4. A Clash Of Kings
If you ever needed proof that George R.R. Martin is a great writer, here it is. Of the five books in the series, the four books that got the four top rankings on this list are books that I can say I'm genuinely in love with. Even ranking five is a book that is good and that I really enjoy. But every book this point and beyond is a book that I consider outstanding and ranking came to liking one slightly better than another. If the lack of action in A Feast for Crows ever bothered you, then you could always go back and read A Clash Of Kings. This was the book that really set the ball rolling after the execution of Ned Stark in the first book and feature the bulk of the action that takes place in the War of Five Kings. The magic really comes out as Deanery's dragons take flight, Stannis takes the Lord of Light for his god and with his Red Priestess, and one of the five kings finds out just how powerful magic is. Between the brotherly squabbling of Stannis and Renly, the King in the North, Theon taking Winterfell, and the Battle of Blackwater (especially the Battle of Blackwater), this book was action packed from beginning to end and really displayed the finesse of many of the characters, but especially Tyrion. Seeing him go from just Tywin Lannister's dwarf son to the very cunning Hand of the King who almost single handedly saves Kings Landing was a sight to behold. This, combined with the growing strength of the Northern army and the Stark children's adventures all across Westeros guaranteed this as a book to remember. Tyrion acting like a boss was just awesome and getting to see Theon take power for the first time only to have it immediately slip away due to his own stupidity was a treat. While it did have a few low points like Deanery's just wandering around Qarth without much purpose or result, it was still an epic read.