First three books of Song of Ice and Fire can be easily described as character slaughter. At first it's shocking and sad to see more and more of the people you learned to love die. But as the story unwinds we begin to appreciate unpredictibility of the world. There is this thrill in the air, you no longer are certain that your favourite character is going to win another battle, or even live another day. It's a very unique feeling that makes Song of Ice and Fire special.

Fourth book of SoIaF series covers the story of only half of the caracters. The book has grown so big that with pain in his heart Martin decided to divide it into two parts. Instead of telling half of the story for all characters he decided to pick full story for people in Seven Kingdoms. The tale of Daenerys, Jon, Tyrion and others will be told in another book - A Dance with Dragons.

A Feast for Crows is not dissappointing. Fourth book of the series slows down a bit, although it does not get boring. We no longer are rushed through numerous battles and hand-to-hand fights. Instead story focuses, as the title promises, around people who died in previous books. In Iron Islands new leader rises to sit on the throne left by Balon Greyjoy, House Lannister struggles with Seven Kingdoms after the death of Tywin Lannister, Littlefinger wins the Vale after unfortunate fall of Lysa Arryn. Life goes on and "crows" are enjoying their feast.

Characters known from previous books continue on their journeys. Little Arya Stark reaches Free Cities and begins her training in the temple of the one with many faces. Brienne still wanders looking for Sansa and finds out that her friendship with Jaime is going to put her in serious trouble. As for the Kingslayer and his sister, the Queen - the plot becomes more and more complicated. All the time Jaime thinks about Tyrions words, he is suspicious yet he does not want to belive it. The level of tension rises through the whole book. In the meanwhile ironmen chose their leader and threaten the entire kingdom. Surprisingly they also become involved in the incoming dance of the dragons.

I really enjoyed how the plots went on. The thrill of not knowing not only what is going to happen next, but also not knowing what would be best for my favourite characters made the time I spent with the book precious. Martin is a master of leading you to belive in one thing and when you can almost see it happening he turns around and lets you see how wrong you were all the time...

Not wanting to spoil the story for other readers I'll only say that I enjoyed reading the book. Unlinke many writers Martin does not go down with each book of his series. Feast For Crows is in no way worse than preceding 3 parts of the story. The plot still holds the reader on his toes, not having a clue where it will take him next. Again we get a book unline any other fantsy ever created.

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