The Winds of Winter (GRRM)

[Valarya]

I decided to leave this thread title somewhat vague because now we'll be able to use it for years to come (since that's how long it will take the book to actually be released). Hah.

The REAL purpose for creating this thread is to let those of you know GRRM has just posted a Sample Chapter from The Winds of Winter (Book 6 of asoiaf) on his official website.

Don't go clicking this link if you don't want to read it or be spoiled:

http://georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html

If you guys haven't realized this yet, I love spoilers. I eat them up whenever I can get them. Love love love LOVE.

Back in 2003 Martin was touring the states doing signings and conventions and reading chapters from his next book. Back then he didn't know it would be split in to two (AFFC and ADWD). Attendees of these events would take 'notes' and post their synopsis on the forums for anyone to read. Turns out some of those chapters were to be delayed for Book 5 and were only viewed in their entirety this year when Book 5 came out. Spoiler chapters known for 8 years and it still did not take away from the enjoyment of actually reading it in it's natural place.

So I'll be diving right in to this sample chapter..... now!

['thul]

Most interesting. These beings will focus on this thread. Among other threads.

[Valarya]

Most interesting. These beings will focus on this thread. Among other threads.

Do 'thul beings read Martin spoilers where they won't read Hobb spoilers?

['thul]

Not yet, but they might.
For Hobb it is (usually) less than a year. For Martin it is several years.

[Valarya]

Understandable! It's really quite intriguing.

Here are my thoughts on the chapter and theories on where it will lead us. Do not click if you haven't finished all 5 released books + the sample chapter from book 6 above. You have been warned.

Spoiler

Poor Theon for being through so much that it has turned him in to what he is now. That bit where he recounted all he had said to Asha when first plopped down in front of her, and her look of pity and whispering to him so as not to let her tears fall. Heartbreaking.

When Asha suggested giving Theon a death befitting Eddard Stark, I cried.. and to think that Bran was there with him. I find it so interesting that Bran is there for at least half of this chapter.. through the crows. It almost seems as if the crow [Bran] is suggesting the tree-move to Asha as well, for why else would a daughter of the Drowned God & Pyke suggest her blood-brother be killed like a greenman? She never would. It's obvious she wants mercy for him, but I think something happened between her and Bran/Crow for this suggestion to be made in the first place.

I'm of the opinion that Theon will do all he can in recompense of his actions at Winterfell for the remaining time he is alive. He will try to help Jeyne, Jon and Bran. And since he no longer has daddy-issues, he will want to atone for his previous behavior. I suspect Bloodraven (the three-eyed-crow) can sense this in Theon and realizes he could be a good mouth for them. So this "suggestion" of Asha's to go to the island where the weirwood trees are, is a plot to get away from Stannis, methinks.

Most interestingly of note is the fact:
Martin commented that this chapter takes place BEFORE events at the end of ADWD. In that case, I feel like the letter Ramsay sent to LC Jon Snow was more true than originally suspected. Ramsay knew too much in that letter for it to be circumstance. He knew about the wildling "princess" (Val) and the wildling babe Prince. He knew, not only about Mance & the spearwives sent to Winterfell, but that Jon Snow knows it's Mance and continues to let the rest of the Wall think he's dead. Due to this tiny clue by Martin, I'm thinking Ramsay DID come out of Winterfell after this sample chapter takes place.. looking for his Reek and his Wife. We know how much Ramsay likes his possessions, yes?
According to the letter, Ramsay got Stannis, Stannis' sword, and knowledge.. but not Theon or Jeyne (fake Arya). So perhaps Theon does get away.

If they're headed towards the Wall, perhaps they can help Jon, too (if he really isn't dead)... and then help Bran. UGH then it's all starting to converge on the final conclusion we've always known is coming. The Wall falling & the Others battling Starks & Dragons.

I just got goosebumps.

Whew.

[Farseer]

If you guys haven't realized this yet, I love spoilers. I eat them up whenever I can get them. Love love love LOVE.

Yup, I realised...and very early on at that!

[Albertosaurus Rex]

Hooo boy... I never read the sample chapters before ADWD was released and I'm not going to do so now.

It's bad enough that I found out in advance...

that Theon was still alive. Honestly, I would liked to have been surprised when he eventually popped up in the book.

[Relpda]

Thank you so much for posting this Valarya! So exciting I cannot wait for WoW to be released although deep down I know I've got a good long wait ahead of me!

Spoiler

I kind of fear this will be the end of Theon now. He went from being one of my least favourites to being one of the most interesting characters and while I do have a feeling he'll make it to the end (albeit in a very tortured way) this is GRRM and nothing is certain!

Interesting about Bran and the ravens - I can't wait to see how all that pans out and wish there'd been more in ADWD.

Yeah I reckon Ramsey has Mance and the spearwives and that is where the knowledge is from. I don't think he will get Stannis, etc not sure why I just think Stannis has come so far in his own stubborn way as underdog that he's going to evade the Boltons and possibly recapture Winterfell (or maybe that's just wishfull thinking, up with the North!)

and finally... Yes! Go and help Jon Snow!! I don't believe he's dead for one second but I do think theres going to be a big price paid for his survival - this is ASOIAF after all!

[Farseer]

Here I am carrying on about how much I actually didn't like the ASoIaF series and, yet, here I am...having just now read the sample!

Oh, Farseer, you *do* care after all.

[Valarya]

Here I am carrying on about how much I actually didn't like the ASoIaF series and, yet, here I am...having just now read the sample!

Oh, Farseer, you *do* care after all.

!!!!

Does that mean you finished the first 5 books!?