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?

  • an_engel_on_earth [he/him, they/them]
    ·
    4 years ago

    im trying to read the books but it seems the only thing that rly gets me interested these days are cli-fi or postapocalyptic fiction (i recently finished parable of the sower by octavia butler). However I watched some of altshiftx's videos and I rly do appreciate the worldbuilding. I love how there are so many theories and mysteries (like who is the knight of the laughing tree, who wrote the pink letter, is aegon actually faegon). I also appreciate GRRM's LGBTQ representation, such a rare thing in fantasy.