I just finished the book like, two days ago. I'm still wavering on whether or not Jon's actually dead... I'm leaving it be until it's been confirmed. I mean, heck, I'm still not quite willing to believe Brienne is dead, from the ending of Feast. Dance hasn't really confirmed or denied, though it seems pretty sure...

There's another death that I'm curious if you've gotten to, but I can't remember what order it happens in so I don't want to mention it. But that one frankly surprised me, too. I had thought GRRM was setting up for something and then... well. Apparently not. I have to give it to the man, he tends to kill off/maim characters randomly and indiscriminately enough that it keeps you on your toes to some extent. At this point, while I definitely love certain characters, I don't get completely distraught over character deaths. It's like RP - if it contributes to the overall story I'm cool with it, even if it's horribly depressing at the moment.

Overall, I liked the book. Though I think my biggest gripe is what you pointed out in an earlier post - the book definitely doesn't stand alone. It's not an enormous deal to me, but it does feel sort of like watching a TV show with continuous cliffhangers. We're only getting a chunk of the story, and then it cuts off with the ever-hated "to be continued..."