The Song of Ice and Fire continues. I finished the third book A Storm of Swords yesterday. True to its title, there are battles, skirmishes, and breathtaking sword fights everywhere. In the north (including north of the Wall and even on the Wall itself) , in the South, and even in the East. Yes, Daenerys’ storyline is finally picking up steam (guess it just needed the fire from those dragonlings). Nothing epic like the Battle of the Blackwater at the end of A Clash of Kings but just as well since the book is already long without having to be burdened by a long narrative for a single battle. In fact, sometimes the pacing becomes a bit ponderous and the twists and turns start seeming like a soap opera. But somehow George Martin redeems himself at key sections and kept it compelling enough to turn the next page. Or two. Or chapter. Or book.