[AnotherUnixGeek]

I did think that aspects of book 5 were very good (Wyman Manderly, the storyline at The Wall).

Agree about Manderly, and I also thought the chapters on Reek were quite good. The rest of it struck me as the output of a writer struggling to connect where his story is now to where he wants it to end up, and mostly failing to do so after over a thousand pages. The biggest failing in my eyes was the Tyrion storyline - great character, spectacular exit back in 2000 and after all that time his chapters turned out to be a bore. I wouldn't have thought it possible.

[chris37]

I disagree.

Tyrion is going to find the one thing he has always wanted in life in Penny, and I found that most enjoyable to read and contemplate.