The Forsaken Sample Chapter, read by George R.R. Martin

Our prophet's story from God's mouth.
The Forsaken, read by George R.R. Martin, May 2016
#asongoficeandfire
#gameofthrones

[@nasiknosik]

Listening to it from a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine. Such a year 🥰

[@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin]

I hope you stay safe, Nastasia

[@Bitter765]

What’s it like over there are you ok?

[@lordmelvin9310]

Take care of each other over there! I hope you'll come out stronger on the other side!

[@mickmickymick6927]

Courage, the world is with you

[@amandaofhouserobinson6707]

I'm so sorry this is happening to you! I wish I knew what to do to help!!

[@smirkypants]

When he read this I was just graduating from high school. I am now 92 years old.

[@ckihn6628]

This hit so hard…

[@munken7673]

How did you escape the time loop

[@srsieg1155]

Hahahahahah

[@TheRepublic4]

Wait you graduated highschool at 86?

[@GeneralBlorp]

Night King here, been waiting for this book since those green chicks shoved a dragon glass dagger in my heart. Still got the scar! Stay frosty friends 🥶👑

[@charlespennyworth3698]

The reason there’s no visuals is because Preston doesn’t want to show himself holding a kidnapped GRRM at gunpoint.

[@mikoajtokar5846]

Ends justify the means

[@jewsco]

@@mikoajtokar5846 he is only doing what needs to be done some men just don’t have the stomach for it but Preston does

[@jewsco]

@TBS Viral I think sweet Robin is doing that

[@mikoajtokar5846]

@@jewsco Whatever it takes

[@jewsco]

@@mikoajtokar5846 agreed

[@nydabeats]

Its great to hear George read his own work, you get an idea of his internal voice.

[@markus_k]

Indeed. Thought the same^^

[@jovedo27]

Same. Wish he did the audio books. I like the guy who currently did them, but I like hearing it read exactly how it was supposed to be read.

[@Zlarel]

In a story about songs, Euron comes to bring the Silence.

[@tk423b]

I was newly married when Dance came out. We will be celebrating our 5th great grandson next month.

[@Paulysolo]

I never knew Euron sounded like a New Jersey tough guy but it's incredible how George makes his every line filled with confidence, laughter and derision.

[@ranfan1820]

I half expected Euron to say "It's da bat!" lile he's an Arkham City thug.

[@retroverdrive]

I didn’t even know that a recording of GRRM’s original reading even existed. Six years on, the Forsaken still hits as hard as ever.

[@shortstuff780]

Yeah I've read it, but never heard him read it. Adds a lot. Great fucking chapter

[@zafelrede4884]

I believe this reading is the only source we have on the chapter.

[@zafelrede4884]

@@dobson. Then perhaps i confused this with a different one.

[@manofhonor1685]

@@dobson. i thought there was a barristan chapter that he only read

[@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin]

@@dobson. The Forsaken was never released. Someone transcribed it years ago from this event.

[@Ayoayoayoayoayoayoa]

The quality of these sample chapters is the one thing keeping my hope for Winds alive at this point. Its so enjoyable to hear it in George’s voice!

[@Ayoayoayoayoayoayoa]

Also just reached the Lord of Light mention. Mahasamatman ftw!

[@manofhonor1685]

@@Ayoayoayoayoayoayoa mahasmatman? Whats that

[@AwesomeMusicLady]

The forsaken chapters are my favorite winds of winter chapters

[@JessHart006]

I'm with you, but... it's easy to /start/ something. Opening chapters are simpler, because you just have to pick up from the last spot and write something interesting. /Finishing/ that arc is the hard part.

[@robinjessen8340]

a shame we'll never hear Roy Dotrice read this chapter ;( RiP you legend!

[@Sal3600]

His voice will be missed

[@brenttrotter88]

Great voice. Even if Danny turns Irish for a little bit haha

[@ThereIsNoLord]

Honestly, by the end, I wasn't a fan.

[@ad1170]

@@brenttrotter88 or how his voice for children was a horsey old man voice.

[@tokevarvaspolvi8999]

The audiobooks were mostly enjoyable, but to be frank, he couldn't quite keep the voices straight, and I was a little bit ticked off by how he kept changing the pronunciation of place and character names, sometimes even mid sentence.

[@PlatipuseKing]

George has nerves of steel to read the most horrific chapter in ASOIAF in front of a crowd.

[@varamyr_]

I can recite this chapter by heart at this point, and it still gives me chills every time

[@otheusrex2190]

Woah really?

[@Necroxion]

George: *coughs* Me, halfway there with the ambulance crew:

[@muat1155]

Listening to this is such a surreal feeling. How can I feel nostalgia for something that isn’t officially released. Whilst at the same time impatient and forlorn that it will probably never be released.

[@NukeMarine]

Both this and Theon's chapter has kept my hope alive for TWoW. Honestly, those chapters ranked among the best in the entire series.

[@jessie4351]

don’t give up hope brother!

[@christianadams211]

This may be the best written chapter in the series and it’s not finished. Amazing, so sad the wait has been what it is; but I’ll still have so much glee when it’s released.

[@OwenTheLegend]

I really cannot wait much longer. God knows what he is doing with it. I lost interest for a small while, and read some other stuff but early last year I started listening to podcasts like girlsgonecanon and notacast, started my third reread like the idiot I am and now I'm back in peak asoiaf mode!

[@lukaslambs5780]

This is probably my favorite chapter I’ve ever heard/read……. I just can’t wait for winds! THIS is the Euron that we needed in the show. This is a genuinely terrifying force of nature, not a character, but an apocalypse.

[@authorfarrell7161]

How good is this? It's incredible. I hope George hasn't lost his confidence as this is some of his best work. Euron could be so cartoonish but all of this context and detail makes him feel real.

[@dasaggropop1244]

best first sentence of any chapter, change my mind

[@sirrolanddestark58]

@Vusal Kamalzada beat me to it

[@eyalsi1070]

Best last sentence of any chapter. Change my mind

[@mschell8022]

Anyone else notice George reads this with sorrow in his voice? It's a sad chapter. Absolutely hopeless.

[@Ancor_Vantian]

I remember reading a comment that went something like: [Listening to George read ASOIAF] is like God reading the Bible". I'm not a religious person but I wholeheartedly endorse that comment.

[@deliciouscorn2663]

One of the darkest chapters ever. Masterful writing. George is the man

[@Toast4tw]

29:23 probably one of the hypest lines George ever wrote

[@chadsummerchild1120]

If you listen close enough you can hear a “click” sound and Preston whispering “your not leaving till you fining WoW”.

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

Thank you for uploading this, Preston. I had no idea there was a recording of Martin reading this chapter out there. George R. R. Martin...just incredible writing, as usual. I read/listened to this chapter many times, I love it as much as I did the first time. Chilling. This chapter is definitely in my top three favourites from the series. I am reading _A Dance with Dragons_ right now. Absolutely amazing, every chapter in this series has me hooked in some way. He has even gotten me invested in viewpoint characters he introduced all the way in the forth book. I am invested in them as much as I am invested in the characters introduced in the first book. That is quite the accomplishment. Martin is such a huge inspiration to me, he has been for almost two decades. I wish him the best. His success is well-deserved. It would be great to have _The Winds of Winter_ soon. I am sure it will be my new favourite book in the series. Anyway, I think I heard Martin saying he may rewrite (some of) these sample chapters. You might have to rethink the Prepping for Winter series if _The Winds of Winter_ is ever released, lol.

[@profoundpronoun4712]

I’m excited for WoW. I am. But I am more excited for the DOZENS of videos that Preston will be able to re-make/make from the content!

[@macnsteez3938]

Preston just said "fuck rethinking prepping for winter, let's write Winds!" (And it's been extremely high quality for fanfic)

[@chyawanprash]

I noticed that at 15:25 he says Urrathon instead of Urrigon, making me think that was thinking of Urrathon Nightwalker while thinking of Euron.

[@Likeitornot91]

Thank you for uploading this! So cool too listen to, especially cause I'm working by a leaky ceiling and the water dripping makes it even more spooky.

[@johndcoffee632]

My favourite chapter of all, read by the man himself. Thanks Preston

[@Rex_Crackerz]

man, I would pay so much money to see this chapter adapted into a short film. Get David Lynch to direct it

[@DanielArnett]

Hey this guy's not bad, he should write some more on this I think it could be good.

[@macnsteez3938]

I remember how insane the hype was when this leaked. And fair enough too, absolutely brilliant chapter

[@DweezyBreezey]

Thank you Preston, this is fantastic!

[@justingraves1291]

Pretty sure Tolkiens next book will happen before GRRM's

[@mcgeethetree3858]

Not even a joke, The Nature of Middle Earth compiled from his unpublished notes came out last year

[@manband20]

Novelizations of the TV show are all but guaranteed. Such is the way of capitalism.

[@kennymarket2428]

@@manband20 This is the way

[@Bitter765]

@@manband20 it is known

[@wolfwithlashes5303]

This is such a gift, thank you, I couldn't help but tear up by the end even though I've read it myself.

[@_addison4772]

Such a great chapter… maybe one day we’ll get more

[@mennobosch7311]

Preston we need you on geopolitics right now!!

[@m.j.e.5245]

Incredible, thank you preston

[@lordodysseus]

This is such an amazing chapter.

[@notdeadjustyet8136]

Wow, this is a treasure. George's reading isn't the most dramatic, but he adds some special emotion. ❤❤❤ The Greyjoy family relations are amongst the most interesting in the entire ASOIAF ❤ thnx, Preston ❤

[@festina_lente7655]

Hearing the cadence of the author adds a lot to any work. That audience was especially lucky.

[@emperorpalpatine4681]

This goes hard

[@sweetsu3s]

Thank you for the treat!

[@mpalfadel2008]

Great find Preston Good morning to you in Taipei

[@Lunareste]

God this chapter is so incredible. I was not interested in the Ironborn story AT ALL until the first time I read this. Euron is fucking crazy, I can't wait to see what happens next.

[@airixxxx]

C'mon read The Iron Captain again, Victarion, Euron and Damphair are so good in it!

[@ThereIsNoLord]

21:36. I appreciate any reference to Euron's poisoned gifts.

[@lsabellathehousekeeper3280]

❤🇺🇸 Thank you ❤🇺🇸

[@theM4R4T]

Thank you.

[@robertpotwin]

It’s amazing how good this is

[@eyalsi1070]

God damn this is so good

[@thedragondemands5186]

This chapter blew my mind; is Euron going to summon an army of Deep Ones to overrun Oldtown?

[@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin]

I believe Euron is chumming the water with blood to attract krakens. So, an "army" of sorts, with blood "magic" of sorts.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@arzhvr9259]

I know you think this isn’t a fantasy novel, but there are dragons

[@larryhinkle9390]

I haven't watched the vid yet, but the thumbnail is Fantastic. The artist really captured the vibe

[@made-line7627]

It's strange to hear him pronounce "Aeron" as "Aaron", though it's still such an amazing experience 🗣️ 📚 🧙🏼‍♂️ P.S. The chick laughing at the "cloak of tongues" line hahaha

[@alanpennie8013]

Euron sounds very like urine at times.

[@made-line7627]

@@alanpennie8013 Definitely haha

[@GiordanoBruno42]

How good would it be if they did a new ASOIAF audiobook production, in the style of a radio-play. Sound effects and music, get the show actors to return to read their characters parts and thoughts. Think about it. Wouldn't that be the *ideal* way to make this series? I know it's unrelated but I need other ASOIAF fans to want this!

[@jaxsetbertoncarlism8873]

Graphic audio is what you're looking for

[@TheLiNxClan]

Nothing would compare that would be isnane

[@LSK1]

Awwwww GRRM precious voice !!!!

[@umbraunuivis]

Damn, this is random! I thought it was Preston "Live from Taipei" ready to talk about the russian invasion or the last part of "Time traveling Bran"!

[@Peanutjoepap24]

I thought this was lost to time, Preston you madlad

[@SaveUsMarku]

Man this chapter is so good it is so criminal I cannot read what he's done so far.

[@evilmerv4645]

My favorite chapter ;-; I really want to know where the iron born storyline will go

[@aarongraybeal6583]

Good post, Sweet Robin.

[@muat1155]

Ooooh, where you find this gem. One of my favourite Winds chapters.

[@muat1155]

@@TheRoyalWe762 from the 111,111 subscriber special? I shall rewatch at a later date.

[@muat1155]

@@TheRoyalWe762 yes you were correct. It’s from the 111,111 subscriber special back in 2016.

[@zeckboy123]

For a moment I thought it was a new sample chapter

[@davosseaworth1]

Nooooo. I didn't read it for 4 years. I will still wait for the book.

[@eugenebebs7767]

It's been 6 years since then. SIX Jesus, Martin, what went wrong?

[@turtleanton6539]

Great stuff

[@tatesherman8273]

I swear we are never getting these last two.

[@bigbitehood1353]

Bless you Preston

[@jackcarlson4469]

Thanks P- Dog

[@Hombay17]

It's a shame that the story will never be finished, because this is the best chapter of ASoIaF - and it's not even officially released!

[@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin]

I agree. I generally think his new POVs are better written than his old. I kind of wish the old POVs would die off and he would continue on with the new.

[@andrewschneider2121]

@@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin what’s the over /under on how many POV chapters Chad Summerchild gets in WoW

[@nicholsonfile]

"Never" is a bit of an assumption, but it's a common one. I disagree.

[@ThereIsNoLord]

@@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin I would like to think that Jon would stay dead, or appear once more as his consciousness melds with Ghost. But that presupposes there would be another finished book.

[@Hombay17]

@@nicholsonfile Sure it's an assumption, but one I feel all evidence points to. If you're holding out hope, that's great! To each their own.

[@tagir_f]

I like the community of asoiaf for its wholesomeness.

[@JackFroster]

8 years ago...christ. How many fans I wonder have died in the wait for TWoW...

[@goon143]

Sweet dude . mmm ham .

[@HandyAndy893]

So weird to hear the laughing, this chapter always makes me so tense, really cool to hear GRRM read it

[@maestromastufi7158]

Jesus reciting the Holy Bible to his disciples. (circa 21 A.C.)

[@TheStarrySept]

Going to need a stream in about an hours, Preston. it has to be then because I'm busy from tonight until Sunday though.

[@felipebrandao7296]

A shame there's no Stannis, Lady Mary Mertyns or any crows in this chapter, I would love to know if George would make "the voices"

[@maatheeuusiim]

what about that attempt to decipher the page in the verse of the impress papers he was holding while reading this?

[@justwannapost69]

Thanks for this!

[@muat1155]

George isn’t putting half as much effort into his Aeron voice as the iconic Preston take.

[@sophie__ara]

lmao at the audience laughing😂 I was horrified the whole time

[@savanahwulff6263]

♥♥♥♥

[@nogodsnomasters7669]

Who would have guessed that Samwell has such a piercing voice

[@aegonthedragon7303]

If this is the level of quality to be expected from TWOW, the wait will absolutely be worth it.

[@animatedink2529]

How many years has it been since Martin’s released a sample chapter? You think he’s even writing Winds anymore?

[@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin]

May 2016 for Winds. He released Arianne II. It was the same month as this reading. We were spoiled back then.

[@jurjen8703]

@@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin hahaha imagine telling someone in 2016, 5 years out from Dance, that it's only getting more shit from here on out.

[@animatedink2529]

@@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin that we were. *sigh* feels bad

[@SanskarWagley]

@@PrestonJacobstheSweetrobin I read the series for the first time from 2014-2015, it’s crazy that we’re nowhere closer

[@mikoajtokar5846]

I am following his blog and he regulary mentions writing Winds

[@feyh]

Third time i hear or read that. Expect the fourth to be in the god damn book.

[@tofonofo4606]

Mmmmm Valyrian Plate....

[@xxlCortez]

The way he says shit at 20:44 cracks me up.

[@grandoldpodcast]

The last new Winds of Winter content is almost 6 years old. Ouch

[@tjosiahhaynes]

I wish the old POVs would die off or severely change like Theon, so the new POVs could shine. (Maybe not Areo but we'll see)

[@NukeMarine]

I remember "Ideas of Ice and Fire" having the best narration of this chapter: v=6doAKzE4iwM Sadly doesn't apply to his other narration attempts.

[@pairot01]

Foreskin good

[@MarkHalberstram]

This is by far my favourite chapter in IAF, so hearing the author read it is really special

[@KaritKtana]

DAMN.

[@gw_leibniz]

Is there a PDF of the text to match the other chapters?

[@marufhasan9365]

It's like the God reading Bible.

[@snoboater]

Finally finishd Dance last week. Sorry for the wait. Good thing i did otherwise my good friend George wouldn't finish the books

[@eversor10]

Where's the book George 🔫💀

[@munken7673]

In heaven

[@bossman6798]

Aeron, the true champion of the drowned god

[@VinAbuqrq]

15:11 "Still praying priest? Your god has forsaken you."

[@hollin220]

Horrifying. Truly a horrifying. My knee jerk reaction to this is anger and resentment. Anger and resentment at George for not finishing Winds of Winter. As time passes I realize that resentment manifests itself from a yearning. A yearning for more. More like this. I so want this book to come out. And its chapters like this that fuel that desire. Such horrific writing.

[@hollin220]

A side thought….. Thank you for the upload. I needed a distraction from the horrific news coming out of Eastern Europe. My gf did humanitarian aid in Kiev. She knows many suffering over there. This invasion has been really depressing. War is a folly.

[@markus_k]

Nice Vid. Is George cool with that?

[@k45207]

And this chapter alone took 7 years