Storm of Swords

[AryaUnderfoot]

I'm possibly way-off the beaten track here, but if a person can inhabit more than one body at once - then perhaps if their human form is taken by the Others, there is still enough person on the outside of the body to animate it according to their own will.

Interesting to note that Coldhands effectively controlled ravens when rescuing Sam Tarly.

Just a thought, here, and maybe someone has already mentioned this- is it a possibility that Benjen/Coldhands was found by the Children of the Forest and saved from completely becoming a wight? The Children of the Forest, being "one" with nature, would be an obvious enemy to the Others and their minions, who are so alien and anti-nature. Plus, a little time with the Children would probably help with the whole controlling ravens bit.

 

[Max Clegane]

Disregarding the discussion about the plot, and the length of the plot... I would simply like to say that in the states, a 300-500 page book costs 6.95. Martin's ASOS, weighing in at over 1100 pages, cost 7.99...or basically a dollar more.

So, an extra 600 pages of an author whose writing style I really love for an extra dollar... I'll take it. More bang for your buck that way.

Have read the series 30 or 40 times over now (I work nights at a slow, slow job). Will say that while you are reading the chapters, plot points and lines may not be apparant, but the majority of the chapters in each book are needed, building the plot as a bricklayer would build a wall. ASOS needs the information from ACOK to build on, and ACOK needs the info from AGOT to build on...and so on. If you picked up ASOS without reading the other two, you might be a bit lost in what's going on.

Anyway, there's my two cents.

EDIT: fixing typos

 

[Young Wolf]

I agree with Brian to a point. Much of the book is concerned with the politics and rivalry between the several major families. This whole politicking is surely a side show. I do not doubt its relevance, but for me the true story lies with Jon and beyond the wall, and Dany's return home. The thing is I enjoy the politicking very much. The book is simply an invented history with fantastical elements.

Arya becomes one of the most interesting characters in later chapters.

I think most of us are underestimating the importance of the war between the houses. GRRM has spent more time on this than on any of the other major plot lines and I think that he isn't doing it just for the fun of it. If you look at this series as a whole, there are two major story lines: first, the fighting between the houses, and second is the so called war between the Others and the Night's Watch (or possibly Rhllor). The two seem to be like oil and water, but I think Martin will attempt to combine them somehow. It does seem that the Starks and Targeryens aren't the only houses involved in the supernatural. The Greyjoys (see House Greyjoy thread), Lannisters and Baratheons all are taking advantage of the return of magic to Westeros. Stannis has his red priestess, who I think will become Stannis's wife and the Lannisters will have a monstrous Ser Gregor (and anything else Cersei and her maester can cook up). We may see an unprecedented war between the houses. If Daenerys comes and takes control of these new and improved houses, she will have enough fire power not only to beat back the Others, but to protect the realm from future invasions. I know it won't be as simple as that, but it's one possible way for Martin to make this series more concise.

 

[Boaz]

Just a thought, here, and maybe someone has already mentioned this- is it a possibility that Benjen/Coldhands was found by the Children of the Forest and saved from completely becoming a wight? The Children of the Forest, being "one" with nature, would be an obvious enemy to the Others and their minions, who are so alien and anti-nature. Plus, a little time with the Children would probably help with the whole controlling ravens bit.

Now Coldhands does not show up until after the whole Great Ranging debacle. Coldhands affinity for ravens could be related to his affinity for them in life. What if Coldhands is Jeor Mormont, the Old Bear?

 

[cercar]

Coldhands could be Mormont but if he was Sam would likely have recognized him when he picked up himself and Gily. Also if Coldhands was Benjen than Sam should also have seen a resemblance to him and Jon as they both have traditional Stark looks, Sam recognized Bran right away as Jon's brother why not his uncle.