Started this book because I was looking for something to tide me over until the new GRRM relase: FEAST of CROWS. Just could not get into the book. At first it seems like it might take off but by page 300 it just falls flat. No character development, no sense of time (events seem to happen rather quickly without explaination and we jump dates, sometimes years, with each passing chapter), and lack of language prevented me from 'getting into' the plot. By page 450, I just didnt care anymore and put it down. Usually I try to finish every book I start, but this one is better left on the shelf.