Theon, Catelyn, Arya, Sansa, Jon, Tyrion, Davos, Bran, and Danerys. That's how many characters' POVs were used to follow the many plotlines that Martin had created throughout this book, and it makes me think that he's making the same mistake that Jordan made (IMO) in trying to create and follow too many storylines. Most of the book seemed to move at a snail's pace, and whenever climactic moments did come it seemed rushed. My first impression is to say that not much of anything really happened in this book, but then I remember that a lot did happen.
I know others have said that Dany would play a bigger role and her storyline in GoT was just to set up that role, so I was expecting her to be of some import by the end of this book, only to find out that her role once again can only be to set up her role in a later book. Theon's storyline seemed equally pointless, though I understand that context of the Ironmen's invasion of the North had to be given by someone his death has me shaking my head and asking 'why bother?' After all the build up of Stannis with his new god and the creepy-as-hell sorceress/priest of his and Renly with his massive army, I had a similar reaction as one and then the other fell.
That's the bad, now the good.
The rest of the storylines were still compelling. The intrigue in the palace with Tyrion in the centre had me fascinated. Sansa was even less annoying, though that isn't saying much considering she was almost as annoying as she could be in the first book. I did also like the storyline of Stannis and Renly, at least while they lasted. I'm very curious to see how Jon gets himself out of the pickle he's in, and to see what Tyrion will (or rather can) do now that he's seemingly lost everything he had built up for himself. Now I suppose the focus of the next book should turn North, with the might of the Lannister's having no other rival to deal with, with the Ironmen trying to carve out a kingdom for themselves, and with Robb having to reclaim and avenge his kingdom for the savagery it's suffered. And even Dany seems poised to FINALLY be of some import.
Looking forward to the next book!
