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Join us, as we venture chapter-by-chapter through the books in the "A Song of Ice and Fire" (ASOIAF) series, by George R.R. Martin. We will discuss the details of a chapter, provide insights, give background information, and hit you with other tidbits that we find interesting. However, one thing we won't do is give spoilers! So come, let us be your guides on this epic journey. Follow us on Twitter at @GhostsHarrenhal, as well as on Facebook, Instagram, Discord, and YouTube!
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Send us a text Jon tours the quickly dwindling food stores of the Night’s Watch and then is summoned by King Stannis. The king offers Jon a surprising gift, then adds to the shock by revealing his risky plan to win the north. Jon redirects him to a new plan that is safer and has huge upsides. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning thei…
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Send us a text Daenerys gets an offer she cannot refuse from Xaro XHoan Daxos. But she refuses and adds one more enemy to her list. Simon and Mackelly lose count. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen is feasting Xaro Xhoan Daxos’ dancers. He’s here to plead with Daenerys for her hand in marriage and to take the 13 ships he’s brought with him and to g…
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Send us a text Davos reaches White Harbor. The intel he’s able to pick up does not bode very well for his King Stannis. He wonders if he should have fled with Salladhor. Mackelly and Simon give him a pep talk. Chapter Review: Davos Seaworth arrives in White Harbor aboard the Merry Midwife. He’s disguised as a common sailor. He notes signs of increa…
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Send us a text Tyrion gets to know his new traveling companions, and, by dint of his cyvasse skills, some secrets about their mission. Mackelly and Simon consider their opening gambit. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister wakes early on the Shy Maid. He watches with undisguised interest as Septa Lemore bathes in the river. She shows signs of having giv…
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Send us a text Bran Stark survives a run-in with wights and meets Children of the Forest and the three-eyed crow. Simon and Mackelly admire the plumage. Chapter Review: Bran Stark and his companions have reached the foot of a hill that contains their final destination. A warded cave halfway the side of the mountain. But Coldhands and other sensitiv…
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Send us a text Theon Greyjoy has been tortured and abused into being Ramsay Bolton’s latest Reek. He’s going to be a part of Ramsay’s plans to gain Winterfell by facilitating and witnessing Ramsay’s wedding to Arya Stark. Simon and Mackelly are busy that day. Chapter Review: Reek has caught a rat and is eating it raw when the Walders Frey come to h…
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Send us a text Daenerys comforts Missandei, whose brother has been murdered by the Sons of the Harpy. She gets spoilers from Quaithe and visits her chained dragons. Another bad day in Meereen. Mackelly and Simon consider free-range dragon rearing. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen is again roused with news of loyal men being murdered by the Sons o…
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Send us a text Jon watches as Mance Rayder and the Horn of Joramun are consigned to the flames. Stannis displays Lightbringer and the free folk are invited to come through the Wall, to bend the knee, and to get a bowl of onion soup. Mackelly and Simon fear that Stannis is not earning their loyalty. Chapter Review: Jon Snow watches as Mance Rayder i…
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Send us a text Davos is marooned on Sweetsister, Salladhor Saan has lost patience with his unpaid service to Stannis. The local lord is sorely tempted to sell his guest to Queen Cersei. But tradition dictates that he aids a rebel. Mackelly and Simon assume Davos will be OK, at least until he gets to White Harbor. Chapter Review: Davos Seaworth is b…
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Send us a text Tyrion meets Griff and young Griff. He has suspicions about who Griff might be, but Griff is plenty suspicious of Tyrion in return. Mackelly and Simon ponder the possibilities. Chapter Review Tyrion is passed from Illyrio to Haldon the Half-Maester and Ser Rolly “Duck” Duckworth, along with letters, chests, and candy for young Griff.…
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Send us a text Jon sends Aemon, Gilly, Sam, and the wrong baby away from the Wall. He appoints Night’s Watch brothers to rebuild and command castles along the Wall. Janos Slynt refuses and Jon levies a stiff punishment in response. Stannis approves. Simon and Mackelly admire Jon’s transformation - from boy to man. Chapter Review: Jon has met with M…
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Send us a text Quentyn Martell is thwarted in his efforts to get from Volantis to Meereen to woo his future wife Daenerys Targaryen. Simon and Mackelly consider opening our first branch of our Essosi travel agency. Chapter Review: Quentyn Martell tries to find passage from Volantis to Slaver’s Bay. But despite the abundance of ships, nobody wants t…
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Send us a text Tyrion and Illyrio Mopatis are trapped in a closed palanquin, hidden from the world, with just each other’s voices for company. Mackelly and Simon try to imagine what that must be like. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister and Illyrio Mopatis leave Pentos in a closed palanquin. Nobody can know of Tyrion’s presence or destination. He thin…
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Send us a text Bran and company are north of the Wall. Things are bleak but Coldhands protects them from those who would do them harm, and brings back some meat to roast. Simon and Jenny throw up in the back of their throats. Chapter Review: Bran Stark rides on Hodor’s shoulders, Meera and an increasingly frail Jojen ride on Coldhands elk. Coldhand…
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Send us a text Jon has a wolf dream and wakes to face a trying day. He meets with Stannis and disappoints him by rejecting the king’s plan to assume control of the abandoned Night’s Watch castles. Afterward, he talks with Melisandre who gives him an ominous warning. Simon and Mackelly interpret her meaning. Chapter Review: Ghost races along the Wal…
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Send us a text Daenerys learns that the Sons of the Harpy are bold enough to murder her Unsullied and her dragons are wild enough to eat children. It’s not a great day. Mackelly and Simon consider the cost of ambition. Chapter Review: Daenerys Targaryen is roused before dawn to see the body of her Unsullied Stalwart Shield’s body. He’s been murdere…
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Send us a text Tyrion arrives in Pentos wallowing in self-pity. His plans for revenge against his family are dismissed by Illyrio Mopatis who has a much better idea for the Iron Throne - a three-headed dragon. Simon and Mackelly say hello to their little friend. Chapter Review: Tyrion Lannister drinks himself into oblivion while confined below deck…
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Send us a text Varamyr Sixskins flies a bit too close to the sun and ends up dead. Just when his day looked like it couldn’t get any worse he possibly inadvertently creates an immortal enemy. Simon and Mackelly consider the state of the Free Folk. Chapter Review: The wildling army is in fragmented disarray. Rumors abound of where to go, who to foll…
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Send us a text A Feast for Crows comes to an end when Sam reaches Oldtown and the Citadel. He gives his news to Alleras, as well as Maester Marwyn who promptly departs for Essos. Simon, Jenny, and Mackelly review the murder’s banquet. Chapter Review: The Cinnamon Wind makes its way through the Redwyne Straits towards Oldtown. Signs of the trouble b…
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Send us a text Jaime won Riverrun but lost the Blackfish. He confirms that Jeyne Westerling is not pregnant with Robb Stark’s child and gives Sybell her rewards for her scheming as well as a piece of his mind. He learns that Ryman Frey is dead and that Cersei is in trouble. Neither concern him much, as he ignores Cersei’s plea for help. Simon and M…
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Send us a text Cersei’s day goes from an extreme high to an extreme low. She airs the charges against Margaery to the entire court and knows the young queen is in hot water now. However, when Cersei visits the High Septon she discovers that she might’ve cooked her own goose as well. Mackelly and Simon take the temperature of the situation. Chapter …
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Send us a text Please enjoy some of the flubs, confusion, and mishaps that we suffered through this year and then compiled just for you. Thank you all for being part of this journey. Support the show Support us: Buy us a Cup of Arbor Gold, or become a sustainer and receive cool perks Donate to our cause Use our exclusive URL for a free 30-day trial…
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Send us a text Brienne is held captive by the Brotherhood without Banners, as she battles the infection caused by her wounds. When she recovers, she’s brought before Lady Stoneheart - who is Catelyn Stark. Brienne stands accused of oath-breaking and must deliver Jamie Lannister or die. Simon and Mackelly weigh the possibilities. Chapter Review: Bri…
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Send us a text Alayne coaxes Lord Robert down the mountain, while Petyr Baelish arranges a betrothal for his daughter to a ward of Lady Waynwood. The angle? Oh he just happens to be the heir to the Vale. Mackelly and Simon try to find the romance. Chapter Review: With winter coming it is time to mothball the Eyrie and for the Arryn court to move to…
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Send us a text Princess Arianne Martell is confined to a tower room by her father. She wonders about the fate of her co-conspirators and Princess Myrcella, and laments the death of Ser Arys Oakheart. After what feels like an eternity, her father calls for her and reveals important family secrets. Mackelly and Simon raise an eyebrow. Chapter Review:…
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Send us a text Cersei gets a confession of Margaery’s wantonness from the Blue Bard. She will get the same from Ser Osney Kettleblack. The noose tightens around the young queen. Simon and Mackelly feel their throats constrict. Chapter Review: Queen Cersei Lannister blames Grand Maester Pycelle for the death of Ser Gyles Rosby. But leverages this an…
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Send us a text Jaime takes control of the debacle that is the siege of Riverrun. He gets only scorn from the Blackfish, but he makes Edmure Tully an offer that would be hard to refuse. Simon and Mackelly consider the intestinal fortitude of the tormented Lord of Riverrun. Chapter Review: Jaime parlays with Brynden Blackfish Tully. He makes zero pro…
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Send us a text Brienne reaches the Inn at the Crossroads where she meets Gendry who she mistakes for Renly and then, less happily, she meets Rorge and Biter and their motley crew. Mackelly and Simon call for a medic. Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth, Podrick Payne, Ser Hyle Hunt, and Septon Meribald plod through the Riverlands. It’s not great, with…
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Send us a text Cersei learns that Dragonstone has fallen but that Loras has paid with his life - or at least he lies at death’s door. She delights in sharing this news with Margaery - who is stricken, but remains hopeful. Cersei dreams of her childhood run-in with Maggy the Frog and the details of the woman’s terrifying prophecy. Simon and Mackelly…
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Send us a text Aboard the Cinnamon Wind, Sam and Gilly mourn the loss of Maester Aemon. The old man succumbed as the ship neared Dorne. Their tears bring them into each other’s arms and Sam’s vows are history. Simon and Mackelly sprinkle rose petals in the bathtub and try to light a scented candle. Chapter Review: Samwell Tarly eulogizes Maester Ae…
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Send us a text Arya murders Dareon for deserting the Night’s Watch. It appears that the Many-Faced God doesn’t agree, as she is struck blind. Mackelly and Simon grope for answers. Chapter Review: We learn of Arya’ Stark's (aka Cat of the Canals) day-to-day life as a seafood seller on the docks of Braavos. It’s a vibrant atmosphere that she relishes…
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Send us a text Jaime arrives at Riverrun hopeful of ending the siege without breaking his oath to Catelyn (not to take up arms against the Tullys). He gets some home-truths from his aunt Genna. Simon and Mackelly weigh up the impact. Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister arrives at Riverrun and meets with his cousin Daven Lannister, the new Warden of the…
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Send us a text Cersei learns of the attack on the Reach by the Iron Born and feels unmotivated to react. She gets a gift from Ser Loras, which leaves Cersei with a golden win-win opportunity. She has an unexpected drop-in by Falyse, whose husband has been killed by Bronn and also confessed Cersei’s plot. Qyburn is given instructions that Falyse sho…
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Send us a text Brienne learns that she’s been on the scent of the wrong Stark girl, and gets definitive intel on the Hound… or does she? Mackelly and Simon consider the probabilities. Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth, Podrick Payne, Ser Hyle, and Septon Meribald reach Quiet Isle, an island in the mouth of the Trident that houses a penitential septr…
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Send us a text Jaime tarries in Darry to confront his cousin Lancel. He finds a man lost to his faith, a faith that has taken up arms with relish. Mackelly and Simon consider converting. Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister finds Darry being rebuilt but still scarred by recent wars. His uncle Kevan has left, having quarreled with Lancel after the weddin…
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Send us a text Victarion Greyjoy fights through his opponents and his misgivings about his brother King Euron. He’s dispatched to Essos to bring back a fiancé (for Euron) and three dragons, but Victarion has other ideas. Mackelly and Simon ponder who would win The Bachelor: Iron Islands. Chapter Review: Victarion Greyjoy gets back to what he does b…
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Send us a text Cersei gets an update on Margaery court, while being waylaid by sparrows. She negotiates a deal with the new High Septon. He’ll bless Tommen and erase the crown’s debt to the Faith for a law allowing the re-emergence of the Faith Militant. Finally, she makes a veiled threat to Margaery. Mackelly and Simon bow their heads in prayer th…
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Send us a text Jaime is booted from King’s Landing by Cersei to settle matters in the Riverlands. He finds a sparring partner, installs new leadership at Harrenhal, and sends Wylis Manderly home. Finally, he defends the honor of Brienne of Tarth. Mackelly and Simon give high fives. Chapter Review: Jaime Lannister thinks the plan is folly. Queen Cer…
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Send us a text Sam tries to find the increasingly flighty Dareon and someone who knows something about dragons - to fulfill the dying wish of Maester Aemon. He gets bruised knuckles, a lungful of canal water, but he does meet a sailor who knows about the dragons. Simon and Mackelly share his pain. Chapter Review Samwell Tarly is in desperate strait…
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Send us a text Brienne decides to follow the only lead she has: the Stark girl was traveling with the Hound. She gains a couple of new companions. Mackelly and Simon join her peregrination. Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth heads back to Maidenpool, no nearer finding Sansa. Ser Hyle Hunt brings the heads of Shagwell, Timeon, and Pyg with them for Lo…
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Send us a text Cersei has a busy day as queen regent of the seven kingdoms. She squashes tiny rebellions by her little king, cheers the death of a foe, plots the downfall of Margaery Tyrell and Bronn, spurns the Iron Bank, and so much more. Simon and Mackelly hope she knows what she’s doing. Chapter Review: Little King Tommen Baratheon wants to be …
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Send us a text Sansa does her best to embrace her new identity as Alayne Stone. She and Littlefinger prepare for the arrival of the Lords Declarant. They want Lord Robert and they want Littlefinger gone. However, when the unexpected arises during the parlay, Littlefinger prevails and earns a year as Lord Protector, to prove himself. Chapter Review:…
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Send us a text Arya acts as a servant in the House of Black and White. Despite her claims, she still can’t shake her identity as Arya Stark. She decides to shed her worldly possessions, all except Needle, earning her a promotion to acolyte. Armed with a smattering of Braavosi, she’s next to go out into the city and sell seafood. Mackelly and Simon …
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Send us a text Arianne Martell and conspirators try to spirit Myrcella Baratheon away in order to crown her Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. Their plot is foiled by Areo Hotah - who ambushes them and kills Arys Oakheart. Mackelly and Simon will miss the big guy. Chapter Review: Princess Arianne Martell and a handful of her closest friends wait at an ab…
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Send us a text Brienne follows Nimble Dick into the wilds. There she encounters some familiar faces, learns some intel on the wrong Stark girl, and registers her first kills. Ser Hyle Hunt offers to help bury a body. Simon and Mackelly survey the damage. Chapter Review: Brienne of Tarth and Podrick Payne follow Nimble Dick Crabb toward The Whispers…
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Send us a text Aeron “Damphair” Greyjoy, presides over the Kingsmoot. Against his intentions, his brother Euron is chosen by the captains of the Iron Islands. Simon and Mackelly consider what might have been. Chapter Review: Aeron Greyjoy convenes the Kingsmoot on Old Wyk. Three Iron Island captains throw their hats in the ring, but none can comman…
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Send us a text The Iron Captain, Victarion Greyjoy, returns to the Iron Islands for the kingsmoot. He reunites with family, some welcomed others not so much. One thing’s for certain, nobody’s backing down on their claim to the vacant Seastone Chair. Simon and Mackelly hope for a peaceful transition of power. Chapter Review: Victarion Greyjoy sails …
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Send us a text Cersei meets with her new handpicked Small Council who blithely make momentous decisions with huge ramifications. Simon and Mackelly watch on in despair. Chapter Review: Queen Cersei is, not for the first time, disappointed to find the severed head of the wrong dwarf presented to her. She offers no punishment to the murderers for fea…
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Send us a text Jaime bids farewell to his uncle and to his father’s remains, envies Loras Tyrell’s horsemanship, and frets over his twin’s drinking and her new friends. Simon and Mackelly think he might have a point. Chapter Review Jaime Lannister bids farewell to his uncle Kevan who is leaving King’s Landing with his son Lancel and the bones of hi…
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Send us a text Sam is miserable aboard the ship headed for Braavos. Gilly is inconsolable and he’s seasick. He can't understand her tears until Maester Aemon points out that she left her own baby at Castle Black, and that she’s nursing Dalla’s child. Simon and Mackelly try to keep down their breakfast. Chapter Review: Samwell Tarly is seasick aboar…
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