A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

This is great storytelling and you never know what's going to happen next - or who is going to die next - or who you will start liking/disliking/hating next.  The thing that I am happiest about: There are still 5 of the 6 Stark children still living - and 4 of their direwolves!  Although every character in the book is flawed in some way (but hey, so was Abraham Lincoln ;)), I still have my favorites: Tyrion, Ayra, Daenerys, and Jon.  Yes, they are all murderers, but no one is perfect. :)

This was my favorite of the series so far because it really explored the lives and minds of my favorite characters - and got rid of some that I hate the most. Joffrey comes to my mind immediately.  It's interesting that the author can make you feel ok about someone dying that you have grown to like, like Ygritte; and make you feel icky about someone dying that we are supposed to hate, like the Hound.  Although we technically don't see him die I guess.  I actually felt bad that Ayra left him to die.  I was relieved that Petyr took care crazy Lysa before she harmed Sansa, and felt only relief that she "fell" out her horrible Moon Door - but I certainly have mixed feelings about Littlefinger, as has always been the case.  All of these characters are incredibly complex, which never fails to fascinate me.  I found myself liking Jaime at times - especially when he went back to fight for Brienne - and not liking Catelyn, whenever she demonstrated her feelings for Jon.

We seem to be moving towards the war with the Others, which I understand a bit more now: the whole "winter is coming" thing.  It's also nice to be more knowledgeable about the Wildlings.  It makes sense to me that they want to get behind the Wall to get away from the Others.  It also makes sense to me that the Night's Watch - and the rest of Westeros/Seven Kingdoms would want to keep the lawless Wildlings where they are.  Imagine the havoc they will cause in The Gift!

I am always amazed that people (authors) can make up entire fictional/fantasy worlds in their minds and write it down so that it's believable.  I'm tempted to watch the TV show now, since they seem to be airing this book now.....  :)

Catelyn.  Is she supposed to be an Other?  I know she is a prominent character in the next book.  I peeked.

Wendy's Rating: *****