Leonard
So I've read this for the second time now and here are some thoughts about both readthroughs.
Throughout my childhood I've been a total worldbuilding nerd. I made up my own worlds in my head, loves Harry Potter, Star Wars and especially the lord of the rings. But as I grew older I tended towards more reasonable literature. Dune, which still is one of my favourite books, showed me how much philosophy and politics (not just political intrigue but serious critique of religious leaders and fascism. When watching movies I increasingly focussed on the characters. But I also started to regard learning every little detail about a made up world a pointless exercise when there is a real world with real problems to be fixed.
And for some part A Song of fell into that. I have rarely seen such well executed character arcs and the setting addresses both war and how much our actions are influenced by our surroundings. (And so much more)
But A Song of Ice and Fire alsogot me back into enjoying worldbuilding just for the fun of it. I reread the lord of the rings, this time recognising its flaws but I still love it. I even want to interact with middleearth by playing pen and paper (currently preparing).
Unfortunately on my first readthrough I did not know how much I have to weigh every word, thought and expression. The (probable) meaning of Eddards promise to Lyanna eluded me.
The foreshadowing is done so well, Brans wakeup chapter (Brann III I think), among others, gave me the chills.
Will maybe add more thoughts later.
So I've read this for the second time now and here are some thoughts about both readthroughs.
Throughout my childhood I've been a total worldbuilding nerd. I made up my own worlds in my head, loves Harry Potter, Star Wars and especially the lord of the rings. But as I grew older I tended towards more reasonable literature. Dune, which still is one of my favourite books, showed me how much philosophy and politics (not just political intrigue but serious critique of religious leaders and fascism. When watching movies I increasingly focussed on the characters. But I also started to regard learning every little detail about a made up world a pointless exercise when there is a real world with real problems to be fixed.
And for some part A Song of fell into that. I have rarely seen such well executed character arcs and the setting addresses both war and how much our actions are influenced by our surroundings. (And so much more)
But A Song of Ice and Fire alsogot me back into enjoying worldbuilding just for the fun of it. I reread the lord of the rings, this time recognising its flaws but I still love it. I even want to interact with middleearth by playing pen and paper (currently preparing).
Unfortunately on my first readthrough I did not know how much I have to weigh every word, thought and expression. The (probable) meaning of Eddards promise to Lyanna eluded me.
The foreshadowing is done so well, Brans wakeup chapter (Brann III I think), among others, gave me the chills.
Will maybe add more thoughts later.