]

Same here man.

[@ablebasher17]

You are so beautiful!

[@asadhussain2348]

How much time it take to u to complete all 5-6 books

[@alvinyeejia]

3:07 "the third book a clash of kings"

[@tusharmusale8739]

陈奕嘉 a Storm of swords

[@dikalannister6634]

陈奕嘉 hahahaha

[@NighthawkX02]

陈奕嘉 Yeah, wtf, I'm new with the books and I'm trying to understand and know what are the best books and she makes that mistake? She's confusing me even more

[@ahmadkhalid6293]

I've decided to read the books after watching this video. Such a great channel! Thank you very much!

[@007robotchicken]

I quite like the second book, personally. It's not as action packed as the first, but it's far from boring.

[@capgangchannel6309]

007robotchicken me to everybody thinks its the worst but i think its better then dwd and ffc

[@turtleanton6539]

1-3 is the best

[@thefilmeffect6089]

1. A Storm Of Swords 2. A Dance With Dragons 3. A Feast For Crows 4. A Clash Of Kings 5. A Game Of Thrones

[@lispuhizamustafa763]

@@thefilmeffect6089 Yes, I honestly enjoyed A Clash of Kings more than A Game of Thrones. Waiting for the 6th book.......

[@Hahaa99]

Hopefully Winds Of Winter will be released before 2030

[@ReadwithStefani]

You convinced me. I'm going to read these books. I was hesitant because of the size but I won't let it intimidate me no more :D

[@rollercoaster478]

Curious Daisy its not like you have to read them A-Z. Read one, let it sink in, then continue ;) Also, ASOIAF is such an effortless read, you wont even notice that the day has passed and its dark outside :D

[@therabbi9848]

If you don't have much time, try the audiobooks. That way you can get work done while listening to it. Actually made my 5 hour drive to school very pleasant.

[@zaril21]

+The False Rabbi I'm not able to focus on the book at all when listening to audiobooks. I just start thinking about other things when i don't have the words right in front of me.

[@Leno-bg8sc]

Aegon "Targaryen" is the Mummer's Dragon Danny was warned of in the house of the undying - Varys being the mummer. He will turn out to be a Blackfyre.

[@saxbend]

I wouldn't call Ramsay morally ambiguous. Or Samwell.

[@reeflarkin1919]

I highly recommend you (and anyone reading this comment) look into the theories and videos on the channel 'Preston Jacobs'. His theories are awesome and add so many layers to this rich story. They also helped me understand the storylines a lot more but revisiting things I missed. Also, to show watchers: he has videos called 'what you are missing' that look at each episode of the show and discuss it with information from the books. I'm sad you don't like the Greyjoy storyline but Jon and Jaime

[@rollercoaster478]

Alex Wood I am in love with his channel :D

[@Mieknara]

+Alex Wood I like a lot of his stuff, too. (And the sarcasm in many of the season 5 videos are funny and on point.) Some of the problems, however, are some real leaps of logic that make assumptions which is probably overthinking it.

[@rollercoaster478]

Mieknara if the video seems like overthinking, then remember that ''he is probably wrong about half of this stuff''. Its just for fun ;)

[@Mieknara]

Oh, don't get me wrong. It's quite entertaining. Just hoping we get rewarded with book 6 before season 6 as we sat on Jon Snow's death for four years for the tv-only viewers. :)

[@atro-city]

+Alex Wood His ability to look through the series is remarkable, seems like he has lost count of how many times he has read them, and also, I think he makes notes while reading.

[@SumDumGy]

Six years later... May as well abandon all hope this series will ever be completed. Fans will be lucky enough to see the next book published, but I wouldn’t count on it. Martin prioritizes everything else in his life, even the things that don’t yet exist, far more than he does writing this book series. I am so glad I decided not to start it until it was completed.

[@Alice-me2qk]

So, you haven't read the books?

[@catelyntully9494]

I really love Melissandre post Dance with Dragons, something about her point of view made me open my eyes and see her diferent and i loved it. I want to mention that aSoIaF was my first fantasy saga and belive me when i say im obsesed with it, every day i think about it, even if i read other books its maybe because it just fit so well with me. George mentioned that Brienne sreamed "sword". Lady Stoneheart debut was an explosion to my mind, i loved Catelyn (as you can see still Bran is my fav) and saw her back was kinda sad for me, but i was excited at the same time i was happy and scared really scared

[@Striker163videos]

If I'm ranking the books 1. A Storm of Swords 2. A Game of Thrones 3. A Dance With Dragons 4. A Clash With Kings 5. A Feast For Crows

[@playermartin286]

yes exactly!

[@barkley8285]

Striker163 1. Lord of the rings 2. The hobbit 3. The silmarillion

[@UnknownGunslinger]

I disagree a bit about recommending the books to someone who has never read epic fantasy before. I don't like epic fantasy myself. I've read Lord of the Rings and Hobbit and most of the Conan books and Ive tried reading some other series but I never got into them. Fantasy can be lazy and bloated and poorly written. Song of Ice and Fire is different and as a fan of history and good writing I enjoyed it immensely! If you've never read Epic fantasy I would still recommend you give the books a try because they bridge the gap between fantastically.

[@dikalannister6634]

Ivo Sotirov well said, finally

[@ladyashleytheironunderneat5363]

Ivo Sotirov couldn't have written that sentiment better, myself. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy. I loved Ursula le Guinn, I adored her writing. I also loved a series called Moon Flash, about the riverworld & the domeworld... can't remember who wrote those, boy changed my life & outlook on the world. I like fantasy, but never read a ton of it. This, Asoiaf, imo is something else. It's an epic shot us. It's eerily familiar. She's no idea what she's talking about! Those of us who have been reading these for years... feel very differently about them. I couldn't say which is my fav... but for AGoT. "How ppl fight abt these things..." seven hells. How do i have 500 subs, when she has this many? Bc I cover mythology and ancient history. I don't regurgitate what I, personally, feel about GRRM'S writing. It's a world apart from every other author. Anne Rice is one of my favorite author of historical fiction. When it gets slow...that's when you have up "look closer."

[@CoolAsianGuy]

Lotr and the hobbit is anything but poorly written lol. Tolkien spent his time learning language. He was a linguistic and philologist at Oxford. What makes him stands out from other is his high class, elegant poetic and lyrical writing. That's the selling point of his books. Tolkien books doesn't have the best plot or characters, but sure they have the most beautiful writing. So beautiful that the story telling itself is their selling point rather than the plots or characters. Nobody writes likes tolkien

[@wormfuneral]

5 years ago: “until we get the next book which is hopefully soon” Sad

[@philipjohn1254]

'Until we get the next book which is hopefully soon.' *Sees video is 5 years old.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Don't even get me started >.

[@crystalsingh7325]

"Hopefully soon". 2021 and the next book is nowhere in sight💀😅🤣

[@magdalenk9656]

I'm always surprised when I hear that people don't like the 4th book. Every time I read the books I zoom right through A Feast for Crows. But the first few chapters of A Dance with Dragons are always a struggle.

[@Sasuke-ss1tf]

Yup same for me, I finished affc like 5x faster than all the other books

[@PrashantKumar-rn1ey]

Wow it’s crazy that I was just 14 yrs old 10 yrs ago and now I will start my journey to read ASOIAF books beginning right from Fire & Blood. I was gifted this book set on my 19th birthday ! You must have aged a decade waiting for The Winds of Winter. Now younger generation has started reading GOT but no sight of 6th book yet 😵‍💫

[@Amateur_Pianist_472]

I've started to read the first book and I was complaining about the lack of detail in food, clothes and landscape. I can't wait to read detail.

[@marcelodias1167]

I read the 3 books also, and I felt strongly overwhelmed sometimes because of the number of characters. When you spend a long time without a POV of some character, you usually have to go back to remember some points. But for me, the books are amazing, much better than the series

[@Mahmoud1987Hamada]

I think winds of winter will be out in conjunction with house of the dragon show

[@ImpressionBlend]

Pffft if it ever comes out now I'll be shocked. I've given up lol

[@deathbyseatoast8854]

"5 years!" "winds of winter will be out with season 6" "uh. . . season 8 is when it will release!" when will people learn.

[@jamesedward3619]

0:26 Oh, my sweet summer child...

[@charlottes6512]

“until we get the next book which is hopefully soon” 2020: ...

[@nonedone]

2021......

[@desireandfire]

@@nonedone it's not gonna be released this year but i think soon... maybe 2022

[@nonedone]

@@desireandfire Ugh oh...I meant 2021 is also passing by...like few dots after 2021..... (In continuation to the main reply which is - 2020:....)

[@johnnycool4549]

I read to my mother, and have voices for each main character. She actually likes the second book better than the first. She felt it was less of an introduction and more interesting. I don't see why people think the second book is slow and boring.

[@maryhough8041]

“Which is hopefully soon.” *video posted 6 years ago*

[@redmilo92]

Sorry for spamming your comment section but... My top 10 characters (who are still alive as far as we know) 1: Brienne 6: Tyrion 2: Jaime 7: Davos 3: Sansa 8: Arianne 4: Jon S 9: Barristan 5: Samwell 10: Asha (the only Greyjoy I care anything for other than Theon) Honourable mentions to Val, Dany and Theon On the *SPOILERS* section of the video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHbZYZ-pl7Fphq8 - Jon Snow will be back, and the prologue provides us big clues, as does Melisandre's POV chapter - 'Now he was a man, now a wolf, now a man again' I would recommend looking into various things regarding the Pink Letter as there's a fair bit of doubt about whether it was even penned by Ramsay (I've seen Stannis, Mel, Theon and Mance all floated as alternative candidates - not sure which I believe - it's the second to last section here: bryndenbfish.wordpress.com/2013/10/15/the-grand-rasoiaf-theory-compendium/) George confirmed that Brienne screamed 'sword' at the end of her last POV chapter to save Pod's life. I'm really hoping that Jaime and Brienne both survive the confrontation with the BWB as they're my two favourite characters and the only prospective couple that I really support. I think it's possible she'll warn him or offer to stand for him in a trial by combat - Aemon tells us that 'love is the death of duty'. Brienne already chose love (for Renly) over duty (to Sansa) in the show, maybe she will do the same for Jaime Any thoughts on Quentyn, Davos and the North Remembers?

[@AdrianJames28]

Miles Curtis Watson Yes, I was going to mention the 'Now he was a man, now a wolf, now a man again' thing. So basically, Jon wargs into Ghost (note that his last word was 'Ghost'), then his body get resurrected by Melisandre and he wargs back. Man -> Wolf -> Man again

[@ImpressionBlend]

+A. Z. Hell yea, team Petyr! I actually miss him in the books, I'm glad he is much more present in the show :)

[@lizzyviolet8644]

I would recommend rereading atleast parts of the books, as I found reading them all again gave alot of clarity to the politics, characters' turmoils, prophecies, etc. I know for certain that the first time through, I did find myself skim-reading the slower parts, because I just wanted to know what happened to the characters. You enjoy the 2nd and 4th book alot more the second time. If you don't want to reread the whole lot -and I don't blame you- here are the most noteworthy parts, for theories especially, but it doesn't matter whether you're into that or not: Book 1: Ned's dreams Book 2: House of Undying Book 3: The Ghost of High Heart (when Arya's with the brotherhood without banners) The chapter of Littlefinger and Lysa's marriage Book 4: All Sansa/Alayne chapters (I'm biased cos she's my favourite character, but they are very important anyway) Jaime and Sybell Spicer (Jeyne Westerling's mum) talking The chat between Doran and Arianne Book 5: Aegon and Tyrion's cyvasse game Jon's death

[@ImpressionBlend]

Lizzy Violet That's a great list! I was thinking about revisiting some of these anyways because I definitely feel like I missed some things. I particularly remember very little about Ned's dreams because it's been so long since I've read the first book. Thank you for sharing :)

[@hartjohnson2975]

Lizzy Violet Strongly agree with a reread--I liked them first time through but SO MUCH sunk in on a reread that had flown over my head in my first read but when I had a framework to put things into, they were easier to spot. I also periodically go the "The Citadel" online which lists all the prophecies for all the books. There is one by Melissandre about Jon that I am currently clinging to.

[@kaylalujan1326]

The reason why we begin to love characters we initially didn't like, I think is because we see them in POVs other characters don't like, or do something horrible. Then we learn their back story and why they are the way the are. There are so many other things you begin to notice when you begin a reread of the series. Like Cersei is gaining a lot of weight. Wander Frey used the word Mayhaps, with Robb and Cat. I didn't know Arya warned into a cat, and so many more. And I agree if you really are into the show you will enjoy the series. You get so much history, lore, and insight of the characters and what drives them.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Kayla Lujan I definitely agree with you about Cersei! Though I can't say she's my favorite person, I definitely am more invested in her character since the introduction of her PoV.

[@mariacamilaperezortiz282]

My favorite book is Game of Thrones, although I don't remember very well book 3 and I've been told that this is the best one of the series. I think I'll have to read it again.

[@qjuice14]

comments on spoiler section: 1.) Ramsey didn't write the Pink Letter, Stannis did. It is fake. 2.) I imagine initially Jon will warg into Ghost. His last thoughts are of Ghost, the wildlings say he is strongest warg they have seen, the Varymyr Six Skins prologue sets it up. 3.) I don't think Aegon is real. I think he believes he is, but is a Varys/Illyrio puppet. Fulfills the mummers dragon prophecy. 4.) Dany isn't sick and dying. I think she is fulfilling Mirri Maz Duur's prophecy. "When the sun rises in the west and sets in the east," refers to Quentyn the Sun's son, traveling from the west to the east to die. "When the seas go dry and mountains blow in the wind like leaves." The Dothraki see is dying and the grass is drying up. Rhaegel and Viserion eviscerated Meereen's pyramids and they collapse in smoke and ash. "When your womb quickens again, and you bear a living child. Then he will return, and not before." Her sickness is probably her ability her menstruation (perhaps a miscarriage). Either way, I think her body is ready to have a child that she will name "Drogo" which will fulfill the end of the prophecy of him returning. 5.) If you found ADWD complicated, who didn't?, you should read a series of essays at meereeneseblot.wordpresscom that likely will lend a far deeper appreciation to this book.

[@ImpressionBlend]

qjuice14 Thanks for watching! SPOILERS 1) Whoa, I didn't think of that, that would make PERFECT sense... Does Stannis know about Mance though? Or do you think Mance got intercepted by him? 2) This is entirely possible, and I had the same thoughts about the prologue. I just personally don't want to see Jon running around as Ghost (obviously, not up to me lol), so if it IS the case, I hope it's not for long. 3) This seems to be the general consensus at the moment, though it would be cool if he WAS real. Probably isn't though. 4) I'm very much on board with that theory, and I really don't want to see Dany die or anything. I'm just wondering what the entire sickness setup was for? Just to confuse us? 5) On it! :) Loving the website

[@qjuice14]

***** 1.) wow, sorry can't believe I wrote Stannis for number #1. I meant Mance wrote the letter. Thought one thing wrote the other. Nobody in the letter is referred to by their real name except Mance. The letter is so concerned with the wildlings and contains information about mance, the wall, the wildlings, val, etc... that not only Ramsey wouldn't have but also wouldn't care about. 4.) I think GRRM writes in this style a lot to troll his readers. He makes his prophecies very vague and cleverly puts in details that give validity to a lot of different interpretations. Take Jon as the prince that was promised...born of salt and smoke. Bowen Marsh cries a salty tear and Ser Patrek is wearing the Star sygil. Jon's wound smokes...etc.. Extra.) concerning the three dragon riders - I think it might be Jon, Dany, and Tyrion. Tyrion is leap for sure but I think it will be poetically set up and three have one major striking commonality: All of their mothers died during child birth. Has to mean something doesn't it?

[@Bhutchin09]

qjuice14 I'm so glad you think Stannis wrote the letter. So many people do not. When you break down all of the evidence and motivations it is so clear that he wrote it.

[@ImpressionBlend]

qjuice14 Haha! Hey, Stannis would actually work too, if he somehow figured out what happened with Mance? :) That's hilarious though. I'm rooting for Jon, Dany, and Tyrion as the three riders as well!

[@BiteThis]

1.) I think Wayman Manderly + Mance wrote the pink letter to get Jon to attack the wall from the North while Roose is setting up a fight in the south. 2.) Well Bran is the strongest Warg, but Jon is also a very good warg so I can see this happening, and part of me would like to see a big character killed off again. I was hoping for Lady Stoneheart to give him the Kiss of Life in an ironic twist at Winterfell but that's just blind hope. (I think the hooded man Theon ran into in WF was one of the brotherhood without banners, I figured LSH would head north when she heard of "Arya's" marriage. 3.) I agree completely, more than likely another Blackfyre, hence what Illyrio told Tyrion. 4.) Well this could be anything but GRRM stated prophecies should be taken with a grain of salt. If anything I think her story will end up fulfilling Melisandre's vision of towers by the sea submerged by a black and bloody tide. I think that can mean the Dothraki sea and the "bloody tide" is the dothraki sea in bloom, and its said it flows through Vaes Dothrak. Ser Jorah even described the Dothraki sea in bloom as, "You ought to see it when it blooms, all dark red flowers from horizon to horizon, like a sea of blood." 5.)I agree with this too, even on three re-reads I'm still figuring out bits and pieces.

[@eliseg1574]

If you haven't already, I recommend looking up The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss. It's very richly detailed and full of pretty much everything you said you liked about Storm of Swords. There's interpersonal struggles, plot twists, and a sense of real danger and tension. There's more magic than ASOIAF, but Rothfuss's magic system feels very real and organic. I found the characters and the worldbuilding even more engaging than ASOIAF

[@AtomixIGN]

Yeah you need to get a hold of some of the additional material. World of Ice and Fire give a lot of Background and Dunk and Egg are joys to read.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Atomix IGN Pacing myself a bit, since I don't have much left to read, but I'll definitely be reading The World of Ice and Fire soon!

[@goldencherub]

I've started the second part of A Storm of Swords and so far this is my favorite book from the series. The second one was a bit hard to get through. I still enjoyed it, but the first and third one are just better in my opinion.

[@flamedestroyer6]

"Hopefully we won't have to wait too long until the next one", this had me in stitches.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Ugh... don't remind me lol

[@flamedestroyer6]

Impression Blend Just saying I really like this channel and this video in particular, but all your videos are very well edited and impressive :)

[@ImpressionBlend]

Thank you :)

[@superepicmemegod176]

Asoiaf is my favourite fantasy series

[@ImpressionBlend]

Mine too :D

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

I love this series! Daenerys is my favorite character! 😘😘 All the characters are great, even the deeply flawed ones... This series is an inspiration for me in my own writing... I am currently A Feast For Crows...

[@boolocklock]

I own the first four books and only read the first two. I'm currently reading the third one which I'm enjoying at the moment. The first book A Game of Thrones is on my favorite books I've ever read. I just couldn't put it down the minute I started reading it. Watching the show did help me understand the books and their world a little more in terms of plot and characters. Great analysis on this series.

[@ImpressionBlend]

Ian Bulaclac Thank you! I actually had the opposite situation-season 2 confused me very much, but reading book 2 really helped me understand all of the politics. Have fun with the rest of the series!

[@gibbysmoviecorner8286]

“hopefully we get that next book soon” me watching in 2019: ha

[@ImpressionBlend]

Yeaaaaaa that's a thing lol

[@nevarraven9048]

I mean maybe it’ll come out at WorldCon?

[@orcocan]

2021 here!

[@alexandrasstudio5308]

If you want to get into the series you definitely NEED to read BOOK ONE, there is so much information in that book I'm actually rereading the first book and I can see so many points that I forgot or missed the first time I read it. So first book is definitely worth reading....

[@Jama004]

started fantasy with a song of ice and fire and it was lit

[@LoisGeal]

So guys I've never read the books or seen the TV series. So I'm guessing I should start? 🤗💗

[@alex-sv8ru]

Lois Geal START WATCHING AND READING ALREADY, IT'S AWSEOME.

[@T00THY_0RiFiCE]

read the first book, then watch season 1. Then finish reading all the books before you start watching season 2. This will give you a better mental picture of the setting and the characters

[@zaddygal3725]

If you don't watch the series, you're missing the best masterpiece!!!!! GAME OF THRONES is honor and pride.. And I love the series, it's the best of them

[@Divinemakyr]

@@zaddygal3725 Books are better.

[@youknowwho9203]

Either watch the show or read the books, but never do both. I recommend watching the show, the experience is amazing.

[@jayhamilton1460]

5. A feast for crows 4. A clash of kings 3. A dance of dragons 2. A game of thrones 1. A storm of swords

[@thejordanbrandandibleedpan1545]

I truly believe these books are the best story ever written. I sit here and I’m reading it five times through and still love it

[@thefilmeffect6089]

1. A Storm Of Swords 2. A Dance With Dragons 3. A Feast For Crows 4. A Clash Of Kings 5. A Game Of Thrones

[@77cns]

This was my first fantasy series but I am an avid reader so I wasn't daunted. Being visual - I decided to watch the show (seasons 1-3) first and then I read all the books before season 4 started. I have been an official addict ever since. It's an illness lol

[@ImpressionBlend]

77cns I feel ya :)

[@niyah7139]

+77cns harry potter was mine lol :)

[@cunderw12]

I started with this being my first fantasy books and I love them. I’m also not a big reader.

[@sethkins123]

Lady Stoneheart gave Brienne a choice, the sword or the rope; deliver Jamie lannister or be hanged. The book says that as she was hanging, she said a word. It would only make sense if that word was "sword" and they let her down.

[@soul2squeezy439]

The top comment is right folks. Do not skip Book1, Ned stark's chapter is very important to skip! Enjoy if you are new!

[@MrMusicM67]

Also I personally think Agon is fake :) I believe he is a Blackfyre (however you spell that).

[@theartistformallyknownassp3347]

+MrMusicM67 *Aegon and everyone thinks that.

[@tatehildyard5332]

Not me.

[@laujack24]

feakgon

[@T00THY_0RiFiCE]

I think he might be Rhaegar and Lyanna's son

[@meurer13daniel]

@@T00THY_0RiFiCE D&D Jon is. We still have to wait for book 6 to a confirmation.

[@AOB454]

I’m almost done with Storm Of Swords And right now I gotta day this is my ranking. 1. A Storm Of Swords(Might change due to the fact I still have about 60 more pages and the appendix) Here’s the things I love about this book: The Jaime chapters, the Red Wedding, Joffrey’s Murder, “u know nothing Jon snow”, the multiple wildling attacks on the wall, the Samwell chapters where u learn a lot about the white walkers, the Dany chapters and the reveal that Jorah was a spy. The Davos chapters with Stannis and Melisandre are also cool too. Here are some weaknesses: I feel like there’s way too many Arya chapters, especially in the middle of the book. It’s not the character that I hate, or the fact that she has a lot of chapters. It’s that her chapters aren’t very interesting. Like Jon also has a lot of chapters in this book, but most of his chapters are very interesting, unlike Arya’s. Also, after Blackwater in Clash, I got a little disappointment that there was no huge battle towards the end. There were the multiple short battles of the nights watch vs nance Rayders wildlings, but it just didn’t feel the same cause it wasn’t one big battle. 2. A Clash Of Kings. Strengths: Blackwater, Theon as a villain, a lot of Tyrion chapters. Weaknesses: There weren’t enough Jon or Dany chapters, Jaime kinda does nothing in this book. 3. A Game Of Thrones. Dont get me wrong, this is an amazing book. It introduces everything so well and the suspense on what’s beyond the wall is done so well. However, the other books are pretty much payoff to AGoT’s setups. And when I’m being honest, payoff is always better than setup

[@franksaldana6570]

From Best to least best 1. A Storm of Swords 2. A Game of Thrones 3. A Feast for Crows 4. A Dance with Dragons 5. A Clash of Kings

[@ImpressionBlend]

+Frank Saldańa A Storm of Swords is the best, for sure!

[@Archonsx]

"soon" it's 2019 still no book xd

[@aandre311]

2020 mindyou

[@legacy756]

Probably on 2022 we will have the book

[@bookimecorner8715]

@@aandre311 2021😂

[@bookimecorner8715]

@@legacy756 yeah probably 😂

[@darktempest53]

I wish I had the hardcover versions. Don't exist in the UK :(

[@helionzerx817]

Mark ? YES it is annoying but honestly the books that i bought that doesnt have the hard cover they look more beautiful

[@omgisthatvik]

This is one year late, but I have a spare set of US hardbacks that I’m selling 😅 still interested?

[@theevilduck393]

Am I the only one who thinks A Feast For Crows is the best one?

[@martina-dd6vb]

Ben McCloskey same, I don't understand why people always call it "the weakest", I personally really enjoyed reading this book:) Maybe because I love Jaime and Brienne so I was thrilled about their chapters. Oh and Cercei's chapters were also very interesting to read 😊

[@christos49]

I think its the Second best barley behind A Dance With Dragons. AFFC was the book that made me want to read more the most and i finished AFFC the fastest in the series

[@akshattomar7662]

My favourite character is Daenerys, her inner conflict is really fleshed out, her desire for home,her motherhood, fears, selfishness and abnegation make her a tragic hero

[@samgilley3160]

You need to read book one. Yes it can be a drag if you already know what happens but you need to get to know the characters in the first book.To truly understand the series you CAN'T skip anything.

[@mikechuma1]

I just downloaded the lot. I am loving it so far. Seen the entire series on tv so far. I think that is helping me keep track and reference what’s going on. Even though the writing is fairly easy. I want to buy the books I think to have them.

[@bookimecorner8715]

This video is 5 years, at that time Winds Of Winter soon be publish, and now it's still😂😂

[@MrHenrytc]

I'm on book 1 and I'm loving it

[@datboi9644]

good luck lol

[@miles8233]

+Dat BOI what does that mean

[@henryb3066]

+MilesoftheMasterRace it's a long ass series

[@raaaaaaaaaam496]

“Hopefully soon” it’s been 6 years Bruh

[@WeWereTheStorm]

Why doesn't anybody else like the AFFC Ironborn charpters?! :(

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

KnightsRadiant Personal Preferences. 😐

[@nevarraven9048]

KnightsRadiant idk, it has some of the most interesting story, and the Kingsmoot is one of my favorite parts of the entire series. GYLBERT King!

[@tartanplanet3553]

I’ve only just started reading a game of thrones and I’ve fallen in love with it so much that for the past day I’ve done nothing but read it

[@HotaruKara]

9:36 Actually, until the 5th book I didn't like Jon Snow, his POVs were the most boring to read through for me. I don't think that if everybody talks about him, he must be their favorite character, I think everybody talks about him because of a theory that is vehiculated in the GoT circles...

[@thescreenaficionado4394]

He also has one of the stronger moral compasses, has a badass sword, and albino direwolf, and was....is??? The offspring of two very important people. But that's just the icing on the cake

[@thescreenaficionado4394]

Also his chapters are super relevant to the threat looming beyond the wall

[@rennebright5886]

+HotaruKara I actually couldn't stand his chapters in the first book, they were flat out dull. The 2nd book didn't improve much. However, I actually started looking forward to his chapters in Book 3, his storyline becomes much more interesting and he is in my opinion one of the more interesting POVs to explore from ASOS onwards.

[@SirGeeSantos]

after a long time, i found this video, recommended to me out of nowhere (well, mmaybe not out of nowhere cause i'm crazy about asoiaf), but i instantly subscribed after you said you enjoyed a feast for crows, which is a book very underrated. i do think the hype of the third book led people to not open their minds about the slower pace of the next two books, which i adore so much and think they're genius, character-wise developing every single character to a point of pure bliss, it just doesn't have much action and introduces many characters. i feel like rereads are so much more rewarding as well.

[@tristane6645]

Rip to having the next book out soon... looks at video date, 6 years ago...still not out

[@JamesBeam420]

Some great podcasts for the books, Raiio Westersos and Westeros History

[@cabroders9510]

Awesome review! Just to point it out, along with the Azor Ahai prophecy, there's also the R+L=J theory, if you're not familiar with it: Jon is the third head of the dragon because he's the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark; the idea is that Ned and Howland Reed discovered that the couple were in love and escaped together, instead of the known story about Lyanna's kidnapping that sparked Robert war on the Targaryens. To protect the child who is his nephew, not his son, Ned lies to everyone and keeps him as his bastard. The other theory is that Tyrion is the third head; supposedly he's the bastard son of the Mad King with Joanna, which is why Tywin hated him so much; there's some content about the Mad King taking some "liberties" with Joanna while Tywin was in Casterly Rock for the funeral of his father and that could explain Tywin betraying the Mad King, or just the little push that was needed other than the King's madness and his overall mocking and provoking of the family, including promising Rhaegar to Ellia and not Cersei, as previously arranged. That could also be the explanation for Tyrion's condition as a little person, assuming that the Targaryen bloodline is more prone to genetic disorders and the such.

[@ImpressionBlend]

***** Thank you! I'm familiar with both of these, and I actually really like the theory about Tyrion. His physical description in the books also heavily hints at his duality with differently colored eyes and some white hair. It would be awesome to see him fly a dragon too, since he is so obsessed with them :) As for R+L=J, my only concern is that it's such a popular theory... If we've learned anything from GRRM, it's that he doesn't like to be predictable. Maybe it's too obvious?

[@cabroders9510]

***** I'm not sure, really. At least in the series we got some very convincing data: there's and easter egg all the way back in season one (on.wsj.com/1xBEQW0) and the most recent news about a location that resembles very much the Tower of Joy, where Jon was supposedly born (bzfd.it/1I922l5). I personally love the R+L=J theory because it has Howland Reed in it and I'm so effin curious and hoping for him to be a GREAT character, almost an Ned revived, since they were friends and for what we know of him, an down ot earth, humble Lord with strong roots in the more magical part of the series; maybe that's why he's so reclusive - or maybe not... do you know the theory about him being the High Sparrow? :O - maybe he's the one who will connect Jon to Bran for the final battle haha Okay, alright, at this point I'm just tripping haha It's so addictive, Mari!!!

[@joshsawyerstreamvods]

good review reminded me why i liked this series

[@rodrigocollyer8758]

Interesting though is that ASOIAF was my very first contact with the fantasy genre in books. What I think made it so much easier was that I was obsessed with Game of Thrones (when I started watching the TV show, back in 2015.), and I had just discovered the existence of the books by paying more attention to the opening. So, I was crazy about them and couldn't wait to read them and then just read them.

[@Jenab7]

Wouldn't it be GREAT if _aSoIaF_ turned into the kind of woke, inclusive, politically correct, progressively preachy sort of thing that _Star Wars_ turned into? Ha. Ha. Ha.

[@nevarraven9048]

David Sims It’s already all of those. It has good female representation, it doesn’t have stereotypes, it’s anti-war, and George himself refused to go to Vietnam as a conscientious objector. Idk what book you are reading, because George is a bleeding heart liberal lol. One of the best series of all time.

[@Jenab7]

But he isn't PREACHY. You don't get the sense that some self-righteous hypocrite is wagging his finger at you. The female representation is perfectly okay; that isn't what distinguishes woke. Rather, woke stuff gives the sense of "Towering females, cowering males." Oh you'll have to speak with our Great Leader... she's over there.

[@Wihnu99]

You are still reading these comments? Well, I just want to thank you for making this video. It's the reason why I got these books and started reading them, they really make me speechless. Thank you!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Of course I am :) I'm so glad you're loving the books! Thanks for watching the video and coming back to comment.

[@bretviola6871]

I just found this video, and agree with you for the most point, but I read these books before the show came out, and I’m not a fantasy lover, I’m a suspense, thriller, mystery, detective, cia agent reader but this book (a Game of Thrones) grabbed me like no other book I’ve ever read. So I’d say that this book is for anyone.

[@annaj2548]

Heyo! I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your videos! I stumbled across your channel yesterday evening and I have marathon-ed through your videos all night and day! I have recently gotten into book-tube but haven't really found someone I could relate to book (and series) wise that produce quality material (no offense to any other channels of course) and I am really grateful to have found you! Keep up the good work!

[@ImpressionBlend]

Than you so much! I'm glad you found me, welcome to my channel :)

[@anonymousman1282]

Scarlet Johansson reviews ASOIAF

[@danielshuter3737]

Hello Daniel I now about George RR Martin am joying his fast start games thorns when book one take some time for me i like vary much it was moving from Daniel 👍

[@AOB454]

Also u said A Clash Of Kings and then u said it again when u held up A Storm Of Swords

[@tynoguchi7450]

Well...in every book George RR Martin has written abut magic (In the House of the Worm, Bitterblooms, Dark Dark Where the Tunnels, Tuf Voyaging, etc) all magic is revealed to be SCIENCE! So, I doubt there is magic but who knows...Anyways my favorite character is Stannis the Mannis!

[@nevarraven9048]

Yeah, I doubt asoiaf is going to end with big battles and magic left unexplained. It’s more likely science fiction than epic fantasy

[@RamseyEassa]

I love your videos! Keep up the great work

[@ImpressionBlend]

+Ramsey Eassa Thank you!

[@natashika14]

Every description has its purpose. Check out Preston Jacobs KZbin channel. If you re-read it you'll understand a lot more details.

[@davidmourning6237]

I agree that the second book is the "weakest". The third book deserves 15 stars. For me the Clash of Kings is about Tyrion and Feast for Crows is about Cersei. I like Cersei more :D

[@covershopkid]

Red wedding was second book right? It's been awhile since I've gone through. Have to do it again soon, but still.

[@bennyh.reviews6770]

Polkamon Nah, Red Wedding is book 3. Book 2 is Stannis' attack on Kings Landing and stuff.

[@NicoMarinao]

true, theon chapters in DoD were the best! i personally as opossed to everyone i dislike jon snow because i think his chapters are boring as hell

[@bohusl]

Daenerys is a charachter im certain that she wont die, at least not until she reaches Westeros.

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

MrOplef You sexist idiot.

[@NewYorican-bn7zc]

There's so much foreshadowing in these books that they deserve a second read through. Something was said in "A Dance with Dragons" that has me legit excited for Bran's chapters in the next book.

[@ImpressionBlend]

+NewYorican 2006 I'm really looking forward to a re-read! What is it that has you excited?

[@NewYorican-bn7zc]

At the end of one of Bran's chapters he's told he'll never walk again but he will fly. Bran is a skinchanger. My guess is that when Dany and her dragons make their way to Westeros he'll slip into the skin of one of her dragons. Bran in control of Drogon? YES PLEASE!!!!

[@ImpressionBlend]

NewYorican 2006 Oh yes! That's definitely exciting, and I'm very much hoping he will warg into a dragon as well :)

[@supremeini]

First off, very nice review of the overall series. One of the better reviews of the series I love w/o getting into spoiler territory. I do however disagree on the analysis of books 2 and 4. I think your opinion is very valid on first read. But the more I reread the series the more I really love those two books. Especially book 2, so much good stuff going on there that's beneath the actual main story it's telling. Last thing is as much as I respect Lena Headey, I think when GRRM had Cercei Lannister in his head he was picturing someone just like you. You are very beautiful and have those deep green Lannister eyes. Once again awesome review and can't wait to check out more!

[@ImpressionBlend]

kwame west Thank you so much! :) I obviously have only read the books once, but I can definitely see the merit of re-reading-I've re-watched the first 2 seasons of the show and got more out of that than I did the first time, so I can only imagine how much I missed in the books. The thing is, my rating is heavily influenced by my personal enjoyment of the books (which I still really enjoyed all of them, but some more than others). I don't know if I have it in me to re-read the entire series (at least at this point), but I will definitely go back to re-read parts of it.

[@damiencasey8428]

George is the contemporary Tolstoy

[@voteZDLR]

ADWD is only about 50 pages longer than AFFC. Yes, it's technically longer, but not MUCH longer. I hear you on the "it can be overwhelming/confusing" thing but other than doing my best to remember as many names as possible, I think he does a great job not only reminding you of what's happened but also who people are and why they matter -- IF they matter. The rest are there to make the world seem more "real". And he does a phenomenal job with it. I dunno. It's a challenging read, therein lies the beauty though, in my opinion.

[@juu5574]

"Until we get the bext book, which is hopefully soon" 4 years later, still waiting

[@1993geekDude]

I hope we get the next book really soon…. 7 years has passed and nothing yet 😢

[@MultiFlori100]

I really don't understand why ACOK isn't liked much.It's a great book to read and understand about strategy and wars.And how he describes the event,as dim as they might be,i really loved it...

[@ImpressionBlend]

+Kartoffel People like different things in books. I still liked it, obviously, but to me the balance of world-building to actual story was a bit off.

[@MultiFlori100]

Well I was still learnin about the characters so i don't remember much stuff,but i will reread it soon

[@ImpressionBlend]

Kartoffel Same, I will be re-reading the entire series later this year.

[@MultiFlori100]

it has a lot of details which you notice only if you know the characters.I will do that to see the details and to know all the needed information for WOW.Say is it me or do your eyes have different colors?

[@ImpressionBlend]

Kartoffel It's not just you, my eyes are different colors :)

[@nassermouneera3849]

I don't like reading but I really want to read a song of ice and fire do guys think I should

[@ImpressionBlend]

Try the audiobooks!

[@nassermouneera3849]

Thank you so much

[@defuse56]

I just this week started to read the books (actually I listen to them on Audible during my long commute). I enjoy your videos more than anyone's, partly of course because of your intelligent take on the texts, but (if I may be so bold), also because of your have an absolutely lovely face and fetching, hypnotic eyes :-) Yes, I said it!