I've just heard rumours of a planned sequel to LEGENDS, could you confirm this. Assuming you plan to contribute to another short story collection would your piece be another tale of Dunk and Egg?
If LEGENDS II does indeed happen -- that is not entirely certain as I write -- I will indeed contribute a second Dunk and Egg story, "The Sworn Sword."
Will A FEAST FOR CROWS span the same 5 year peroid you originally intended to have between A STORM OF SWORDS and A DANCE WITH DRAGONS or will it be more condensed time frame?
I hope to cover the five years.
Finally I don't suppose you have a burning desire to reveal key plot details (or any details for that matter) from AFFC to a complete stranger. I just thought I'd ask on the off chance :)
Nice try.
[A brief mail, in which GRRM is commenting on my speculation in the Heraldry pages that Ser Donnel of Duskendale, from "The Hedge Knight" was a Darklyn.]
Hmmm... no, probably not. If he was a Darklyn I would have used his house name. But no doubt he was inspired by their example.
I just want you to know that your books are great. They are the best I have ever read. I must say, even better than Tolkien. I hope I am not shot for that.
It's quite a compliment, but don't worry, I seldom shoot my readers.
I hope you are okay after tuesday's events. Gods know, I would really hate for you not to finish those books.
Me too. September 11 had its impact on me, as on everyone else, but I was two thousand miles away in Santa Fe, so I'm okay.
Not that we all don't value your person. Just to those of us you haven't knighted at the cheesesteak place, your books problay are more real.
Perfectly understable. I feel the same way about my own favorite writers.
About my question. Melisandre, I hope I am not butchering the spelling, really seems to be evil to me. She births shadow babies, and talks very much of blood. This seems to be blood magic to me. Perhaps its not.
But if it is, then is it evil, for Mirri was evil. Or just a vengeful bitch like the terriorists.
Mirri Maz Duur considered herself a hero, and no doubt Melisandre feels the same. What they are in truth... well, that's for each reader to determine for himself. I don't intend to make it easy.
Thoros is a totally different person. He is kind hearted and nice. Is this just because he washed out and became a fake priest. Or is this the way most red priests act?
Red priests are human beings, and like other human beings, they vary greatly.
And then there are the dragons, and the apparent increase in magic they brought on with their birth. Is R'hllor only truly able to touch the world when dragons live. And are the seven affected. Like Davos and the mother.
You'll need to keep reading to learn more.
Once again, I hope you are alright.
I'm fine. Thanks for your concern.
I have a question which I'm sure you can (and will?) answer. It's about the Tower of Joy. The image we get from Ned's description is pretty powerful. But it doesn't make sense. The top three kingsguards, including the lord commander amd the best knight in ages, Ser Arthur Dayne are present there. Lyanna is in the tower, she asked Ned to promise him something. This, so says the general consensus us little Jon Snow, who is Lyanna's and Rhaegar's. No sense denying this ;)
However, what are the Kingsguards doing fighting Eddard? Eddard would never hurt Lyanna, nor her child. The little one would be safe with Eddard as well, him being a close relative. So I ask you, was there someone else with Lyanna and Jon?
You'll need to wait for future books to find out more about the Tower of Joy and what happened there, I fear.
I might mention, though, that Ned's account, which you refer to, was in the context of a dream... and a fever dream at that. Our dreams are not always literal.
Also, did the Kingsguards know what was in the Tower?
Certainly.
Cheers, I really hope you will answer these questions for me, I'll not bother you again if you do, I promise hahaha.
Merry Christmas btw, it's almost on us!
And a happy new year to you.
Did Tohbo Mott ever teach Gendry the secrets of reworking Valyrian steel?
Interesting question.
Who or what were the Stormsingers? What could they do?
Another eastern magical discipline.
What happened to Ser Arthur Dayne's sword Dawn after Ned brought it back to Ashara?
Dawn remains at Starfall, until another Sword of the Morning shall arise.
In Valyria did they work Dragonbone into Valyrian steel?
No.
Did Tyrion ever finish reading the book concerning dragons that he borrowed from Winterfell?
Yes.
I am coming to Europe twice... to the Netherlands in April, and the Czech Republic in June/July...
_A Game of Thrones_ is now uncontested #1 on the Internet Top 100 SF/Fantasy list, passing even the Lord of the Rings. First time that LotR has lost the position since about four editions into the list ... nearly 7 years ago.
That's pretty astonishing, considering the huge LOTR presence right now. Very gratifying. I hope I can hold on.
Have you seen _The Fellowship of the Ring_ movie yet? There are not a few fans curious as to your reaction to it, and whether you think it'll spell the beginning of a revival of major Hollywood fantasy projects. :)
I have seen the movie three times so far. I have quibbles, certainly... but all in all I thought it was magnificent, far and away the best fantasy film ever made.
As to whether it will mean a general revival of fantasy in Hollywood... well, we can hope. If they are all done as well as FELLOWSHIP, that would be exciting indeed, but I fear they won't be.
On a personal level, the studios aren't lining up to buy A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE yet, but it does look as though I am about to close a film deal on "The Skin Trade," and there is some interest in WILD CARDS as well.
The WILD CARDS revival is going very well, by the way. I just turned in the first new book, DEUCES DOWN, which is scheduled for publication this summer. Jim Steranko will do the cover, and Tim Truman the interior illustrations.