I wish someone would make like, a really high quality youtube summary of the books so I get the book storyline without having to read them. I guess I could just read a synopsis on wiki or something.
Something like an abridged collection would be fantastic. I guess the earlier seasons of the show can function like that. It's partially why I prefer the show. It's more economical storytelling and better and keeping dramatic and narrative momentum than Martin's prose.
The show certainly does not keep dramatic and narrative momentums going across the board when they've butchered Jaime's and Stannis' respective stories, and have done a poor job representing the Martells and I'm sure countless other characters. The show is a fun watch, sure, but Weiss and Benioff have proven time and time again that this show is more about shock value deaths and battle sequences than including/providing depth for most of thee characters, or keeping their momentum going
I also hate what they did with Jon and Tyrion, making them unquestionable heroes. Dorne aside, the biggest contrast from book to show may be how great Jon's fifth book was versus how horribly it was adapted.
I didn't say they show does it incredibly well. I said it's better at it than the books. Portions of the books are absolute slogs. There is lots of nearly unreadable tedious garbage. The show is better at keeping a consistent pace. That's what I mean by narrative momentum. You're describing characterization. The books have plenty of advantages there.
I never drink wine and I'm now drinking wine and eating ice cream while watching this. I've never felt so basic and I love it
It is Nymeria, that "not you" quote just got explained in the post-show thikngy as a throwback line to Arya saying "that's not me" in reference to becoming a princess in kings landing.