Maybe my favourite book series! Intelligent dialogue dealing with consequences of even minor decisions. The hierarchy is criticised constantly, shown for being trivial, hypocritical and based almost entirely in violence and threats based on strength in numbers (implied and real).
I can't choose a favourite character or arc, but I really love ADWD for really elaborating on and setting up new goals for stories that had more or else finished their first act.
I also enjoy that while GRRM indulges in 'pure evil' characters such as Joffrey, The Mountain, Ramsay and Euron (Read that TWOW preview chapter- it's Godly!) he still establishes that most people commit horrific acts while being actual complex people in a shit system (Theon, Jamie, Stannis).
Main two characters also should be noted are a staunch abolitionist (Dany) and a man who sacrifices himself for refugees who he successfully migrated (Jon). Considering the ramifications they both faced for their decisions they both managed to be awesome, intelligent and compassionate, despite the consistently horrific implications and threats.
What are your favourite characters, arcs, worldbuilding or quotes? Any real life political figures you'd like to compare to ASOIAF characters?
Eh. One of the key messages of the books is that war sucks, all nobles are equally bad for the people except when they're doing nothing or being literally ineffective (and even then their taxes can be bad), and only by organising and killing the nobles can the people have their voices heard. Not only do the main books say this, it's also a recurring theme in the history and worldbuilding books. Sucks that the means to do so is a shitty oppressive expy of the Catholic Church, but at least the Sparrows are coming for the "Pope" too.
That’s fair. My experience with the books was def more positive than the show and I think my views have been tainted unfairly. I doubt I’ll read them again but it would probably be different to revisit since my political views have changed since the last time.