For context, I only watched the show last year and decided to try the books next. I'm not a reader. GOT, COK and ASOS pt. 1 2 were gifted to me as a birthday present. It took me 3months to finish the first two and I stopped reading the first part of ASOS around November. This happens often, I'll start a book and not finish it. But as they were a gift I decided after Christmas that I'd finish them (I tend to feel guilty when I don't use something someone has spent their hard earned cash on, it's just how I am).

My God! After the red wedding and realising that Jeyne wasn't there and possibly pregnant, I was hooked! I finished ASOS, FFC and DOD in about 5weeks. I can see now why so many people were upset with some of the things D&D did.

I personally enjoyed the parts in the show where Varys and Littlefinger have conversation, Loras telling Renly he should be King and them having Arya be Tywins cup bearer as apposed to Roose Boltons... because its more Charles Dance and I can't complain.

The books though, have completely immersed me into this world. I have a new respect for Sansa, the stuff going on in Dorne and with Euron and Asha has me wondering what's going to happen next. Ser Barristan has replaced show Jamie as my favourite character. Personally I think not having Strong Belwas as a character on the show was a missed opportunity.

To be honest though the best part of the book for me was this. After Neds betrayal the only person I could think about was Jeyne Poole. She was never mentioned again except in passing... so imagine my pure shock and joyful surprise when she rocked up to Winterfell posing as Arya. Unbelievable!

There's alot more I could say but I feel I've rambled enough.

Show has dropped from a 7/10 to 5/10 And the books are sitting as a solid 10/10

I hope GRRM gets to finish them as I'm fully invested in the story and characters.