I've recently finished A Feast for Crows and am now in great anticipation for the next volume. It is definitely the best fantasy series I've read so far and has completely blown my mind away. To me it's impossible to say which of the four is the best.

The greatness of it, I would say, lay firstly in the incredible plot and numerous unpredictable twists that make the story take surprising turns at every corner (or even when there seem to be no corners), as well as in the detail with which he describes everything. Every chapter of the four books published so far (about 800 pages each) has held me spellbound and unwilling to sleep at night. It has made me sad and it has made me laugh out loud, it has made me furious and it has made me sick. It has left my mind puzzled, curious or wondering, even lost and hopeless a time or two. It has left my heart both pounding with excitement and broken into pieces, and it always leaves me a tormented soul craving for more. I have never been able to let go of the story even though I've laid down the book, and it has often followed me into my dreams to feed them both night and day.

Secondly, the character development is just... simply amazing! Every character in the book has a different and very interesting personality and all seem very realistic. There is never a clear line between good and evil; everyone has a bit of good and a bit of bad in them, everyone makes mistakes, and everyone carry their very own secrets and fears. Every kingdom/people/family have both heroes and scumb and you end up loving or hating people on all sides in the war. Furthermore, being the greatest of heroes or the lowest of scumb, being king or poor and insignificant, means nothing when death and tradgedy comes calling in Martins world.

I have to admit that it's a bit exhausting with details on dresses and jewels of people attending feasts and such at times, but that's the only negative thing I have to say about the books. This, however, only concerns a page here and there and is nothing on the whole. All in all, this series is already a masterpiece that I can warmly recommend to anyone who loves fantasy and want something more than just the usual Tolkien-type adventure, however, it is NOT for children. Also, have in mind that waiting for the next book to be published, as I am doing now, is pure torture...

It's soo good. It's extremely capturing no matter what character is displayed (some are then very, very capturing and the others very capturing). The suspense is kept highly and the story development is just so interesting. Absolutely unpredictable. That's why I'm really scared of what might happen. Certain turnouts did disappoint me, making me think that the story gets pointless but no... it doesn't. Everyone get's his chance to rise as well as to fall. I'm just about to read FFC. I like SoS best so far...

As a storyteller, Martin is unparallelled. His A Song of Ice & Fire is the best fantasy series I've ever read. Martin takes tired old fantasy cliches and turns them around and backwards and to and fro. Martin takes up the point-of-view of several different characters in each book--some of the characters are good, some bad, some defy such generalizations. But lest you think that characters who get their own point-of-view are safe from Martin's axe, think again. Of the eight point-of-views presented to the reader in the first book, one is axed--quite literally. One of the other eight doesn't make it to the end of book three. And so it goes. Good guys and bad guys get the axe in the series. As Martin has said, War does not discriminate. The political intrigue--the backstabbings (literally and figuratively), the double-dealing, the political alliances--are well realized. His characters are fascinating and his pacing is perfect. This is not standard epic fantasy.

The best series in modern fantasy. A sheer number of realistic characters whould make any other book look cheesy and lame in comparison. Waiting for the book 4.

What an incredible series so far, easily one of my favourites. The characters are so indepth, so endearing, so *real*. Mr. Martin's story has had me both laughing and in tears, has made my heart pound with excitement and fear, and has kept me up long past my bedtime to feed the addiction his work has created. My only complaint is the amount of time between books. It seems to take forever for a new installment, but I suppose perfection is worth the wait.

A very good book, and it can be so difficult to find a good quality fantasy. Martin is telling powerful epic fantasy complete with a large cast of characters, extensive backstory, great world setting, terrific action.

By far the best I hav ever read, I enjoy how it is more adult then most fantasy, and how none of the characters are perfect and they all have a dark side

Second best fantasy series ever, behind only goodkinds' sword of truth series. Very Dark and sadistic. This is the most unpredictable series I've ever read and I read alot. The only given in the series is that atleast one main character will die at the end of each book, but you won't know who. This is a very emotional book, from heart broken to giddiness. The characters are totally captivating, you will love and hate them as if they were real.

A great series but Martin's penchant for killing off main characters is becoming predictable.

First 3 books are absolutely excellent but there are too many loose ends left and the end of the final book

I have read them all. Tolkien, Jordan, Brooks, none of them come within a mile of this stuff. The characters, are realistic, the story line doesn't read like fantasy, it is somehow a story you get to feel could have happened. By far the best set of books I've ever read.

FANTASTIC series. A classic in the making. The characters are realistic, not caricatured like a lot of modern-day fantasy. My favorite fantasy series, by far.

Absolutely fantastic, probably the best books I have ever read. What puts this above other fantasy stories is the fact that it is very unpredictable, you never know which characters will survive or be killed off.

Best fantasy series in Print!

Simply the best. Better than all the rest. I forget the rest of the lyrics but you get the drift.

The Once and Future King... ON CRACK!

The all time greatest fantasy book ever written!

This series is fantastic. Mr. Martin's characters are incredibly detailed and believable; his world dark and disturbing. His style is unparalleled; however his world could be classified as 'realistic' fantasy. Don't expect the hero to slay the dragon and marry the princess and live happily ever after.

Very exciting and completely unpredictable! Martin is true to his character's motives and will captivate you with twists and turns that will leave you wanting more!