Stagnates a bit

This component increases benefit the political dimension of the plot, to the detriment of the action. So, this gives the impression that the story stagnates a bit, certainly with interesting characters (including Jaime, which humanizes more or Arya). But no Tyrion, Jon no or almost no Bran, no Daenerys, no Onion knight, no Stannis. That's a lot! Not until the next to find out what happens to them.

The fact remains that George RR Martin's world is certainly the most complex among all literature "fantasy" and that his book, which is still not far from the usual 1,000 pages, not evil finds its place next to 3 others.

Strongly on!