A continuation of George R.R. Martin's series A Song of Ice and Fire, A Feast for Crows follows several major and minor characters introduced in previous novels. A Feast for Crows is George R.R. Martin's fourth instalment in his series A Song of Ice and Fire. Due to the intricacies in the story, A Feast for Crows follows only a few major characters from previous instalments, as well as several minor characters. The other major characters' plotlines are continued in the fifth book, A Dance with Dragons.
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Soon after the major events in A Storm of Swords, the kingdoms of Westeros continue to suffer under the rule of the Lannisters, as the War of the Five Kings starts to wane. King's Landing is now effectively under Queen Cersei's rule, as she declared herself protector and mentor to King Tommen, successor of Joffrey. With her father and son dead, and her twin brother giving her insufficient love and support, Cersei starts to find her previous authority over the guards and councilmembers starting to slip. Several of the decisions she makes are met with animosity, such as naming condemned Qyburn as Master of Whisperers and adding new, disreputable members to the Small Council. Ultimately she is locked in a cell and put to trial for her crimes.
Meanwhile, Arya Stark persists in her journey to exact revenge on those who have made her “list”, finding herself under a pseudonym in the free city of Braavos. She ends up serving at a temple, and starts apprenticing under the renowned assassins known as the Faceless Men. Her sister Sansa has also been given a false name and identity and has been taken to the Vale under protection of Littlefinger. She spends her time watching over the recently deceased Lysa Arryn's son, Robert, while Littlefinger asserts himself as Lord Protector of the Vale.
Brienne, having sworn an oath to Jaime, begins actively seeking out Sansa Stark. Her travels take her to a sept, where she discovers that Arya Stark is also alive, after being told of Sandor Clegane's travels with Arya. She follows Arya's trail without much succes, and ends up being captured by Beric Dondarrion's Brotherhood.
Samwell Tarly accompanies Maester Aemon and wildling Gilly and her child to Oldtown, where he is tasked with conducting research on the Others, as ordered by Lord Commander Jon Snow. Along the way, he develops a relationship with Gilly, and learns that her child is not, in fact, hers, but is Mance Rayder's son. Samwell also learns that Aemon was sent away as he contains royal blood, being a Targaryen. On their journey, Aemon's health fails and he passes, leaving Sam and Gilly to travel to Oldtown on their own.
Jaime Lannister, having been named Lord Commander, journeys to end the siege at Riverrun by an insolent Brynden Tully, by promising to hand him his rightful lord and nephew, Lord Edmure Tully. Despite his parleys, Brynden rebuffs his offers. Jaime then confers with Edmure his safe return to Riverrun for his uncle. However, Edmure sneaks Bryden past the Lannisters, avoiding his capture. Jaime retaliates by imprisoning Edmure at Casterly Rock and instituting Emmon Frey in his stead.
At the Iron Islands, Euron Greyjoy is crowned king, to the chagrin of his brother Aeron and his sister Asha. Euron commands his brother Victarion to lay siege to the Shield Islands and the Reach. Euron decides to establish his power and sends Victarion to propose a marriage between Daenerys and Euron. Victarion, however, holds Euron in contempt and intends to marry Daenerys himself.
Best part of story, including ending:
This is a great continuation of A Song of Ice and Fire, with plenty of action, twists, and political play.
Best scene in story:
When Arya is struck blind at the House of Black and White. Fans of Arya wish this girl could catch a break, and then she goes and gets struck blind!
Opinion about the main character:
All characters in this book are good and bad in their own ways. Because the chapters are written from each character's point of view, the readers are given insight into the motivations and thoughts behind each character's actions. It is interesting to see how a person's bad actions are rationalized to themselves.
