A Dance with Dragons - Prologue

From George RR Martin's "A Dance with Dragons."
If you like what you're hearing, be sure to check out my channel, where you can find all of my A Song of Ice and Fire recorded chapters in order in playlists! And leave a comment! I don't care about any youtube algorithm reach nonsense but I love hearing from people who are listening!
I am in no sense a professional reader, voice actor, or what have you. I began this audiobook project some years ago when some friends of mine jokingly said they'd read A Song of Ice and Fire (my favorite fantasy series) if I personally recorded the whole series in audiobook form and sent it to them. Having now made my way almost through the first two books in the series, I decided to join the small community of people who post their own amateur audibook readings to youtube, and share my efforts.
I have no intention of profiting off of the work that is copyrighted to George RR Martin. This upload is a tribute to a series I deeply love, and I strongly encourage you to purchase these books. You won't regret it.
Also I should give full credit to my cat, Claudio, for the frequent background meows and purring sounds you hear throughout.
Art by TheMico themicos.blogspot.com/

[@hermithefrog629]

I love this chapter, it gives us this look into this absolutely despicable narcissist and makes you feel for him. George RR Martin believes in the cycle of violence, that hurt people hurt people, and Lump, every single time, blames something else or call his cruelty a kindness. Killing survivors of the battle he helped lose? "A mercy." Killing Hagon, who guy who took him in and tried to teach him the path of an honorable skinchanger? "How weak." Taking the body of this woman who was compassionate enough to come back for him even though he's practically dead weight, even though he knows full well he's already getting a second life anyway? "Do it or die." But why? Because he was persecuted by his very own parents for something that he had no control of. Bump might have been a skinchanger too, but we'll never know. A really great reading of a really great chapter

[@comradestannis]

I love that GRRM does that.

[@mikemiken1963]

"A second life worthy of a king".

[@tarlochansingh620]

Foreshadowing

[@iamsheel]

​@@tarlochansingh620 more like backshadowing

[@comradestannis]

Jon Snow

[@stevenstone307]

@@comradestanniswell done captain obvious

[@comradestannis]

@@stevenstone307 No prob.

[@sgauden02]

This prologue was BRUTAL...

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

And we're off!

[@nownowpippo]

Gracias hermano❤ amazing voices

[@phantomimmortal9962]

Hey David! I've loved these readings. If you've ever been interested in listening to one of the popular combined reading orders of AFfC/ADwD I've made a couple playlists (of your videos) on my channel - thought I'd let you know!

[@comradestannis]

@@nownowpippo Muchisimas gracias para ti

[@comradestannis]

Squadala, we're off!

[@GraeFox]

This is one of the best chapters in the series IMO, so gritty and hard. And badass

[@comradestannis]

The best prologue chapter was Maester Cressen's.

[@6tiple6ix6afia]

Feast had such an awesome prologue

[@RhodokTribesman]

What a fucking legend for real. Best audiobooks for this series, no question.

[@Doodmove]

I love how you cat meows almost every time you mention shadow cats

[@mtlacunae8659]

The cat knows.

[@antrodz1071]

one of the reasons to open KZbin these days for me is for your readings of GOT, thanks

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

Thank you!

[@comradestannis]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF And thank you for the reading.

[@uncreativename2979]

Let’s dance! (3 chapters in a single day? You’re spoiling us, David!)

[@comradestannis]

Noice.

[@yaboyed5779]

Finally we in dance. I really wanna hear your Duck, Young griff, and Connington voice

[@plasmiusphantom]

“I never hurt the women though” 😂😂 craaazy

[@pirateboyfearless]

Any man that doesnt agree that this is the best chapter will face me in single combat.

[@mtlacunae8659]

Best in the book or best in series?

[@pirateboyfearless]

@@mtlacunae8659 for me.. the series.

[@c_p1858]

But I am no man, and this chapter was just not really my thing Still good tho and the narration obviously slapped

[@comradestannis]

I prefer whatever chapter has Davos or Stannis in it.

[@RyanCalhan]

My favorite chapter is the first one in the series when Waymar Royce sees the White Walkers. *And as for trial by combat I name Gregor Clegane as my champion!…oh…wait…I mean Oberon Mart-nope dammit he’s dead too…..um…fuck it…MOON BOY GET HIM!*

[@Freaky0Nina]

Shout out for the supporting actress in this reading, without whom this whole audiobook just wouldnt work. Queen Kitty, mother of her hooman daddy, breaker of vases, queen of the rats and the first catnip toys, ruler of the household.

[@void.lawyer]

This is my favorite chapter of this whole series. I love your cat/s.

[@comradestannis]

Mine is Maester Cressen's

[@tatireyes9621]

I was not willing to pay 30 dollars for an audio book and I am glad I found your page! Very nice voice and voices!

[@comradestannis]

One of the best finds you've, err, found.

[@thewanderingartists]

I paid and I regretted the audible version, this version is far superior 😂

[@cledosliop4175]

@@thewanderingartistsexactly! I once considered buying an audiobook but then I found this channel… man, this version is way way epic!

[@huxleyalman1723]

I feel so damn blessed to have just discovered this channel. Great professional job on this.. Thank you

[@plasmiusphantom]

Varomyr is Bloodstone Emperor/Azor Ahai. Thistle is Nissa Nissa/Night’s Queen. Azor uses Nissa as a portal to inherit the old Gods magic. They fight over her body until she looks like a weirwood tree, and then he enters the weirwood matrix.

[@teto1359]

Loved the cat in background,❤😊

[@IngTomT]

Just started cross listening to Feast and Dance and I just heard Feast Prologe before this one and damn, those two are simply amazing, especially this one ist just sick. Along with the last chapters of Storm I'm having so much fun right now and your awesome voice and interpretations is taking it to another level.

[@sensijosh22]

I’m just starting my boiled leather read through. David’s narration definitely takes it to the next level. It would be cool if David could make a new playlist with the boiled leather order.

[@libbyzzisatrumpstertrump3677]

I ❤ it. I'm sure it's a tough task to change voices as you do. My dog still wants a piece of you when 🐱 chimes in. Good stuff!👍🏻

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

Thank you! I'll let Claudio know your dog's a fan.

[@comradestannis]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF Just Claudio makes it worth it, but your reading makes it even more worth it.

[@takemywordforit4128]

I love the lore dump. Gives so much insight into the lives of wargs.

[@comradestannis]

Same!

[@Mjdeben]

Omg thank you David and Claudio!! You guys are officially my favorite KZbin channel! I

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

Thank you!

[@austinmasoni3577]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF would you read the world of ice and fire that ones my favorite

[@billyguyjoe1858]

@@austinmasoni3577 you can’t really narrate that one with voices so that wouldn’t really make sense for him to do

[@BloodyFoxDK]

Every book prologue so far was great. And we still dont have Winds of Winter.

[@comradestannis]

I know... It sucks.

[@F1stBr34k3r]

The only "audiobook" version I could actually bear through, even with the cat sounds and re-dos. If this was edited professionally I would purchase this over Roy Dotrice's version, which at times I found impossible to understand.

[@greysonxo1663]

every prologue in this series has been amazing, this one especially.

[@thewanderingartists]

Imagine how epic would be for the winds of winter

[@mitnehmerrippe]

I almost don‘t wanna start listening to this book because I know that I’m gonna be cliffhanged so hard by the end of it. Oh well! (Thank you for making the wait so extremely entertaining with your fantastic reading!)

[@mortalkomment8028]

Outstanding work once again. Absolutely amazing. You killed this one. There will never be a better reading of ASOIAF.

[@martinebner3522]

Well, what an amazing chapter. But maybe the best is yet to come.

[@stonedzebra420]

What a start to this epic book!!

[@TheCbot88]

A great man! Who killed Veramir Six Skins? Was it the boy who stabbed him? Mellesandra, who made him go mad and run in fear? Stannis, who launched the attack upon the wall and broke the wildlings? Or another? 1000/👁

[@TheCbot88]

George is really really good. This chapter is a masterpiece. It’s horrible, graphic terrifying, kinda funny.. “A wolf is a marriage. You will both change from that day.” The day they found the wolf pups in the summer shows.

[@jordangreenford1237]

Just want to thank Jerry also for combining a feat for crows and dance so i can understand the story better. David your the goat as always🍻

[@maddyg2320]

Bran is guilty of 2 of the 3 abominations 😳

[@mtlacunae8659]

My little prince of winterfell couldn't be this abomination.

[@comradestannis]

No.

[@adrianslair9656]

Just finished Feast, thoroughly enjoyed, thanks so much!

[@methuselahh_]

hey david! loving these audiobooks, just painstakingly made my own playlist of the boiled leather reading order for AFFC and ADWD using your recordings!

[@downwardsaerial2239]

Came here to see praise for this chapter like i knew there would be as soon as a read it. A truly amazing chapter and honestly the only prologue in the series i wasnt rushing through due to boredom. (The maester cressen one was aight but most of these prologues got me just wanting to get back to the main story)

[@laynebuckalew3688]

Thank you for what you do David!

[@cledosliop4175]

Your performance is epic❤. One of the best audio versions at least to me.

[@zharmuth]

yea, your voice acting is superb, infinitely better than Dotrice. It's clear you know the characters, makes it much better to listen. honestly, I'd not done a re read in a few years cuz I'm bored to death w it. your narration however gives it a new life. I'll eat my hat if you don't do something voice based for a living. You are as far as talent on a level with Steven Pacey or Peter Kenny. The cat's funny.

[@tortelli2249]

Damn. I'll be all caught up by tomorrow. Hurry and finish please. J/K . do what you do.

[@christophertracy4377]

This is 1 of the few reasons these days 2 open KZbin. I'm going 2 listen from Dance 2 Game. U make waiting 4 Winds much easier.

[@derpynerdy6294]

thanks i need to listen it through audiobook after reading the book

[@chelscara]

31:27 ah, that’s where the Raegar is Ghost theories come from 😂😂😂

[@leiflohne3096]

I keep running to the door looking for a stray cat!!

[@Don11037]

Im hype i feel like this is where its going to be more different than the show

[@comradestannis]

It was different from the show since book 2.

[@choreboy988]

Kitty sounds for ambiance around @9:00 mark, @19:00 mark. 20:25 mark and probably more lol.

[@RyanCalhan]

Strange…it’s almost as if I can hear Varamyr’s shadow cat calling in the background.

[@elonscousinmusk8413]

David you hero

[@dc4296]

Last one... at least for now. After this is done, any plans on reading Dunk and Egg, A Rogue Prince, The Princess and the Queen, A World of Ice and Fire, or Fire and Blood ? Any one of those would be highly appreciated.

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

I'm pretty sure I'll do Dunk and Egg next. Towards the end of this book, I'll start asking whether people want Winds preview chapters or Dunk and Egg first, and go from there. Or, mybe George will announce that Winds is going through editing and preparation for publication while I'm in the middle of this one........

[@mikemiken1963]

1A

[@TheKpa11]

Warging reminds me of Animorphs Especially when he describes what his teacher described what it was like to be a bird………..

[@tarlochansingh620]

What a messed up yet sad chapter!

[@davewight]

Oh....she sees me!

[@kristakqo6424]

my fav prolouge

[@johnobrien6185]

Well done favorite part of the book.

[@christophertracy4377]

Mine is in the 1st book with the introduction of the White Walkers. Martin please release Winds.

[@comradestannis]

@@christophertracy4377 R E A L

[@ollelindhen7556]

Love it!

[@oussamabsn5016]

I hate that I am catching up... I am gonna read fire and blood in the meantime

[@sisu3225]

I refuse to wait another 2 years to get more House of the Dragon so I've resorted to this lol

[@lonemotheomatshaba9640]

30:10 lol😂😂😂 I was not expecting that 😂😂😂

[@GaneshPatil-ip4kl]

from jumping one chapter here nd there... now I've skipped whole book to hear this first😂

[@jimmymcgill7370]

Man this dude’s backstory is sad. He had too much power at too young an age.

[@overlex]

Just Finished the Feast! Now it’s Time to Dance

[@ktbecstasy]

Dance quickly, winter is coming

[@Spllyn]

I get the feeling we are told Cold Hands is a warg here, the elk being his bonded animal.

[@tommytomasita1599]

Yay!

[@BL-mf3jp]

So badass

[@desmondjamison135]

Im high good timing

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

And what a psychadelic chapter too!

[@postvizsla7509]

I’m high good timing. Hold up, this came out six months ago and I’m always high

[@rowiepalacpac9914]

Hey, David! Been listening to you reading the past four books, now I'm on Dance and I'm just wondering if you have plans on transferring your work on Spotify. Either we thank you for your service!

[@dominicmccullough6133]

Bran, Jon, and Arya all wargs what about Rob, Sansa, And Rickon I’m assuming yes

[@highgrounder2012]

I had groen used to reading the comments of every chapter I listen to, but now that's I'm listening to feast and dance in the chronological order it's unwise to read them for there might be some spoilers, you don't know what might be hinted at here that took place in thr feast chapters

[@screwtape6954]

Thanks david

[@LNGD_46]

My favourite

[@zehsackett6132]

This chapter needs multiple listnens

[@jj947]

Someone put your Feast and Dance videos into one big boiled leather playlist. Here’s to the first step of a long journey!

[@JanicePhillips]

I'm finally here!

[@comradestannis]

Welcome.

[@Nimrod336]

Thank you.

[@comradestannis]

You're welcome lol

[@Gallusadorer]

LETS GOOOOO

[@tarlochansingh620]

Poor Thistle.

[@bobbobson661]

69 comments sorry to make it 70 but love this so much more thank you

[@CTurtle1106]

Is a feast with dragons a good reading order for a first timer?

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

My view is that Feast first then Dance is best for a first time reader. These two books are much denser with characters and storylines than the first three and I really can’t imagine keeping track doing a combined read through the first time!

[@CTurtle1106]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF Alright, thanks for replying!

[@highgrounder2012]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF this comment will make me go back to reading only feast

[@jerrywhoomst1116]

I've got a cousin called bump.

[@Banned_and_Redacted]

you should do wheel of time or elric of melnibone

[@rossbaird1140]

Was that an attempt at a Scottish accent with Thistle lol

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

I attempt all sorts of accents. If it lacks fidelity to a real life equivalent it's because Westeros isn't on earth, it's on a planet where everyone sounds like me ;)

[@rossbaird1140]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF 😂😂 as a Scotsman I approve ✌️

[@DavidReadsASoIaF]

@@rossbaird1140 Sometimes I look at the youtube analytics that show me the many varied nations that people are listening from and start tugging my collar and sweating thinking about how various people feel about my comical attempts at their proud and beautiful accents 😳😳😂 Glad to have at least one Scotsman's approval

[@rossbaird1140]

@@DavidReadsASoIaF it’s pretty good to be fair , can’t fault it. Do really like the idea of thistle or any wildling having a Scots accent. The way they use “aye” rather than yes etc lol but thistle the symbolism was perfect lol enjoying the narrations ✌️

[@renaigh]

Varamyr just Bottom posted.

[@ArjunSingh-bt2mn]

Careful daviy is a hero

[@p1ssm1lf]

I've finally made it!

[@ShimTady]

May I ask as to how your cat came by his name?

[@Caramelo23606]

Yeah... magic is not pretty at all in these books. Haggon´s voice helps me remember he was not a mystic wizard but jut a dude in the woods with a weird trick, yet quite wise really.

[@nerdhivemind7867]

I think u should take over for Roy dotrice who is like 90 when he did the audio book for Dance an they will need a new narrator for winds of winter I think u would rock it. Or I hope u do winds when it Finally comes out

[@sunkist1309]

Roy Dotrice died bro.

[@nerdhivemind7867]

@@sunkist1309 yea that's y I suggested that. I knew he was really really old last I I just wasn't sure if he had died yet but I think David here would b an awesome replacement even though I loved Roy

[@sunkist1309]

@@nerdhivemind7867 definitely! David gives a lot of character, and I love his accents. Specifically the reachmen having a southern US accent.

[@iamsheel]

Oh that guy would give me terrible headaches listening to him in the first book. Thanks to David I can experience the story since I won't ever read something that long.

[@2wolfmom981]

I live to hear your cat 😺🤣😂

[@josephrizzo3738]

YaY kitty cat meow

[@ghoulishfool]

Awwwwwwwwww shit 😁😁😁

[@krushnaji4940]

God he has killed his own brother

[@KerrieOhanlon123]

What's with the accents? Why is haggon an extremely stereotypical swede and everyone else Australian?

[@monkeboy7744]

This and some young nudy

[@poopingnuts]

Hold up… this nibba skinchanged to a female wolf while she was getting pounded by an alpha??? Dafuq

[@stefanilic0421]

I guess he wanted to experience everything

[@Shafin-jd6bc]

I mean, I would too 👉👈

[@Oddbisket]

I never understand the point of the prologue. Can anyone explain them please? They just seem like a crazy side story all the time

[@jimboslice6367]

It’s foreshadowing for Jon’s death and survival in Ghost

[@pirateboyfearless]

Id say in short... world building. Most of the prologue invest you in a single character that doesnt survive the chapter so its an opportunity to drop hints and fill in the flesh of the world outside the sphere of the main characters. This one gives you great insight into how the whole warg magic works so not so much is left to the imagination whilst simultaneously showing you the what happened to the wildlings that escaped the battle for the wall. I guess the alternative would be a raven " the wildings are scattered and starving" wich doesnt really have the same impact imo.

[@simonguy6463]

😂 accents all over the place. Great attempt for an American though

[@stephcollins728]

damn, i dont need voices!!

[@QueenOfScorpions]

The reader's idiotic emphasis on ss, especially at the end of sentences, is so tiresome and irritating

[@fazediamond5671]

30:09 me too

[@fazediamond5671]

Starting dance with dragons Finished took 2 weeks