The whole series is really entertaining and this is as far as I've gotten so far. But, as a writer George R. R. Martin really bugs me at times. The writing leaves a lot to be desired for me, but the story is enthralling and true escapist entertainment. Even though this book is the least liked in the series so far I actually found it the most interesting as it is truly varied and doesn't have the overly dramatic stylings of the other books.