Simply put, George Martin has been in the fits of terrible writers block for some time. I recognize it, because I live the nightmare. Why he felt the need to be dishonest and say that he split the books to keep their length down is anyone's guess. I am upset at his decision to do so for two reasons: 1)I feel a close connection with the characters and the desire to know their fate is very real for me and hasn't been sated for several years now, and 2)the author obviously fibbed when his readers would likely have accepted an honest but delayed attempt to attain the literary successes of his past. This series has been incredible until this entry. I'm sure that you know that, Mr. Martin. The interwoven strands were a part of the magic. Give us more of the tale soon and be straight with us in the future.