My least favourite in the series so far in the series, this book felt more like it is setting up the next stage then being able to stand on it's own. George R.R. Martin uses our trust to break the 'show don't tell' rule. There is a lot of plotting, scheming and talking but not enough showing. I also found the plot to be the most predictable. 
 You should know by now if you like the writing style. Long detailed descriptions of what everyone is eating, wearing and doing. Introducing and providing family histories of more minor characters then you can keep track of and will never see again. This will either help suck you into the world or bore you. 
 In order to keep the characters more manageable only half the series POV characters are followed, so your favouite may not appear. We start to see glimpses of what some of these characters will become. 
 Having said all that, I still was sucked into this and despite being three times a normal book it took me just a few extra days to read. The plots are epic in scope, complex, elaborate, interwoven and clever. Many characters means we get to have the action of a fighter, the slow reveal of a planner and the decent of someone losing their mind. 
 If you read the previous books and enjoyed them, especially the politics and backstabbing then continue reading this. If not then it might be a good time to stop.