The Lions' Pride

I'm not sure which book I would consider my favorite... the most recent release, A Dance with Dragons, probably was my least favorite due to all of the setup and lack of action we had previously been spoiled with in the previous novels. Are there characters I am not really vested in? Absolutely, but I would be disappointed if the next novel was under 1000 pages. Although, I do hope the pace of introducing new characters does slow down.

I understand what you are getting at wrt Martin and his history of taking forever to complete the novels. I think his health is often a concern with the fanbase as well -- especially now that the series may go eight volumes instead of the planned seven.

I don't believe it did. Without a spolier, I believe that character "went to the dogs" if you catch my drift. and will eventually "snap out of it" in some way. If not, I may set the book down and never finish it.

What did everybody think of episode two??

Setting us up for a pretty darn good 3rd episode!!!!

My thoughts exactly. I hope they don't kill Snow, he's one I actually like.

EDIT: UN-VIP

I need to watch it again to really get it. That whole scene with the Grayjoys was odd.

I gotta start reading the books

Nice summary. It should also be pointed out that Asha (Theon's sister) was renamed Yara by the show's writers to avoid confusion with Osha (the Wildling currently in Winterfell).

Oh, and the scene where Theon doesn't realize Yara/Asha is his sister when he begins his "flirting" was pretty much spot on from the book. I thought the look on Theon's face was priceless (and well done).

salladhor saan, who is pretty cool.

I'm disappointed in how they casted Asha/Yara, one of the carachetrs I was really looking forward to see come to life. I expected her to be a lot more sexy, wickedly funny, and witty. I think 13 from House would have been an excellent choice for Asha. They kind of found her opposite.

An excellent map and primer.

Asha/Yara may still grow into that role... I'm hopeful, although I did imagine her when reading the books as raven-haired. For the most part though, I think the casting has been spot on (Peter Dinkledge being by far the best) -- especially the core group save Cersei. Lena Headley is just too old and worn out for the character I had imagined. She does play an excellent role as a strong, ruthless woman with deep trust issues.

Different pirate. Salladhor San was very much implied to be "ethnic", from the tropical lands. Re Melisandre, I don't recall that scene being in the book, was it? It was certainly implied that she and Stannis had something going on, but never explicitly stated or described. Her face isn't particularly special, but the body was smokin...

I actually don't mind the Cersei one...she IS old, but she thinks of herself as a younger woman. With Asha, I was just aghast at the doughy body they gave her. When I first saw her I was like "WTF?"

A shrink would love to get his hands on Cersei though. I'm sensing major Daddy issues with that one.