The first season was pretty damn close to the first book besides some details that I can't believe they didn't do... ( I won't say for spoiler reasons)

Anyways, it looks like the show is now adapting the book to it's own needs. There are quite a bit of differences compared to the books in the second season.
I can only imagine that the show will keep derailing from the books.

Badass series.

GRRM releases another POV chapter

http://georgerrmartin.com/if-sample.html

yea it seemed the slowest to me aswell, but i read at the end that the characters i really liked are all told in a dance with dragons.
although i did start to enjoy Victarion Greyjoy...

who is everybody's favorite character?

I watch the show, haven't read the books

Tyrieon would probably be mine

John Snow ofc

Arya by far.

I prefer Arya's story, the most captivating i think
But Tyrieon would be my fav char, i love how tricky he is

Iam reading the last book atm tho...