** spoiler alert ** 
 Is it wrong to give a book five stars and yet feel completely dissatisfied with it? George R. R. Martin is a genius, and A Dance With Dragons is brilliant. Yet... after 1,000 pages, the books ends with simply no resolution whatsoever. I understand that there are still two books to come in the series, but it would have been nice to feel that at least one storyline paused in a reasonable place. Instead, we're left hanging, knowing that we can pretty much count on the fact that we won't see another book in this series for several more years. Frustration! 
 That said, GRRM's writing, plot, descriptions, and pacing are as amazing as always. I loved that the first half of ADWD takes place at the same time as A Feast For Crows, and fills us in one what's been happening with everyone we didn't see in the previous book: Tyrion, Daenarys, Jon Snow, etc. I couldn't have been more excited when the two storylines finally converged somewhere around page 500, and I could feel the narrative gaining forward momentum. 
 Some key characters are entirely absent this time around (Sansa, Littlefinger), and some are practically absent (Jamie, Brienne). However, the storylines that are included are all fascinating, although if I were to quibble, I'd say I could do with a bit less Meereen and sellswords. 
 Overall, ADWD is an excellent read, and simply can't be missed by anyone who has come this far in the series. Here's hoping that the author doesn't make us wait six years for the next installment!