I'm not going to fool myself or anyone else by thinking that I can review this book. I can't. Nor could I really review any of the ASOIAF books, when I think about it. I am a Game of Thrones fan, first and foremost. I'd never even heard of ASOIAF before watching the first season, and I doubt I'd have ever begun reading the books were it not for the show. Just as when I read the LOTR books, there are many moments in this book and its predecessor where I have to skim the page. I can't take in the description of every piece of food offered to Bran as he entertains Robb's bannerman, nor can I soak up the name of every new member of the city watch in Kings Landing. If I hadn't already seen the show, I don't think I'd have been able to finish this book at all. 
 Having said all of that, I did love it. There's something immensely satisfying about reading the book when I've already watched the movie/show. I get to delve into a world that I already know and love, learning its secrets and expanding my knowledge of its characters and plots. I love experiencing the changes from page to screen in reverse, especially when it means I understand the motives of key characters better because I'm reading the honest telling of what drives them and what occurs rather than the adapted version. 
 I learned SO MUCH reading this book, so much that has invigorated me about the stories and the future of the show and books. I've delighted in playing with theories about characters, trying to figure out who will end up where and where their allegiances will lie. I really do have to thank GRRM for writing such a rich and brimming story, and I urge anyone who has watched the show and not read the books to pick them up. It's worth it. It is so worth it.