Almost finished re-reading this. It’s gonna be hard not to just forge ahead and re-read the other three books, but I’ll wait until we know whether HBO will go to a second season.
If I’m understanding correctly, the shit hits the fan when Jon Arryn discovers the truth about Joffrey Lannister’s parentage. Cersei has him killed, Ned is appointed Hand to the King, and then Ned finds out the truth.
Ned, honorable sort that he is, confronts Cersei and says he’s going to tell Robert. Cersei, whore that she is, tries seduction and when that doesn’t work, arranges for Robert’s death and then Ned’s.
I was disappointed that Martin made Ned so naive that he’d think that Cersei would go quietly, and also disappointed that Cersei thought he’d respond to seduction.
I realize Martin had to set things in motion for war, but I’m wondering if he could have done it differently. Ned and Cersei were both kinda stupid in how they handled things.
What do you think?
Also, my favorite chapter in the book is toward the end, when Jon Snow tries to leave the Wall but his friends bring him back. That was beautifully done.
Anyone have a favorite chapter, character, or scene?