A song of Ice and fire discussion (spoilers incl A Dance with Dragons)

[Albertosaurus Rex]

EDIT: I am replying to Chrischa, Nuytsia hadn't replied yet.

Who says there has to be anything wrong with you? Different readers like different things. That said, you are a little strange if you don't like ASOIAF. :p

What I like about ASOIAF is it's ambiguity. To quote the author: "In real life, the hardest thing about the battle between good and evil is deciding which is which." There is no clear cut side that you should root for. Every side has characters that I love and characters that are despicable. Those characters will surprise you too - Jaime Lannister has an honorable side.

You mentioned the series being hard to follow. I don't find it hard to follow, although it is rather complex. Many readers like this complexity, it's multitude and interweaving of storylines. Be warned - it will only increase.

Finally, there is Martin's ability to shock:

A Game of Thrones spoilers

from incestuous affairs to the unexpected death of main characters like Eddard Stark.

It keeps readers on their toes.

I do like to ask though - if you didn't like book one, why did you start reading book two? *Guiltily looks at The Malazan Book of the Fallen on his bookshelf.*