The Chicago Tribune once infamously declared George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series as “a fantasy series for hip, smart people.” While intended as praise, such pronouncements can easily backfire, creating an air of pretension that might deter potential readers. Let’s move past the marketing buzz and delve into the meat of the matter: A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book in this monumental saga. This review offers a comprehensive look at the novel, going beyond initial reactions to explore its intricate layers, character development, and thematic depth, all while keeping the focus firmly on what makes this installment a crucial chapter in the A Song of Ice and Fire universe.
Progressing Through Westeros and Beyond: A Journey with Familiar Faces
A Dance with Dragons was eagerly anticipated, particularly after A Feast for Crows. While A Feast for Crows had its merits and focused on expanding the world and introducing new perspectives, many readers, including this reviewer, yearned for the return of beloved point-of-view (POV) characters. The promise of reuniting with Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, and Daenerys Targaryen was a major draw. Though the absences of Arya Stark, Brienne of Tarth, and Jaime Lannister were felt, and the continued absence of Theon Greyjoy was a lingering question, the return of the core trio was a welcome relief.
Tyrion’s Descent and Janos Slynt’s Demise
The initial chapters with Tyrion place him in a dark space. He’s grappling with the emotional fallout of patricide and betrayal, understandably mired in self-loathing and fixated on the past. This melancholic phase, while perhaps testing reader patience, is a necessary exploration of Tyrion’s broken psyche. His wit and strategic mind are dulled by grief and uncertainty as he navigates the treacherous world outside Westeros.
Contrastingly, the narrative delivers a moment of pure satisfaction with the demise of Janos Slynt. Jon Snow’s execution of the despicable Slynt is depicted with a chilling efficiency, offering a cathartic release for readers who have long despised the character. This scene, a perfect blend of justice and grim realism, is a testament to Martin’s ability to deliver both satisfying comeuppance and morally complex scenarios.
The Enigmatic Three-Eyed Crow and Theon’s Tortured Return
The introduction of the Three-Eyed Crow, or tree-man, adds another layer of mystery to the overarching narrative. This cryptic figure, residing deep within the weirwood network, hints at deeper, more mystical forces at play in Westeros. His identity and purpose remain shrouded, fueling speculation and intrigue.
The return of Theon Greyjoy, however, is far from triumphant. He reappears as Reek, a broken shadow of his former self, subjected to unimaginable torture by Ramsay Bolton. Theon’s arc is arguably one of the most harrowing in the series. His transformation into Reek is a brutal exploration of psychological and physical torment. While unsettling, it serves as a stark reminder of the grim realities of Martin’s world and the devastating consequences of pride and poor choices. Readers might yearn for a glimpse of the old, arrogant Theon, but his journey in Dance with Dragons is one of profound, albeit painful, transformation.
Unraveling Ramsay Bolton: A Villain’s Depravity
Ramsay Bolton’s history and actions are meticulously detailed, solidifying his position as one of the most disturbing villains in fantasy literature. From his twisted friendship with Reek (the original one) to his calculated cruelty and depravity, Ramsay embodies pure sadism. His manipulation of Theon, renaming him Reek and forcing him to participate in horrific acts, showcases his profound evil. While Ramsay’s villainy is undeniable, the reviewer notes a slight two-dimensionality. His father, Roose Bolton, despite being less overtly sadistic, often presents a more chilling and complex threat, highlighting the nuanced spectrum of evil in Martin’s world.
Xaro Xhoan Daxos and the Eerie Waters of Chroyane
The reappearance of Xaro Xhoan Daxos provides a touch of familiar exoticism. His enigmatic nature and peculiar mannerisms continue to amuse and intrigue, adding to the diverse tapestry of characters populating Martin’s world.
A standout chapter features Tyrion’s journey through the ruins of Chroyane aboard the Shy Maid. The encounter with the Stone Men is a masterclass in atmospheric horror. The description of the ruined city and the terrifying attack is beautifully written and genuinely eerie, solidifying itself as a highlight of the novel. This sequence is a powerful example of Martin’s ability to blend adventure with genuine dread.
Asha’s Grit and Davos’s Steadfastness
The return of Asha Greyjoy is a breath of fresh air. Her chapters are marked by her characteristic pluck, tenacity, and, as the reviewer notes, her family’s inherent “wrong-headedness.” Her storyline includes a graphic and explicit sex scene, typical of the Greyjoys’ often brutal and unrestrained portrayal of sexuality within the series.
Davos Seaworth’s chapters are consistently rewarding. His unwavering loyalty and moral compass make him a compelling character. His interactions with Wyman Manderly, revealing the undercurrents of Northern resistance against the Boltons and Freys in the aftermath of the Red Wedding, are particularly satisfying. The quest for Rickon Stark, rumored to be on Skagos, adds a new and intriguing dimension to Davos’s storyline. The reappearance of Squire Wex, a minor character with surprising resilience, further enriches Davos’s narrative.
Melisandre’s Perspective and Daenerys’s Meereenese Knot
Melisandre receives her own POV chapters, offering a surprising glimpse into her motivations and inner world. This perspective shift humanizes her, revealing her not as a villain but as a zealot driven by a belief in saving the world from darkness. Her red magic is explored in greater detail, and a softer, more vulnerable side emerges as she attempts to connect with Davos and gain Jon Snow’s trust. The revelation that Mance Rayder is alive and Rattleshirt was burned in his place is a significant plot twist, showcasing Martin’s penchant for subverting expectations.
Daenerys’s chapters in Meereen, while well-written and emotionally resonant, are acknowledged as becoming somewhat tedious. The complexities of ruling a conquered city, dealing with internal strife, and navigating political machinations are explored in detail. However, the narrative momentum slows, and Daenerys’s internal monologues, particularly those concerning Daario Naharis, can feel repetitive.
Daenerys and Drogon: A Fiery Climax
Despite the Meereenese complexities, Dance with Dragons delivers a spectacular set-piece: the fighting pits in Daznak’s Pit. This chapter is a whirlwind of action, political maneuvering, and character moments, culminating in Daenerys’s dramatic flight on Drogon. This breathtaking sequence provides a much-needed burst of excitement and serves as a powerful climax to Daenerys’s arc in the book, somewhat compensating for the slower pace of her preceding chapters.
The Wisdom of Elders: Barristan Selmy
The series features a strong contingent of “Men in the Autumn of Their Years,” characters embodying wisdom, honor, and experience. Barristan Selmy stands out among them. His POV chapters offer not only his perspective but also provide rich historical context about Westeros before the events of A Game of Thrones. These glimpses into the past, particularly the longing for figures like Rhaegar Targaryen and Arthur Dayne, add depth and nostalgia to the narrative.
Quentyn Martell’s Tragic Quest
The tragic fate of young Quentyn Martell is a poignant and impactful storyline. His journey, driven by duty and a sense of honor, ends in a devastating misadventure. Quentyn’s character embodies integrity and a distaste for violence, yet he lacks the cunning and pragmatism necessary to navigate the treacherous world he inhabits. His demise serves as a stark reminder of the often-fatal consequences of noble intentions in Westeros.
Varys’s Return and the Epilogue’s Revelations
The epilogue of Dance with Dragons adheres to the series’ tradition of delivering impactful reveals and character reappearances. Varys’s return from the shadows is a welcome development. His presence signifies renewed intrigue and political machinations. The introduction of his “little birds” and the deaths of Kevan Lannister and Grand Maester Pycelle in the epilogue underscore Varys’s continued influence and the ever-shifting power dynamics in Westeros, setting the stage for future conflicts.
An Astro-Freudian Lens on Westeros: Exploring Character Psyches
Taking a more unconventional approach, the original reviewer delves into an “Astro-Freudian Analysis,” combining astrology (based on George R.R. Martin’s Virgo sun sign) and Sigmund Freud’s structural model of the psyche (Id, Ego, Superego) to analyze characters in Dance with Dragons. While seemingly fantastical, this framework offers a unique perspective on character motivations and thematic undercurrents.
The Id: Theon and Asha Greyjoy
PhotobucketVirgo, often associated with the Virgin, is paradoxically an earth sign linked to sensuality and fertility. However, Virgo’s discriminating nature critiques vulgarity and selfish physicality. In this context, the Id, representing primal desires and the pleasure principle, is embodied by Theon and Asha Greyjoy. They are depicted with unbridled ambition, pride, physicality, and a penchant for violence. Their explicit and often degrading sex scenes further emphasize their Id-driven nature. However, Martin, as the “Virgo author,” punishes their Id impulses. Asha’s failed attempt to rule and subsequent capture, and Theon’s horrific torture as Reek, serve as chastisements for their unrestrained desires.
The Superego: Stark Ideals and Their Price
PhotobucketVirgos are often associated with altruism and serving “the greater good,” aligning them with the Superego, the realm of conscience and ideals. However, unchecked altruism can be detrimental. Martin populates Westeros with Superego-driven characters, often with tragic outcomes. Eddard Stark’s unwavering adherence to honor leads to his downfall. Catelyn Stark’s misguided Superego results in her death and resurrection as the vengeful Lady Stoneheart. Barristan Selmy’s fate remains uncertain. Davos Seaworth’s unwavering loyalty to Stannis and Jon Snow’s commitment to duty, even in the face of opposition, also exemplify Superego-driven characters. Jon Snow’s assassination at the end of Dance with Dragons underscores the perilous path of unwavering idealism in a cynical world.
The Ego: Daenerys and Tyrion’s Balancing Act
PhotobucketThe Ego, in Freudian terms, mediates between the Id and Superego, striving for balance and operating on the reality principle. Daenerys and Tyrion embody this balancing act. Daenerys grapples with her desires for power and love while attempting to rule Meereen and adhere to her ideals of justice. Tyrion, despite his cynicism and past indulgences in Id-driven impulses, consistently demonstrates a Superego-driven need to “do the right thing,” whether aiding Jon Snow, strategizing for King’s Landing, or saving Aegon Targaryen. Tyrion’s constant navigation between these forces makes him a complex and relatable character, perhaps even a stand-in for Martin himself, embodying Virgoan traits of criticality, analysis, and a sharp intellect.
Final Verdict: A Flawed Masterpiece
Overall, A Dance with Dragons is lauded as an “awesome entry” in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. However, it is acknowledged as flawed. Its length, sprawling cast of characters, and occasionally protracted storylines are noted as weaknesses. The reviewer also points out Martin’s repetitive use of certain phrases, a minor but noticeable stylistic quirk. While Dance with Dragons boasts a wider scope than A Feast for Crows, it is perceived as slightly less distinctive in tone and impact. The novel features only one major set-piece, Daenerys’s flight on Drogon, compared to the multiple climactic events in previous books.
Despite these criticisms, the reviewer’s love for the book remains evident. The return of missed POV characters and the introduction of compelling new perspectives are praised. Theon/Reek’s chapters are recognized for their morbid fascination, Davos’s chapters for their steadfastness, and Daenerys’s and Jon Snow’s storylines for exploring the complexities of governance. The overarching theme of identity, and the various roles and guises characters adopt, is highlighted as a continuing strength of the series, exemplified by characters like Theon/Reek, Barristan/Whitebeard, and countless others.
In conclusion, A Dance with Dragons, despite its imperfections, is a deeply rewarding and essential installment in A Song of Ice and Fire. It is a testament to Martin’s world-building, character development, and thematic depth. It is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading, prompting reflection on its intricate plotlines and the fates of its unforgettable characters.
An Unsettling Presence
PhotobucketNo discussion of A Dance with Dragons would be complete without acknowledging Patchface. This seemingly minor character, Stannis Baratheon’s fool, embodies an unsettling and prophetic presence throughout the novel. His cryptic rhymes and disturbing pronouncements hint at deeper, darker truths, adding another layer of unease to the already grim atmosphere of Westeros.
A Growing List: The Casualties of Westeros
The review concludes with a “Death List,” a grim reminder of the high mortality rate in A Song of Ice and Fire. This list, updated to include casualties in Dance with Dragons, serves as a testament to the series’ unflinching portrayal of war, political intrigue, and the fragility of life in Westeros. It underscores the stakes of the narrative and the ever-present threat of death that hangs over every character.
* Viserys Targaryen ✔Death by Khal Drogo’s Molten Gold
* Robert Baratheon ✔ Death by Lannister Encouragement in engaging in Drunken Boaring
* Eddard Stark ✔Death by Joffrey’s Order & Ilyn’s Axe
* Khal Drogo ✔Death by Mirri’s Poison & Daenerys’ Pillow
* Renly Baratheon ✔Death by Melisandre’s Shadowspawn
* Jeor Mormont ✔Death by Black Brother Treachery
* Robb Stark ✔Death by Frey & Bolton Treachery
* Catelyn Stark aka Lady Stoneheart (in transit)Death by Frey & Bolton Treachery
* Balon Greyjoy ✔Death by Bridge Misadventure (at the direction of Euron Croweye?)
* Joffrey Baratheon ✔Death by Olenna Redwyne’s Poison & Littlefinger’s Evil Littlemind
* Oberyn Martell ✔Death by Gregor Clegane’s Sword & Hands
* Shae ✔Death by Tyrion’s Hands
* Tywin Lannister ✔Death by Tyrion’s Crossbow
* Lysa Arryn ✔Death by Littlefinger’s Push
* Beric Dondarrion ✔Death, Sweet Death… At Long Last!
* Arys Oakheart ✔Death by Areo Hotah’s Sword
* Maester Aemon ✔Death by Pneumonia, at least i think that’s what it was
* Gregor Clegane aka Robert Strong (in transit)Death by Oberyn’s Poisoned Blade
* Janos Slynt ✔Death by Jon Snow’s Sword
* Quentyn Martell ✔Death by Daenerys’ Dragon
* Grand Maester Pycelle ✔Death by Varys’s Crossbow
* Kevan Lannister ✔Death by Varys’s Crossbow
