The plot was superb
How do you like the write?
I really did enjoy this book.  The plot was superb, the characters were believable and Martin's writing is quite excellent, though I think leaving the 2 R.R.s out of his name from the covers of his books would have been a wiser choice.  I do not like this series better then the Wheel of Time, but there are certain elements that are better.  Unpredictablity for one.  Robert Jordan can store some surprises up his sleeves now and then but nothing compared to Mr. Martin.  I also enjoy the fact that there is not simply one major enemy like en almost every fantasy, but rather many different factions all competing for the same goal and you don't know who you want to cheer for.  What I did not enjoy about these books, and the only reason that I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is the sex and rape.  It got really old and frankly it is just disgusting.  Yes, this was how it was back then and Mr. Martin wants to provide us with a semi-historic environment, but the details started to become unnecessary. I recommended this book to a friend and he almost can't stand reading it just because of the grusome details.  But putting that aside, this is an excellent book and some of the best fantasy out there today.  I enjoy the Wheel of Time very much, but for those of you who don't but still like a good epic fantasy, I would recommend A Song of Ice and Fire, starting with this book.  I have already started the second book and from the way it's turning out so far, that one WILL get 5 stars 