While I don't think it is the best fantasy series (Malazan is, specially because the series were actually finished. Thank you for honoring the compromises with your readers, mr. Steven Erikson!), ASOAIF is indeed an achievement in fantasy literature, taking it away from the nerdy hands of Eragon, D&D and the like which are watered down clones of Tolkien's work.

My only issues with it are:

- Good things never happen to the good guys. I know villains must be smart, but come the fuck on. No need to nihilism. 

- The Starks are retards. The second time I read AGOT I wondered how a feudal lord could be so dumb, that guy and his double standards of honor walked willingly into his own doom. Seems like even an author like Martin surrendered to using the 'plot sword'. Besides, there are three characters who clearly have plot armor there.

- The giant wolves. My God, what a disappointment these wolves were to me.

The final Malazan book is out? Last one I read was Dust of Dreams, but I usually wait unti they're in paperback as its hard enough reading on the train with them, let alone a massive doorstop!

I'm the opposite, I prefer ASOIAF to the Malazan books. Whilst the ideas in the Malazan book are brilliant and certain books are just superb, the characterisation is generally weak (although much improved in some of the later books). It doesn't help that the Malazan marines for the most part seem to blend into one personality with a few exceptions.

On your criticisms of ASOIAF:

- We're still only midway through the series and their aren't really any good guys, but we know at least 2 characters will have good things happen to them by then end.

- Somewhat, but what do you mean by double standard of honor? If you're talking about the Jon Snow thing then I have my own theories on that.

- I thought that was the point, lol. They're symbols in a way, of not just the Stark children but of the deadly nature of the politics in the world.

The wolves are a part of building mysticism into the book and adding fantasy elements to the basic line of politics done with blood and treachery. Plus i think they will have a big role to play in the remaining two tomes.

I think only Jon's will have a major part to play by the end. Possibly Arya's but I see it as more a symbol of Arya's freedom and the new skills she's learning.

Don't forget about the last two remaining Starks I think one who is connecting with his wolf by thoughs will have a major part to play in the next tome since it's supposed to cover stuff tha happens behind the wall.

I think only Jon's will have a major part to play by the end. Possibly Arya's but I see it as more a symbol of Arya's freedom and the new skills she's learning.

I'd love to share a common interest with you, since we don't quite seem to be on the same console/PC wavelength (though there is a wee bit of cross over with the PC).

I guess there is Sponge Bob and Star Trek too. But those are mostly historical interests for me (and only in passing for Sponge Bob), though I will see any and all Star Trek movies that come out.

I don't think it'd be that bad, especially for HBO who aren't so concerned with each episode being watchable as a standalone. Pretty much all my fears were sated when I read the pilot ends with the line "The things I do for love!"