Maybe my favourite book series! Intelligent dialogue dealing with consequences of even minor decisions. The hierarchy is criticised constantly, shown for being trivial, hypocritical and based almost entirely in violence and threats based on strength in numbers (implied and real).

I can't choose a favourite character or arc, but I really love ADWD for really elaborating on and setting up new goals for stories that had more or else finished their first act.

I also enjoy that while GRRM indulges in 'pure evil' characters such as Joffrey, The Mountain, Ramsay and Euron (Read that TWOW preview chapter- it's Godly!) he still establishes that most people commit horrific acts while being actual complex people in a shit system (Theon, Jamie, Stannis).

Main two characters also should be noted are a staunch abolitionist (Dany) and a man who sacrifices himself for refugees who he successfully migrated (Jon). Considering the ramifications they both faced for their decisions they both managed to be awesome, intelligent and compassionate, despite the consistently horrific implications and threats.

What are your favourite characters, arcs, worldbuilding or quotes? Any real life political figures you'd like to compare to ASOIAF characters?

    • threshold [he/him]
      ·
      4 years ago

      I can't remember exactly- but from memory Varys 'for the realm' motivations are a show thing. (Which I dig) He's a bit more of a monarchist purist in the books- wanting Targaryens to return as it's their rightful place.

      After all he kills Kevan because he's being too competent and not causing enough chaos. If he was a 'for the people' kind of guy you'd have to call him an accelerationist.

      • anonymous_ascendent [none/use name]
        ·
        4 years ago

        In the books he and Illyrio are merlings, plotting to start a war of dragons to melt the north and raise the ocean levels so the merfolk can feast. Everything else was a distraction from the great submergence.

        https://www.reddit.com/r/gameofthrones/comments/1gvbr7/all_spoilerstheory_the_best_theory_about_varys_i/?utm_source=amp&utm_medium=&utm_content=post_body

        • the_river_cass [she/her]
          ·
          4 years ago

          I love the ridiculous theories people are able to defend out of these books. and then one of them turned out to be true

          spoiler

          time-traveling Bran mind-controlling Hodor

          and I lost basically all interest.

        • threshold [he/him]
          ·
          4 years ago

          I guess the question is whether he knows he is a fake Targaryen or not. And whether he cares. In terms of PR, the aesthetics of a white haired man with recognisable white Westerosi allies are a bit better as an invading/liberating force than Dany with her Khalsar and Unsullied.

    • VolcelPolice [any]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Ngl Varys is my guy, he actually gives a shit about the people, PLUS he's volcel. The only character deserving the title of king, as ironic as that is