Reviews

There was a LOT of story here, and most of it quite compelling. I think this is the longest it's ever taken me to read a book I was so excited about, but it was just not a fast read- too much you could miss by skimming details. From this point on in my review, I use details & so there are spoilers.

I'm a little surprised at how I am overall not traumatized, so long as Ramsey's letter is a fake-out, and Jon remains with us. I was a little disappointed in the oh-so-few Bran chapters (really thought we'd get a lot more Bran/Meera/Jojen), and I wish there had been a few more answers rather than raising tons more questions, but overall? Very happy. I am READY for at least a couple of Stark kids to be reunited in the next book, and I WANT a freaking Osha chapter. We haven't seen Rickon in like three books! COME ON. Thrilled to see Brienne's oh-so-brief appearance, though I don't actually believe her to be taking Jamie to Sansa. Loved Tyrion chapters, and adored Penny. I am more attached to Pretty Pig and Crunch than I should be, given GRRM's tendency to kill animals.

I will say, I'm quite astonished that he seems to have sated himself with only 5 certain semi-major character deaths, unless my count is off. None of the character deaths had ENORMOUS impact on me, though I was saddened to see the only truly decent adult Lannister die. Amusingly enough, I'd just said to myself "Where the hell is Varys" and yet was still surprised he was on the other end of that crossbow!

Great read; I will enjoy the break that comes between this and Winds of Winter. Heh. Not that I want GRRM to fully take his time, but I don't know as I could handle two of those back-to-back all brand new and stuff!

lalalarisa's review against another edition

Go to review page

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

_alexmichaels's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.0

You know nothing Jon Snow

ashleyc5's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This book felt like a large setup for things to come. Unfortunately, there is nothing to follow it in the near future. There was a lot of development with Arya, and I found myself looking forward to her chapters the most. The introduction of the strange magic was captivating. The last 10-15 chapters were the best part of the book, but there were many moments when I found it difficult to stay engaged. There was plenty of background and plot development, but not much payoff for the individual characters, which is why I personally read these books.

emma6544's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

It is tough to give this book an accurate rating as it took me so long to finish it.

Overall, there were enjoyable moments and plot points which dragged. I am disappointed that the next book is not published as I want to find out the fates of Jon, Daenerys, Tyrion, Arya, Sansa, Cersei, Jamie and Samwell as George RR Martin intended their characters to develop.

Content Warnings

trapdorr's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Maybe someday we’ll get the rest of the books but I doubt it. Such depth and incredible world building. So many moving parts.

Content Warnings

autumnalsnow's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

More...