76 replies to this topic

[Mewt]

That you were reading something more than modern (albiet, "crazy good") fantasy? What I mean, when is the first time you knew you were reading something very special?

Mine was in ACOK towards Sansa's last chapter where she meets Sandor for the last time. Everything about that part was so beautifully moving, so heart endingly perfect.

[Ser Nevarc]

Ned and King Robert in the Crypts.  Beautiful descriptions and background info.  I knew it was art.

[gr8hucker]

When Bran touched down.

[Kymeera]

Before I even started reading.  I had never heard of the books before, but saw many references to the series in another forum I frequent.  Reviews were overwhelmingly positive and it was mentioned that it's not the bland rehashed story you've read a hundred times already.  The deal was sealed when they said you won't know which characters will live or die, and main characters can be killed off at any time for the benefit of the story.  I stopped reading any more threads so as not to spoil things, and then waited until I knew I'd have all the time in the world to hang out and read.  Soooooo glad I did it.

[Lord Mord]

I think it was kind of a one-two punch.  Or something like that.

Basically the first handful of chapters.  Dany's somewhat, but less so than the others: Ned and Catelyn in the godswood, Ned and Robert in the crypts, and Bran's fall.  The fall really sealed it for me, because I got a very raw sensibility in it, of a world where anything was possible instead of a setup to grand prophecy fulfillment.

[Alexia]

When Ned Stark's head came off.  He drove me bonkers through the first book - he was such a moron and I got so mad at him when he turned down Renly swords.  I thought it was going to be another unrealistically honorable book character getting saved from the natural consequences of his actions by the author.

Sat up a little straighter when LF betrayed him, and got hooked after he was beheaded.

[hotpocket2006]

Definately when Bran was pushed and Ned was beheaded. At both moments I realized that anything could happen to anyone and it wouldn't be a totally lame predictable fantasy tale.

[J.J. Lannister]

" The things I do for love."

[stannis for king]

"the things i do for love"
"i told you not to trust me"

jeez louise! honestly, this series is the benchmark, just finished a re-read and i want to go again.

[DomDayne]

Have to agree with alot of people here, 'The things I do for love,' Anything that does something so outrageous within easy reaching distance of the start is either incredibly horrible or very special. Thankfully this was easily the latter.

[Tywin Lannister]

"Ser Ilyn, bring me his head!"

[Ser Howsmelly]

My first impression after the first three or four chapters of AGOT was wtf to the prologue. Zombies? What.... And it felt like I had jumped into the middle of an already continuing fantasy series (with all the backstory and characters) - which is not necessarily a bad thing.

The limited POV was something I had issues with at first as well, but this slowly turned into a feature that I love.

I think the birth of the Dragons was what got me hooked. I mean dragons in a fantasy series are always a plus (in my opinion and not including fucking eragon), and I guess the realism aspect of the series coupled with the birth of Magic.... yea. :).

[amicoa]

I always thought the book was special since Ned and Robert in the crypt but I got hooked when after a reread of AGoT when I first got a feeling for R+L=J. Instant fandom.

[Scafloc]

"Robb says the man died bravely, but Jon says he was afraid."
What do you think? his father asked.
Bran thought about it. "Can a man still be brave if he's afraid?"
That is the only time a man can be brave, his father told him.

Right after reading the first chapter I realised that this book would be really really good!

[Shewoman]

Ned the Headless did it for me.

[Chalky]

Alexia, on Nov 4 2009, 20.21, said:

When Ned Stark's head came off.  He drove me bonkers through the first book - he was such a moron and I got so mad at him when he turned down Renly swords.  I thought it was going to be another unrealistically honorable book character getting saved from the natural consequences of his actions by the author.

Sat up a little straighter when LF betrayed him, and got hooked after he was beheaded.

I second that...My feelings exactly

[AHackeySackOfIceAndFire]

When we meet Tywin Lannister.  The buildup to it was so excellent; I was actually honored to meet the man, even though he seemed to be an antagonist.  Here was a character I should absolutely loathe, but here I am, seeing him through the eyes of a son who he has cast aside, and all I can feel his honor.

That's good writing.

[All For Blue Roses]

When Cersei says something like,"In the game of thrones you win or lose, there is no middle ground." That pretty much summed up the whole theme for me. The fact that it came from a character I really loathe just adds sprinkles to the sundae. I had to keep reading all the books after that.

[Daenerys' Sex Slave]

Right around when Bran touched down.

[the average Other]

The very first prologue. The atmosphere caught me and I liked GRRM's writing style immediately.