I know that, right now, it may not feel like there has been much of a change, so let me address that first: there won’t be any major changes immediately.
But I can promise you one thing: Chapter 20 was the last chapter that followed the show’s dialogue and scenes this closely.
From the upcoming chapters onward, most of the story, if not all of it, will be much more focused on Baelon and his own journey.
1.) About the pacing and the “filler” criticism
I’ve seen some of you saying that the story is moving too slowly or that some parts feel like filler.
I understand that perspective, but there’s something important to keep in mind: I can’t always compress everything into a few chapters.
When you’re watching something visually, a scene can communicate a lot without dialogue.
You can see a character’s expression, their surroundings, their actions, the passage of time, and all the little details without anyone having to explain them.
When you’re writing, however, I have to show and describe those things, otherwise you simply can’t imagine the scene the way I see it in my head.
I know my writing isn’t perfect, and I’m not claiming to be some amazing writer.
But when I write, I like to actually step into the boots of the MC, experience the world through his eyes, and write what I imagine.
So, if that style isn’t something you enjoy, that’s completely fine—you can always leave the story.
2.) “Nothing has changed” — but what exactly do you want me to change?
I’ve also seen comments saying that the story isn’t changing anything or adding enough valuable context.
But realistically, what do you want me to do at this point?
Should I suddenly kill Viserys?
Should the Velaryons randomly have a change of heart and attack King’s Landing?
Should Daemon suddenly decide to kill his own brother?
Should every character suddenly have their personality changed by 180 degrees?
It doesn’t work that way.
A major change has to come from the circumstances of the story.
I can’t simply make every character act completely differently from who they are just to prove that the SI has changed the timeline.
The changes will come as the story progresses, and you’ll see their consequences gradually.
3.) WHAT IF?
Speaking for myself, I loved the show and the books as well.
But at the end of the day, what we’re writing here is a What If story.
And with a What If, there can be countless possible directions depending on how you interpret the characters, circumstances, and consequences.
So if some of you genuinely feel that a certain chapter could have gone differently, please tell me how you think it should have gone and why.
I’m completely open to criticism and different ideas.
That’s much more useful to me than simply being told that “nothing changed.”
4.) About Aemond and Vhagar
I also saw someone say: “If SI lets Aemond get Vhagar like in the OTL, which you’re on pace to do, I think that would be the point where the story has just gone to shit completely.”
And honestly, this is where I have to ask: Did you read the beginning of the story?
That’s the knowledge he has.
He doesn’t know the entire story.
He doesn’t know every future event.
He doesn’t know anything that will happen.
So when I see people saying that he should simply prevent every event involving characters they dislike and want it to do completely illogical things
For that i will only say this : Either explore the world with me or write your own fic.
5.) About Viserys
I also saw a comment saying:
“SI sucks because he has an opportunity to deliver hard truths to Viserys as a 6-year-old or whatever.
He can just blame it on him being a kid and we all know those little monsters are brutally honest.
‘Viserys, you’re a weak puppet and are useless,’ but worded better.”
Again, I have to ask: Did you read the first chapter?
And more importantly, try to be realistic.
“Imagine you were suddenly transported into a world that you had only seen a trailer of and knew only a little about.
Then you were born as the son of a king you barely knew—a person who is technically your father, but is still essentially a stranger to you.”
Would you realistically walk up to him as a six-year-old and say:
“Father, are you blind?
Are you stupid?
You’re useless.” but worded better.
6.) About the last chapter and the dragons
I saw that quite a few of you were confused by the last chapter and thought I was suddenly trying to introduce a completely new dragon or develop something out of nowhere.
I wasn’t actually planning to explain this yet, but because there seems to be some confusion, I’ll clarify it:
Baelon: Heir to the Iron Throne and A Prince of Ash and Fire are set in the same world.
That’s all I’m going to say for now.
No more spoilers, because I don’t want to ruin your experience or mine.
And now, the part for those of you who may be losing interest
I know some of you have been getting a little impatient or losing interest, so here’s what you can expect going forward:
1.
Baelon will soon begin touring the realm.
2.
We will eventually see him participate in war as a prince.
3.
So the story is not simply going to remain in the same place forever.
We’re building toward much larger events.
One more thing.
You can regular updates through email.
There are also 2 chapters available ahead of the public release for free.
More importantly, I’d really like you guys to become part of the discussion.
I’ve created proper channels for discussing the stories, theories, suggestions, and everything else.
Because, honestly, one person can only think of so much.
Every person sees a story differently.
Everyone has a different way of thinking, and sometimes a single idea from someone else can lead to another idea, which can lead to something even better.
So even if you don’t want to join Discord, please leave your thoughts in the chapter comments.
You never know—one small idea from you might help make this world more interesting, detailed, and enjoyable.
…..
❤️ Finally, about criticism
I genuinely like criticism—and, in some cases, I love it.
It helps me improve.
Tell me what isn’t working.
Tell me where you think I could have done something better.
Tell me how you would have handled a particular situation.
But some comments aren’t really criticism.
They’re simply comments that irritate me without actually giving me anything to work with.
I started writing this story because, when I first thought of the idea, I genuinely liked it.
But as I kept writing and digging deeper into it, I became immersed in the world myself.
So I’d love for you to be part of that experience as well.
Step into Baelon’s boots.
Imagine this world through his eyes.
Experience it alongside him.
If that’s something you can enjoy, then I’d genuinely love for you to stay and be part of this journey.
And if it isn’t, then that’s completely fine too.
Just please don’t try to force the story into the version you personally would have written.
Thank you for reading, supporting, criticizing, theorizing, and being part of this journey.