Inhale, exhale. I have never watched GoT series, so this review purely comes from the book itself. Let us commence with two major points I'll be discussing.
- writing/world-building
- characters

I wasn't accustomed to a book with so many point of views. But I find this entertaining (though I had trouble memorizing the names and roles at the beginning) and even grow to like it. I love the pacing. Mind you, this is a thick book, but never once I caught myself in boredom while devouring its contents (horrified, yes, at times) The world-building is brilliant, I love every bit of it.

Characters, as I stated above, they are plenty of them. Many gone as quick as they introduced. Of course, I can't analyze every character in depth, but I wish to give my two cents.
I find it amusing that Catelyn kept reminding Eddard how her husband only knew Robert, not the King he has become. Should've used the advice to herself, reminding how little she comprehends Littlefinger's (cunning) character.
Sansa mirroring her father's character, believing in the good of people, unironically costing both destruction in the aftermath. How mercy destroys what they love the most. In all honesty, I don't hate Sansa. She's just a naive little girl, taught to be nice and never to forget her courtesies. She has a lot to learn and I have faith in her character.
Arya, by far, is the smartest Stark and I have so much admiration for the girl. I hope she's safe.
Jon is my favorite character. His emotions feel so real. He is brave and compassionate. I need his chapters to be longer.
The Lannisters, I have so little affection toward them. Tyrion is the only tolerable one. I know Tywin is smart, but I have no desire to talk of that man. Nor of Cersei and Joffrey.
I love Daenerys' dragons, but her chapters horrify me more often than not due to Khal Drogo's brutality, I don't have it in me to discuss it further either.

I can't wait to read the second book already!
5 stars.