Welp, either I wanted to finish it before my birthday (which is today) for some reason, or I just couldn't STOP reading this damn fine epic! Although, I wasn't shocked by much of what went on in the book. I think the reason for that is the
death of Ned
sort of desensitized me, and so I expect just about anything now...just about...*sighs* Oh well, but, the book is a superior effort over Thrones, I think. Just that I've heard folks say "you can read Kings without reading Thrones, or, more commonly: read Thrones and jump right to Swords." Well, maybe nothing much happens aside from a LOT of action. Seemed the most important event was the addition of Melisandre into the plot fold.
Anyway, stunned again by Martin's writing (he holds nothing back--and I mean
nothing). I'm also stunned I've read nearly 2000 pages in a little over a month. Ah, the power of cheese--I mean Martin...