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?
After the show I don't know how you can conceivably make that evil Dany arc work. Her lessons in Meereen show that creating a regime change takes time and negotiation (after the conquest of course) and that violence will always affect the masses. I also enjoy GRRM's message of 'you are not your family' despite the world around you believing it so.
there's analysis long preceding the show that predicted that specific event and laid out Dany's path there. the core of the theory is that she walks out of Mereen believing it to be a repudiation of conciliation and compromise and embraces fire and blood as her birthright instead. I'm very certain it will be better done in the books (if they're ever written - I doubt that) but it's extremely likely that this is what will happen.
yeah I also read the theory Dany gets killed by Lightbringer/Jon a couple of years before S8. Such a disappointment.