At over 700 pages it isn't a quick read, but GRRM does a great job of making an already excellent story even better. The characters are getting more complex by the end of this book, struggling with real moral dilemmas.Something very interesting I have noticed as a watcher of the TV series is how this book starts to diverge from the first one. I won't go into detail because of spoilers.  However, I understand why HBO is doing it the way they are at this point in time.  There just is too much story to tell.Great book, definitely worth your time. 

Question: Why is the plot deep?
Answer: At over 700 pages it is n't a quick read