Overall I really enjoyed this book, even though I knew exactly what was going to happen because I'd seen the show, but I did have a couple issues... 
 - The book was simply too long! I usually dont mind this, but in this case I think it just slowed down the plot. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was faster paced and all the chapters had been better edited, or some chapters just cut out altogether. This leads me onto my next point... 
 - It had too many POVs, I understand the need for that because of the plot but I do think some were unnecessary. For example, Jon's chapters were pretty boring but I can forgive that because I know his story becomes a lot more important in the later books. However, I could have definitely done without Bran's chapters. They were just boring and I couldnt bring myself to care about them. I dont think deleting those chapters would have taken anything away from the overall plot. In fact, it might have made Ned's investigation into Jon Arryn's murder more interesting if we didnt already know why he was killed. 
 - I didnt like the way Drogo/Daenerys's relationship was handled. In the beginning it talks about how Dany is very young and she's scared of Drogo and her wedding night. But then it just skips over the whole rape thing and their relationship is even portrayed as something good because it empowers Dany. Well I'm glad that Drogo gave Dany the guts to stand up to Viserys, but it still doesnt make the rape and the massive age difference any less messed up. Sorry, but I'll never understand people who ship this and I really wish it hadnt been glossed over. 
 So, these were some of the problems the book had in my opinion, but I still really liked the book (even though this isnt a book I would usually read) hence the 4 star rating and would definitely recommend it.