I picked up A Storm of Swords yesterday. There is a HUGE problem with GRRM's writing. He wrote Tyrion too well. He is the only character that I really care about. LOL.
I really liked Jon when I first read the books. Then, once he left Qhorin and joined the wildlings I was like, meh. He bores me now. I hope I like him again in Dance.
I would have to add Sandor to your list there Sirch.
I am reading Clash of Kings again and I just read the chapter when Arya convinces Jaqen to help her free Robett Glover in Harrenhal. That's one of my favorite moments. I love how Jaqen calls her an "evil child" after she whispers his name as the third "death".
I love how "sweet" he can be to Sansa. Like when Joff orders Boros to rip off Sansa's dress and Tyrion interupts and tells someone to give her something to cover herself up with. Sandor is the first one to give up his cloak.
Ok, I finished A Storm of Swords and now I'm listening to A Feast for Crows. The new Voice Actor sucks. The story is still good though. Damn, they killed off half the characters in the last book. LOL
I think the only flaw in GRRM's epic is having Catelyn still chugging around as a human pez dispenser. I think that story arc sucks and it's a bit silly.
Wait until you meet Victarion Greyjoy. He's my new favorite POV character.
I just started reading Feast again. I'm honing my skills for the next installment, whenever the Hell that is!