The short stories are interesting because of the new plotlines they introduce. They can provide different perspectives on the overarching story of Game of Thrones. For instance, some short stories might focus on the power struggles within a particular house that are not fully explored in the main books. Additionally, George R.R. Martin's writing style in these short stories is as vivid as in the main series. He has a way of painting a detailed picture of the medieval - like world of Westeros, from the description of the castles to the harsh winter landscapes. The short stories also often contain foreshadowing elements that can give readers a deeper understanding of what might be coming in the main story.
Well, the short stories are great for delving deeper into the lore. There are stories that explain the origin of certain magic elements in the Game of Thrones world. They add more layers to the complex web of politics too. You see different political maneuvers on a smaller scale. The characters in the short stories can be more experimental. Martin can take risks with their personalities and development. And the way he weaves in different cultures within Westeros is fascinating. You get a better sense of how the Northmen are different from those in the Reach, for example. This all makes the short stories a valuable addition to the Game of Thrones universe.
One interesting aspect is the in - depth exploration of minor characters. In the short stories, we get to see more about the backstories of characters who might be overlooked in the main novels. For example, we learn about the early days of some of the Night's Watch members and their reasons for joining. Another aspect is the unique settings. The short stories often take us to different parts of Westeros that are not as prominently featured in the main series, like the Iron Islands in some cases. Also, the moral ambiguity that is a hallmark of the Game of Thrones universe is further emphasized in these short stories, making us question the motives and actions of every character.