Which plot points did you foolishly miss on your first reading? (Spoilers Main)
I remember first reading the series as they were releasing the second season of the show and being wrapped up in all the intricate details that were left out of the show, making predictions, reading spoiler free posts on the forums and generally becoming a fan. During this time I fell in love with A Clash of Kings and it’s still my favourite of the series but all the while I had missed so much.
When Martin finally released ADWD I was enraptured by the way the plot crossed over and fed back into itself but was completely knocked back by the revelation that the Manderlys were conspiring with other lesser lords to fight for the Starks in secret against the Boltons and the Crown. It felt like a huge revelation.
I feel foolish to admit but until recently re reading ACOK I never realised just how prevalent this house was in the story the whole time. They are mentioned in almost every chapter of the first half of the book. It’s a big family so it makes sense that they’re everywhere but the extent of their involvement is so heavily seeded I just don’t know how I missed it the first time. It’s quite brilliantly done, I’m sure you will agree.
It makes me think what other subtle signposts have I missed on every re read? Figured you all would have some similar experiences.