Originally Posted by CDSmith

I read the existing five books just over three years ago, and have been waiting for "The Winds of Winter" to come out ever since. But, in light of this season of the TV series coming out I decided to re-read all the books, as there is a LOT in there, a lot to digest, a lot of history and family names and geography to learn. In my initial read-through I was so revved up by this story and by the quality of Martin's writing that I tore through the five books in a matter of weeks.

Not this time.

On this second read-through I'm now picking up on all the great stuff, the details, hints, clues, etc, that I mostly missed or didn't really pick up on the first time. I'm halfway through book five right now, and at this point I have to say I'd recommend to everyone to do what I did, that being read the books, then wait a while and read them all again. Those who are saying the series is "boring" etc would understand the plot and all the intrigue so much more if they did so.




Oh, I doubt you'll be disappointed by the book storyline. Jon still does a fair bit of dealing with the wildlings, but Martin keeps this so-called Whitewalker army a bit more mysterious and unseen. You get a good taste of it during the Fist of the First Men battle (as is also in the TV series), but in the books he's really making you wait as the story builds towards.... something. Whereas in the HBO series, well, as we all saw Hardhome. It was well-done, but a huge diversion from the books.



Then you're in for at least a small treat. All I'll tell you is pay close attention to the Tyrion storyline. He'll lead you to all things Targaryen.