ASoIaF weakness(es)?

[Niolani]

The only critism I have is how many freakin' times they use the expression "sweet sister". Oh, and "You know nothing Jon Snow" drove me nuts too.

 

[direghost]

I'm sorry, why is this a problem?

I imagine in the world were the action is taking place is somewhat parallel to medieval times, where life expectancy was quite low, probably about 1/3 of today and children grew up quickly, married early and died early. I think the loss of innocence is an important factor when dealing with the Stark children.

Well not to beat a dead horse, and it appears I'm in a minority, but in point of fact the low life expectancy of medieval and ancient times was due to a far higher infant mortality rate. There are very very few examples of 12 or 14 year olds in history achieving great deeds, and many people live well into their 80's. Martin is writing fantasy, of course, so none of this affects him ultimately but it's something to keep in mind. I don't mind Rob's age so much, but Bran is a bit too young and there's no way Rickon will age to be of an age of any import at all.

 

[YOSSARIAN]

I agree with you, direghost. Sansa's age is not a problem because betrothal and marriage were likely possibilities at her age. Robb's age is not too much of a problem because his bannermen were really honoring his father rather than raising up a sixteen year old king. And he's dead now anyway. We don't know what's to come for Rickon. But I don't think Jon, Arya, or Bran are old enough to have done the things they've done (or we expect will do).

 

[AryaUnderfoot]

There are very very few examples of 12 or 14 year olds in history achieving great deeds

Yes, but there are some. Wasn't Joan of Arc around twelve years old when she started influencing history? Anne Boleyn was fourteen, I believe, when she married Henry VIII and encouraged him to turn away from the Catholic Church. King Tut - only lived till he was 18. I'm not going to go into all the kids who participate in the Olympics and beat world records all the time.

Teens are totally capable of achieving great things. Many of us don't think it's possible because in the modern day and age, they aren't encouraged to do great deeds, as they're not considered to be adults.

And Bran, well- he really hasn't done much, besides escape. It's not like he's leading forces into battle at the age of eight.

 

[the smiling weirwood]

But I don't think Jon, Arya, or Bran are old enough to have done the things they've done (or we expect will do).

What do you expect them to do? Conquer Westeros? Become whores? Sneak in to R-rated movies? Okay, Jon might be a little young to be Lord Commander, but he's not the youngest ever and everyone knows he's part Stark and that carries a lot of weight in the north.

 

[YOSSARIAN]

I expected Bran to be changed into a female by the three-eyed crow and become a whore. Sorry if my values seem old-fashioned, but I just think Bran is way too young to be a supernatural transgendered prostitute.

SPOILER ALERT




Arya is killed when she tries fight her way into the Braavosi cineplex to see the NC-17 rated director's cut of Larry the Cable Guy:Health Inspector.

 

[TK-421]

Well, the age thing can't too big of a problem if you're still reading the series and geeking out on the internet talking about it in a forum like this one.

 

[AryaUnderfoot]

Well, the age thing can't too big of a problem if you're still reading the series and geeking out on the internet talking about it in a forum like this one.

Ahem. I'm not geeking it out. I'm nerding it out. And there are a lot worse things we all could be doing on the internet...



Like discussing Star Wars. Or NASCAR. Or Star Wars.

 

[direghost]

(I think he meant the geeking out more towards me, Arya.)

Of course I still like Martin, but the name of thread is ASOIAF weaknesses, so I listed some things I thought could be improved. Obviously no book can be perfect, let alone a series of 800+ page books. And the age thing, in my opinion, is a bit of a problem....

 

[TK-421]

Touché Arya...embrace your inner geek/nerd. Let it flow with the force...would be ironic (ha!ha!) to get into a debate about whose the biggest geek on a fantasy/science-fiction forum..

I could never really understand NASCAR and the American obsession with it

 

[Lord Snow]

In the end everything has its purpose,even if you can't see it now.From the start I was annoyed with the evil always prevailing.But that I think is what makes it a good story,more real.Bran was always my favorite,and it still bothers me he's crippled.But again its all part of the story.There are some chapters that are a little slow,but I think they still belong.I would rather have a long book keeping up with the events than a short one.Wondering why this or that happened.I myself love the stark children,I think there meant to grow,and they will.
Lord Snow

 

[the smiling weirwood]

And there are a lot worse things we all could be doing on the internet...

yes, like watching streaming video of Fox News! GAH! (clutches face as eyeballs melt from stupidity overload)

 

[YOSSARIAN]

Fox News is Fair and Balanced...Fox News is Fair and Balanced...(repeat until you believe this or the terrorists will win..)

 

[TK-421]

I'm just waiting for my innocent geeking out remark and the subsequent replies to start a debate about the divisions within the US, patriotism, unilateralism and foreign policy...We may have to close this thread as well if it gets too controversial

 

[Trey Greyjoy]

I could never really understand NASCAR and the American obsession with it

aaah!!!!

Just in case there is any misunderstanding...the vast majority of Americans are NOT obsessed with NASCAR!

 

[red_temple]

I'll second that. Most of us hate it. Turn left!!!!

 

[YOSSARIAN]

Just to keep this thread on topic...ASoIaF's biggest weakness is the lack of race cars.

 

[red_temple]

Especially of the formula-1 variety.

 

[Dolorous Edd]

Tbh, i have to admit I found the total lack of dancing pink elephants during the battle of the whispering wood to be a real shame. Couple this to the complete absence of any of the characters during the feasting scene's getting drunk and stumbling on the tabletop for an impromptu karaoke rendition of Britney spear's "hit me baby one more time" and your left with a work that, whilst excellent in most respects, lacks the credibility to be properly considered as a serious piece of fiction.

 

[Trey Greyjoy]

Just to keep this thread on topic...ASoIaF's biggest weakness is the lack of race cars.

absolutely.
If I were him, Id have introduced the great knight Ser Jeffrey Gordann, and he would have travelled the kingdoms racing horses. That would have so freaking rockin! !! !!!

Do you think he's saving that for a later book?

If I didnt think he had already thought of the idea I wouldnt have written it here...that idea is so good its worth stealing!