A Storm of Swords
I'm three books in and this is my favorite so far!The first was great, the second a little less, but in this one you already love, hate, respect or despise the characters, and it extends the scope of possibilities for every single character.
There are absolutely shocking situations and turns of events, and some great new characters. But try not to get too attached because George Martin takes the phrase seriously in this one: Valar Morghulis
