Tons of spoilerage below! ONLY READ IF YOU'VE READ THIS BOOK!

I had to think for a while before deciding what I thought about this novel, the 5th in the Song of Ice and Fire series. I think it's because this book, and the books previous to it, can be incredibly emotional. The characters are so well-developed that their trials and tribulations are taken to heart because Jon Snow is like my brother, Tyrion my clever uncle, and Arya my little sister. They've become, all these years through, like family.

While it's true there were no huge resolutions to some of the series' big mysteries, I trust in George RR Martin to resolve them in the next two books (this is a guy who stated the LOST finale was horrible because it didn't have resolutions, so...holding him to his word). And let's be honest, this book was MUCH greater than the 4th book.

The thing is, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of this and didn't even realize there were no huge "resolutions" until the end of the book. There are some great moments of reveals and realizations, though! From Reek = Theon (man, that's a character that goes and back and forth on whether I like him or not!), to Mance Rayder NOT DEAD, to Abel = Mance Rayder, Brienne's not dead!, to Arya's eyesight returning, etc.

And while the Melisandre POV chapter was fun, I was irritated by Victarion Greyjoy's as well as Quentyn Martell's. I was kind of glad Quentyn got it in the end? Maybe I just have no patience for idiots? Though if that was true, then I'd hate all those Stark kids for not paying attention to their direwolves when they sense danger (don't you get it yet?!).

And to the biggest bit of craziness in the book: JON SNOW KILLED?? Or is he Azor Ahai reborn?? Betting on some theories I've seen circling on the internet, Snow is not dead. He's a warg! Remember the prologue? Plus, whenever Melisandre looks for Azor Ahai all she sees is snow...Snow. She'll make sure he gets back into a good ol' body, I bet.

While I was a little disappointed by Danaerys insistence on staying on in Merenees (sp?), and locking up her dragons, and marrying that goober, I think it was worth it by the end to see her ride away on Drogon. Though, yes, she ends up realizing she can't stay with the dragon or control it, I still have faith in her. (And that she may no longer be barren??) I also loved Barristan Selmy's POV chapters.

I'm obviously very excited for the next two books in the series - and with everything going on in the books and how well written and concieved this world is - I can't blame the guy for needing time to write.