Storm of Swords - George RR Martin

Before I discuss Storm of Swords, I have to admit that I have not read the first two books in the series, but I have religiously watched and studied the TV series. I'm addicted. Nay. I am EXTREMELY addicted. As far as I'm concerned, I live in the Seven Kingdoms and I am this omniscient character that sees and feels and experiences everything that the characters feel. 

Storm of Swords was extremely enticing. More so than the first two seasons of TV. The more I reflect on the first two books, from what I've seen on TV, I see them very much as a set up for all the events in this book. This book had plot twists and turns that I never saw coming. Characters that I didn't think GRRM would kill off died extremely violent deaths, and then didn't, and then did.

But even further than that, the bigger themes of love, power and loyalty could be understood TOGETHER. How beautiful. It's amazing when an author can outline big concepts and big themes in a way that makes a reader reflect on their own experiences and opinions regarding these themes. It's even more amazing when an author can so effortlessly connect these themes together in one way and then make you question those connections in another. The relationships between characters constantly make us question in these themes and the roles they play in our own lives. If you read this book, which I highly suggest you do, you can choose to read for the plot and for the characters, but I hope you admire it and empathize with it based on your own beliefs and opinions. Brilliant book.