A song of Ice and fire discussion (spoilers incl A Dance with Dragons)

[fool-ish]

I'm new to the series so have had the opportunity to read them in quick succession, which is all good as patience isn't one of my strong points. I understand the 'middle book(s)' syndrome too. It's just that many reviewers felt disappointed with the lack of 'main' characters in AFFC and that it went off on a tangent. I'm nearing the end of ASOS now, which for me has been the best yet..loved every minute and now looking forward to the next one, despite my misgivings.