It took me entirely too long to get through this book. I kept putting it down in favour of something else/new, and then finally went back to it and plowed through. Thank goodness I did! As other reviewers have mentioned, this book doesn't advance the plot as much as its 1000+ pages would warrant, but it was still really good. The last 20% or so make me keen for the sequel, which I hope isn't as far off as all have predicted. When the characters of Westeros told their narratives, I was enthralled, and when we crossed over to the free cities (Meereen etc) I was completely confused by all the characters and alliances. Those sections were a bit unwieldy, and to a large extent, unnecessary as far as I can tell for plot development. However, if you are a fan of this series, every book is a "must read" ... and this one is no exception.

The seven Kingdoms are still in a very precarious state. Closing in are all the players vying for the Throne of Swords. They are all closing in but seemingly are not getting any closer. Everyone is in exile, in prison or too far away and too busy staying alive to take a clear foothold. I liked the book and it pains me to post what amounts to a negative review, especially since I have been a fan of this series from book one, but this one just dragged things out a little too much. I enjoyed the sections of the book dealing with Tyrion and Reek and it was wonderful to see Cersei get a much needed come-uppance. Those parts are what redeemed the book in my eyes. It’s one thing to write an epic saga, but one has to know when to pull the various factions in just a little bit tighter. I also felt that towards the end of the book things were becoming a little too comic-book-ish. I certainly could have done without the lengthy descriptions of Tyrion riding around on his pig. Another excellent series where I felt this happened was the Left Behind series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. As things progressed, rather than becoming tighter with more anticipation it sank into cartoonishness. Interestingly enough, it also involved a pig. Ever since Fonzie tried to “jump the shark” that has become a catch-phrase for television shows that have no where else to go. Maybe “riding the pig” could be a catch-phrase for epic book series that are not winding up quickly enough?

A Dance with Dragons is the fifth novel in the seven planned novel series of A Song of Ice and Fire. The fifth novel builds and expands on where the rest of the series has left off, with unexpected twists and turns. A Dance with Dragons just helps stoke the fires for wanting the sixth and seventh books to come out even faster. Great novel, I loved it just like the first for four novels. Check out this series. Don't be intimidated by there size, they will grab hold of your imagination and keep you turning page after page.

Mr. Martin has managed to have me fall in love all over again. The fourth book was a bit of a disappointment but this brought me right back in. This is the most real life fantasy there is. So many story lines and characters it's hard to keep up sometimes but of course there's so many characters! He's created an entire world and enough culture to fill it. Absolutely awesome.

Loved the first 3 books. 4 was still good. Book 5 is painful. Do we really need to add new characters and subplots to the point that I feel I need to take notes while reading. I read for pleasure. This book has been a lesson in pain.

I cannot even begin to fathom how Mr Martin keeps track of all the characters and bloodlines in his books but I must say it is sure fun to read about all the inner workings and political machinations that he puts into his story. Can't wait to see where he take it from here.

I've now read the first 5 books of this series and absolutely love them, can't wait for The Winds Of Winter to be released. George R.R. Martin is a great author ands leaves you craving more, the way he writes his characters can have you love them and then hate them. Awesome read so addicting!

I think this book was the best in series so far. I can't wait until the next book is released and I am hoping it isn't too far in the future. I suppose I'll have to get my Game of Thrones fix through HBO for now :D

I have enjoyed reading the series of books. The last one was too confusing for me. It took a few chapters to begin making sense of the plot. The author tried to put too many characters in the story. After so many pages, the end is a disapointment; I feel we are no closer to understand where every little stories are going than at the beginning of the book. Too many references to legends the reader is unable to understand. Better luck with the next Mr Martin!

I jumped on the Song of Ice and Fire bandwagon about 5 years ago, just after Feast for Crows came out. I loved the series then, and I love it now, especially with that awesome new television adaptation which is fabulous and I hope continues to be so! I have waited five years for this book, and many of my friends thought me crazy for hanging on so long to wait for the fifth of seven novels. Well I must say it was worth the wait. I loved it! I was so glad to see these old friends after so long! Granted the first few chapters were a tad confusing as I was trying to play catch up after five years hiatus, but that's to be expected. We're brought back to Westeros, Braavos, Pentos, the Dothraki Sea, along with some well remembered and loved characters. All the major player come back: Dany, Jon, Tyrion, Cersei, Jaimie and Bran, along with some supporting characters from previous books and interesting new ones. One of which has made me reconsider the highly speculated path of one much beloved Crow. Some of the character chapters also made me reevaluate my opinion of the featured character, which is always a good thing as it depicts writing skill and character development. Not all characters though. Some are still jerks. Something I thought was quite interesting that I think is a first for these books is the chapter names. Usually, the chapters are named after characters: Jon, Cersei. Sansa, Arya, Eddard, etc. And while that tradition continues in Dance with Dragons, I think a new tradition has been introduced alongside it. I noticed that some chapters weren't the character's name, but rather that character's perception of them self. For example in one chapter someone goes briefly to Winterfell, and repeats this mantra to themselves: "There are ghosts in Winterfell and I am one of them". Then sure enough the next chapter for that character is entitled Ghosts in/of Winterfell. I thought that was really nifty. Be warned however: The last character chapter is a cliffhanger. If you don't want a cliffhanger ending for anyone, hang on a bit before you read Dance with Dragons. It might make you angry. Made me angry, but in a total shock and "oh my God that did NOT just happen!" kind of way. But no matter how you slice it, Dance with Dragons is a must must must must read for any SoIF fans. Enjoy.