(Halfway through ADWD, so I'm not completely up-to-seed yet, although I've already been spoiled on some parts.)

...but I must admit I don't really see where the narrative is going to. It feels to much like "look at all the warring sides and after several books, one of these sides will win, with the help of some other sides that have joined them and those that haven't lose. The end. In that sense there is still too much of a random feel in there.

Granted, with what has happened so far in ADWD it all at least seems to move towards a conclusion, but still I have no idea why we were focusing on the Stark family in the beginning so much. Was it all an elaborate set-up so we know that everybody can die, plus some exposition? Do the Starks gain in importance again? The direwolves must have some meaning (besides half of them being killed or lost), otherwise this is also quite random.

We'll see where it goes. At the very least it's entertaining to get there. I just hope it all ties towards a satisfying conclusion.

And Werthead: yeah, I loved the RW reread. I was waiting for this moment, as I knew many were. And Jenn L did not disappoint.