What is the general consensus these days about the latter two books vs. the first three?

[Lord of Raventree Hall]

I remember when I first read AFfC and ADwD I was surprised that they were hated so much in the community. Although I liked the first 3 books better after the first read, I didn't ever dislike the latter two books. However, over time, I've come to love AFfC and ADwD more and more to the point that ADwD is actually my favorite book (not just in the series, period, in all of life, lol). Anyways, I did remember the last time I reread the books I did see SOME push back against the original hatred of the two books and I wondered if they have finally entered the point they are considered roughly even with the other 3 books (just with each individual having their own favirites still of course, but...generally I am hoping they are no longer considered well below the first 3 books). Also, I am currently running a fever, so if this topic is a little loose and free, blame Covid-19. I guess in addition to the general mood on the latter two books, tell me your personal order for the books (in terms of your enjoyment), and heck, here's mine from worst to best : 

5. A Game of Thrones - Yes, I know. It's iconic. However, I feel like it's essentially one long prologue for the rest of the series. It is still an excellent book however, with great set ups for all the main characters, and the only book with Eddard Stark, who I quite like. 

4. A Feast for Crows - I actually think it's possible that Feast could move up to 3 during this reread though. I am finding the Tyrion chapters in ACoK less enthralling this time around (and since they make up a lot of the book...) Anyways, back to AFfC, well I think it's a necessary book to understand George RR Martin's philosophy. I also think people like to take it away from the original trilogy, but I think...it is a part of those first 3 books. It's the aftermath of what war, infighting, and a slowly evolving lack of empathy for other human beings could cause. Also, on a personal note, as a huge Brienne of Tarth fan, her PoV is my favorite. Honestly if you replaced the Greyjoy PoV's in this book with...like any random ADwD PoV of similar length, this book could easily spike up into the top 2 spots even (just pulled down by those Greyjoys).

3. A Clash of Kings - I know it is very popular, but Clash for me can sometimes be a bit slow, particularly the Tyrion/Arya chapters (which make up a huge part of the book). However, it is number 3 for a reason, and that it's just a very good book. Tyrion chapters and Arya chapters are...well ultimately good chapters. Catelyn's chaptes with Brienne and Renly are probably my favorite from this book, but I also liked Jon, Daenerys, and to my surprise on reread, Sansa's chapters a lot in this book. 

2. A Storm of Swords - What was (at least in the past) the by far most popular book it seemed, well...it's a very good book. So many plots coming to fruition, so many times I threw the book in disgust (the Red Wedding, I seriously threw the book across the room during the first read), so many good and horrible things happening to the characters I love. Daenerys's chapters and Jon's chapters again stand out as being excellent in this book, but we also have the Jaime chapters changing our mind about a character, Catelyn's final chapters which have me crying in anticipation every time (she is my favorite character), Tyrion's fall from grace is also I think the strongest Tyrion chapters, etc. etc. 

1. A Dance with Dragons - I think the Mereenese knot that GRRM untied is....well one of the most beautiful and magnificent bits of writing that has ever existed. I think as fans of this series we can sometimes forget just how complex of a web GRRM has tried himself into, and ...he managed to undo it in this book. He made everything work and it's a beautiful complex masterpiece. A masterpiece of writing. Anyways, Theon's chapters are my favorite chapters of any POV in any book ever in this book, Daenerys/Barristan chapters in Meereen that at first I found confusing as to their point, I now see as super complex and interesting, Jon's rise and fall as Lord Commander (well probably not actual fall, but I digress), Tyrion's....extreme fall from once great....grey heights, I actually love the introduction of a fake Aegon in book 5 (why not??) I just love this book, what can I say. And it still somehow gives me hope that if he does ever finish The Winds of Winter, that if he can do a similar job as ADwD, I will love it too. Hell, maybe he is taking so long because he is busy making a masterpiece. 

[Craving Peaches]

First book is my favourite. First half of second book is my second favourite.

[Willam Stark]

ADWD is also my favourite book, followed by ACOK, AFFC, AGOT and ASOS.

[Alester Florent]

The problem with AFfC and ADwD, I think, is that it feels like very little really happens in them. Between the end of ASoS and about three-quarters of the way into ADwD, the plot seems to be treading water for the most part while the characters catch up. Some of the characters get some good development but it's mostly internal, with not very much interesting happening to or around them in most cases, and it feels like several of them have barely moved since the end of ASoS.

These books also introduce two new plots, in Dorne and the Iron Islands, which whatever you think of them in and of themselves, serve to slow things down by spreading the plot more thinly among characters and settings, adding to the feel of stodginess.

Things pick up again quite a lot in the last stages of ADwD, with Dany's escape from Meereen, Aegon's invasion, Barristan's coup, Jaime's meeting with Brienne, Cersei's walk of shame, the assassination attempt on Jon, Stannis's advance on Winterfell, and Varys's strike on Kevan and Pycelle. But all of the rest of AFfC and ADwD feels to an extent like it's been buildup to those moments, which has taken an inordinately long time compared to the relatively frenetic pace of the first three books, which never felt rushed but was able to deliver adequate suspense and exciting plot moments at a more frequent pace.

I think on re-reads the two books fare better because by now you know nothing's going to happen so you're just reading them largely analytically rather than waiting for the plot to start moving again, and they fare better there because there's a lot in them to unpack. But on a first read that slowness is extremely frustrating, and I don't think that should be discounted in the overall analysis, because these books are after all narrative instruments and if the narrative grinds to a halt that's a problem even if we later find other things to appreciate.

[Hugorfonics]

4 hours ago, Alester Florent said:

The problem with AFfC and ADwD, I think, is that it feels like very little really happens in them. Between the end of ASoS and about three-quarters of the way into ADwD, the plot seems to be treading water for the most part while the characters catch up. Some of the characters get some good development but it's mostly internal, with not very much interesting happening to or around them in most cases, and it feels like several of them have barely moved since the end of ASoS.

These books also introduce two new plots, in Dorne and the Iron Islands, which whatever you think of them in and of themselves, serve to slow things down by spreading the plot more thinly among characters and settings, adding to the feel of stodginess.

Things pick up again quite a lot in the last stages of ADwD, with Dany's escape from Meereen, Aegon's invasion, Barristan's coup, Jaime's meeting with Brienne, Cersei's walk of shame, the assassination attempt on Jon, Stannis's advance on Winterfell, and Varys's strike on Kevan and Pycelle. But all of the rest of AFfC and ADwD feels to an extent like it's been buildup to those moments, which has taken an inordinately long time compared to the relatively frenetic pace of the first three books, which never felt rushed but was able to deliver adequate suspense and exciting plot moments at a more frequent pace.

I think on re-reads the two books fare better because by now you know nothing's going to happen so you're just reading them largely analytically rather than waiting for the plot to start moving again, and they fare better there because there's a lot in them to unpack. But on a first read that slowness is extremely frustrating, and I don't think that should be discounted in the overall analysis, because these books are after all narrative instruments and if the narrative grinds to a halt that's a problem even if we later find other things to appreciate.

I kinda get that. Especially with Dorne which I did find pretty boring, not boring exactly but it reinforced my thinking of like why am I reading asoiaf and literally not Tyrion? 

Nevertheless if someone says think of asoiaf, it's Brienne on her journey, it's very I guess vivid imagery that takes you into Westeros that captured me. And actually I agree with you that Dorne kinda sucks because it's a new plot (that's not Tyrion lol) but the Ironborn are not, right? Like they're not Theon but they're pretty close and personally I was captivated by Greyjoys with their wild schemes and funny smack talking. 

Some characters like Sansa or Arya (Jaime) though are pretty consistent with their interesting plots compared to the first three and then we're given a Cersei pov which is just awesome.

Adwd I think is just really the best writing I've ever read, especially Tyrion and Theon chapters. I do love asos because I agree shit just pops off every chapter but like the actual words and stuff, I don't see how any literature can beat Theon.

Imo the worst for reread is agot because it's kinda a whodunnit, or not really who but why, it's a detective novel almost. But since we know who did it now (it was not the butler) it looses lots of it's zest.

[sifth]

ADWD is easily my least favorite of the series. The Mereenese knot is beyond boring and gives me headaches whenever I reread it. It also feels like a side story, given how nearly everything important to the story seems to be happening in Westeros.

[LongRider]

Add me to the ADWD like pile as I do like it a lot.  When as a mere NooB here I read many complaints about Feast and Dance, and yet when I read them found I liked them both.  
In This series great writing can be found in each book.   For instance, Arya and Sandor’s travels across the Riverlands in Storm is so good. 
And I agree with @Hugorfonics Theon’s arc is amazing.   
 

I’m a Westeros and a Stark fan, so there’s that.  

[Arthur Peres]

Almost all the characters I like died in the first 3 books.

The few left their arc has become a mess with lot of set up, but very few pay off.

And is hard to care about the story when you don't care about the characters. The only two characters I like introduced in AFFC or ADwD was Arianne and Young Griffin.

Edited August 15 by Arthur Peres

[Lord of Raventree Hall]

3 hours ago, Arthur Peres said:

Almost all the characters I like died in the first 3 books.

The few left their arc has become a mess with lot of set up, but very few pay off.

And is hard to care about the story when you don't care about the characters. The only two characters I like introduced in AFFC or ADwD was Arianne and Young Griffin.

This is a super valid reason. Fortunately for me, Brienne of Tarth is my second fave which carries AFfC (and makes up for ybr loss of Catelyn as a PoV to an extent). And ADwD has Theon who has my favorite arc to date. I also liked the introduction of Barristan as a PoV. Still I get whar you mean. During my first read, Catelyn’s death (well the whole red wedding but especially Catelyn) hit me super hard. 

In fact, @Alester Florent, I’d say the reason I didn’t like AFfC and ADwD upon the first read had more to do with the aftermath of the Red Wedding then my lack of interests in the books. I think I had prolonged trauma from that scene lol. Anyways, even in my first read, I still liked both of the latter books more than I think the general community at the time seemed to like them. The other reason I’d day I didn’t like them as much on tr first read was the Ironborn. Sorry, not sorry, I hate Asha, Aeron, and Victorian. I think their chapters are weak honestly too as compared to some of the other writing particularly Asha’s chapters. The fight scenes with Asha feel more like Lord of the Rings than the more grounded ASOIAF. (doesn’t she literally count kills in one scene?) Upon rereads though, I admit Victorian chapters (despite the fact I stull hate Victorian, the chapters) grew on me. And outside the stupid counting kills fight scene, I guess Asha chapters also grew on me. The only one I continuously hate is Aeron. I just cannot stand Aeron’a worldview, and yes I get that he is a victim of abuse, but he is also a crazy conservative religious nutjob (and that comes a bit too close to home for me I guess). I actually think I enjoyed the Meerenese plot from the first read. I enjoyed Tyrion’s parts in ADwD from the beginning. And I was …okay with the Dornish plot from the beginning (it’s not my favorite but I never hated it). 

 

Also, you mentioned the slowness as my reason for not liking it, but I think it was more my dislike of PoVs available. Catelyn was gone. In AFfC, all my familiar PoVs were gone. However, upon rereads I have come to love many povs I at first didnt like. Cersei, Jaime, Arianne, Jon Connington and Samwell have all grown on me over time as PoVs. Barristan and Qynten have literally become some of my favorite chapters, and Brienne has gone from someone I already liked to one of my favorite part of the books. It was that I as a person don’t like change that caused my reluctance at the latter two books. But after getting used to that change, I discovered I quite liked them, especially ADwD. I wrote waybtoo much, I am sorry lol.

[csuszka1948]

AFFC leaves out many important main characters, while ADWD lacks payoff, while they have the best quality of writing and some of the best plotlines (Theon, Jaime).

Both of them have serious problems because GRRM wrote slowly and the editors wanted him to release them before they were fully completed.

Overall, I would say my order is ASOS, AGOT, ADWD*, ACOK and AFFC.

*this could be first if the two battles were resolved

Edited August 15 by csuszka1948

[Nevets]

I like the last two the least, but that's not saying much.  Even as the weakest of the series, they're still great books.

My biggest problem with them is bloat.  There is too much repetition, too much description, and the story, especially in AFFC, moves too slowly.  I love Brienne and Sam, but their stories would be better with about 2/3 the number of chapters they got.  And I didn't care for Dorne and the Iron Islands either.  Now is the time to be wrapping up subplots, not adding more.  Jaime's story is great, and I liked Arya and Sansa, but wished there was more.  They're my favorites.

ADWD was better, but had some of the same problems, like being repetitive.  The Northern story is great, and I liked the first half of Tyrion's journey, until he ran into Jorah.  Then it fell off a cliff.  As for Daenerys, I can't get interested until she heads for Westeros.

So a bit of a mixed bag, but still solid work. As I said before, there is too much bloat and filler.  His chapters are getting much longer.  AGOT has 73 chapters while AFFC can manage only 46 despite their being the same length, in word count.  Admittedly, AGOT is a bit spare at times, but AFFC feels downright flabby at times.

Edited August 15 by Nevets

[BalerionTheCat]

ADWD is by far my preferred. Then AFFC. They are the most meaningful of the series, so far. And the ones I never tire reading again. OK, I was a little bit disappointed at their first read, by the lack of progress. And it was not clear why Dorne and the Iron Islands had come to that importance. But I finally understood that everything was important with Georges. And Dorne and the Iron Islands will have their importance (if we see the end).

Then AGOT, because of the shock of the discovery of this universe. ASOS and ACOK are last but equals to AGOT.

[Annara Snow]

I feel that AFFC and ADWD got a lot of undeserved hate in the beginning but have been re-evalued since. The show's butchering of these books may have made people appreciate them more by comparison, and the same goes for the comparison to the much weaker faux history books and novellas, the only new things GRRM has published since 2011. 

These days you will see quite a few people name ADWD or AFFC as their favorite book in the series (Ryan Condal names AFFC, for instance) and people praising the Broken Men speech or Ellaria's anti-revenge speech.

I've always loved all 5 books and thought they were 5 stars out of 5 (these are my ratings for all 5 books and the 3 Dunk and Egg novellas; the faux history stuff meanwhile got 3 stars or at best 4). On my first read I would rank them:

5) AGOT - I loved the book, if I didn't I wouldn't have become an ASOIAF fan. But I found all the later books stronger. I love Ned's chapters and the last 2-3 of Dany's, but there's a lot of 'early instalment weirdness' in it, and the Stark kids are still pretty underdeveloped.

4) AFFC - I feel like it may rise in the rankings after a full re-read now, because my main problem was how bored I was by the Greyjoy uncles  - but after having read The Forsaken and understanding more what it's all about and where it's going (thanks also to clever in depth easays about Aeron and Euron), I appreciate this storyline much more. Plus, I would enjoy Braavos much more now after learning more about the worldbuilding and history. OTOH, I've always absolutely loved Brienne's, Cersei's, James's and Sansa's chapters, and AFFC has some of the most beautiful prose in the series. The book gets hurt a bit by the fact that some of the arcs get their climaxes only in ADWD (particularly Cersei's).

3) ADWD - Theon's chapters are some of the best in the series, and I loved the culmination of Bran's journey and all the magic and mystery. The Northern stuff was generally great, getting Melisandre POV brilliant. The Essos stuff a little less so, though not bad by any means. The final third is exciting as it's basically AFFC+ADWD together. If the two books were read as one chronologically, they'd definitely be my strong #2 (because #1 is really hard to challenge).

2) ACOK- underrated book. I found it a massive improvement over AGOT, particularly with Arya's and Sansa's character development and arcs (Arya's Harrenhal plot and experiences resonated with me in particular) and Tyrion's KL chapters. Theon/Bran storyline is also great, Stannis, Davos and Mel introduction and all the magic involved, Jon's story with Qhorin and meeting Ygritte, introduction of Brienne, and the brilliant Jaime and Catelyn scene. Dany's plot is the only weakness, but we get the House of the Undying chapter.

1) ASOS - it's hard to top ASOS. One of the best novels I've read in general. Yes, it's in large part because it's the climax pf the first part of the story, but every single plotline is amazing. Jaime getting a POV! His trip with Brienne!  Dany destroying slavery! Sam and the NW beyond the Wall with some of the best horror prose GRRM has written! Sansa's chapters throughout! Olenna! The Brotherhood without Banners! Arya and Sandor! Jon with Mance and the wildlings! Red Wedding!! Purple Wedding! Oberyn! Tywin's death! Stannis going north! The Littlefinger reveal and Only Cat! Lady Stoneheart reveal!! It's insane how packed this book is and how great it all is and well structured the novel is. The first time, I was less interested in Bran's chapters as nothing really happened in them unlike the others, but on  reread I loved the info about magic and lore and history we get in them.

Edited August 15 by Annara Snow

[Annara Snow]

4 hours ago, Nevets said:

I like the last two the least, but that's not saying much.  Even as the weakest of the series, they're still great books.

My biggest problem with them is bloat.  There is too much repetition, too much description, and the story, especially in AFFC, moves too slowly.  I love Brienne and Sam, but their stories would be better with about 2/3 the number of chapters they got.  And I didn't care for Dorne and the Iron Islands either.  Now is the time to be wrapping up subplots, not adding more.  Jaime's story is great, and I liked Arya and Sansa, but wished there was more.  They're my favorites.

ADWD was better, but had some of the same problems, like being repetitive.  The Northern story is great, and I liked the first half of Tyrion's journey, until he ran into Jorah.  Then it fell off a cliff.  As for Daenerys, I can't get interested until she heads for Westeros.

So a bit of a mixed bag, but still solid work. As I said before, there is too much bloat and filler.  His chapters are getting much longer.  AGOT has 73 chapters while AFFC can manage only 46 despite their being the same length, in word count.  Admittedly, AGOT is a bit spare at times, but AFFC feels downright flabby at times.

AFFC and ADWD were definitely not "the time for wrapping up plots". They're exactly in the middle of the series. ASOS was the end of the first part of the story (they were initially to be one book, the first one in the trilogy) and AFFC/ADWD are the second part where the story expands. TWOW should be a payoff of that.

And A Dream of Spring as the final book would be the time for wrapping up plots.

[Alester Florent]

Wrapping up plots in AFfC and ADwD is a premature expectation, but it might be a time to start knitting the story threads back together. Instead we not only get what seems to be further unravelling, but entirely new plots introduced.

Contra what seems to be the prevailing opinion, I don't mind the Dorne plot*, but have little time for the ironborn. That may change when the main ironborn plot actually starts interacting with other characters.

*I didn't love it, at least until the reveal that Doran had been working with the Targs all along, which got me enthused, but I found the Martells and Sand Snakes more interesting to read about than the ironborn and the plot seemed to have some kind of momentum and importance: they're interacting with Myrcella, sending people to King's Landing to claim council seats, attempting to negotiate with Dany and Aegon. The ironborn plot has always felt a bit stodgy to me, and while Euron will probably turn out to be a significant villain, at the moment he's just a bad guy sitting on his evil throne twirling his moustache and laughing maniacally: he hasn't yet done anything meaningful as regards other elements of the plot, so it's not particularly interesting.

[Ser Arthurs Dawn]

From best to worst..

1. AFFC

Even though my favorite character, Bran, doesn't have a POV in this one, it's still my top choice. We get a break from the more major POV characters, and we get to explore some new places. I love everything about it. Greyjoy POVs (esp Damphair), Jaime and Cersei, Brienne exploring the Riverlands and getting some revenge against Pyg, Timeon, and Shagwell. She meets interesting characters like Nimble Dick, Hyle Hunt, Septon Meribald, Illifer and Creighton, etc. Her "no chance and no choice" moment at the inn gets me every time. Arya adapting quite easily to her new surroundings and even her disability. My second favorite character is now one of the most wanted fugitives in Westeros, and her new arc gives off a Hades/Persephone vibe. And we get introduced to Dorne!

2. AGOT

It wastes no time. I love the prologue chapter as it immediately sucked me in. I was immediately taken with Bran and Eddard, and I enjoyed the beginning stages of political plotting. Loved Tyrion and Jon's relationship. Catelyn is iconic (sorry not sorry), and Tyrion's trial in the Vale was very entertaining. I also really enjoyed Cat's and Walder Frey's conversation.

3. ASOS 

Jaime and Brienne acting like a married couple who have a love/hate relationship with each other. Catelyn preparing herself for punishment and Robb is like "i'm absolutely furious at you for releasing Jaime, but... I forgive you. Anyway, meet my new wife, Jeyne." Speaking of Catelyn.. Arya and the Brotherhood Without Banners. The Purple Wedding and the Red Wedding happening in the same book. Sansa finally gets out of KL, only to now be forced to put up with her aunt.  Plus, everyone is projecting their evil plots and/or trauma onto her, unsolicited. When she builds Winterfell out of Snow ♥♥♥ Tyrion's on trial, again. Dany freeing the slaves of Astapor and Yunkai is epic. Also, she banishes Jorah and that always makes me smile. Love love Davos' POVs in this one! Everything about Bran and the Reeds! The Nightfort was a neat moment in the story. The Wildling attack on Castle Black is also one of my favorite battles.

4. ACOK

Another wonderful prologue! Theon gets really messy and I love it. The attack on Winterfell was sad, but the final interaction between Bran and Rickon with Maester Luwin was gut-wrenching. We get Davos, Mel, and Stannis being Stannis. I enjoyed the classic brother against brother feud. I worship Catelyn's POVs. Arya's plot in Harrenhal was . The battle on Blackwater Bay is one of my favorite battles in the books. Tyrion as acting Hand was really entertaining. Jon infiltrates the Wildlings is probably my favorite plot for him. And my favorite plot for Dany is during this book as well. Leading her people through the wilderness, overcoming more challenges, and the HOTU is awesome. Only bad part is Jorah is there 

5. ADWD

Varamyr's prologue chapter always gives me the chills. I get bored with Tyrion's and Dany's chapters. Jon Con's are pretty good, although I did hate them at first. I downright hate Barriston's POV. Maybe it's because I don't like him.. I struggle with some of Theon's chapters, simply because they're difficult to read, but I love his plot in this one. Davos in White Harbor!!!! Wyman Manderly and Barbrey Dustin are iconic characters, and that's a fact. Melisandre, Asha, and Vic all have great chapters. And my sweet Bran, whose story only gets more interesting.

[James Steller]

I think ADWD has some of the best and worst parts of the whole series.
 

I truly cannot care about Quentyn Martell, and the Meereen stuff bores me. I also don’t really care much about Daenerys except her ASOS plot line.
 

On the flip side, there’s Stannis, Jon, Theon, Jaime, and Cersei’s chapters, all of which are highlights of the series, never mind ADWD

[StarkTullies]

I love them all.  The first three are more action-packed, and the 4th and 5th books are less eventful but more character-driven.  I didn't read AFFC until after ADWD was out... otherwise I might be extremely frustrated that most of the main characters were missing from it, but reading them back-to-back, I didn't mind.  I wonder if people who dislike AFFC/ADWD will see them more favorably when (if) the next books ever come out, and we see their ultimate purpose, instead of character arcs that don't have full payoff quite yet.

If I had to rank from favorite to least favorite:

1) A Dance with Dragons: The Theon chapters are amazing and the Jon chapters almost as good, and while a lot of people think the Meereen chapters are boring, I disagree.  Though I don't love Dany, I love her chapters, and I think she is an incredibly well-developed character.  And I actually like the "knots" going on at Winterfell, Meereen, and the Wall.

2) A Storm of Swords:  All the other books start more slowly and pick up the pace: this one is fast-paced throughout.  The majority of the most iconic events in the story (so far) happen in this book.

3) A Game of Thrones:  The Starks are my favorite characters, so I enjoy the abundance of Stark POVs in this book.  I also like "origin stories": seeing the relative calm before the storm.

4)  A Feast for Crows:  Cersei, Brienne, and Jaime chapters are all amazing, and they account for more than half of the book.  But too many characters are missing, not much happens, and it seems like the story is "starting over" with the Dornish and Greyjoy plots appearing.  Great writing, but it almost seems like this book could be skipped and you wouldn't be too lost.

5)  A Clash of Kings:  I love every book, but there isn't much about this one that sets it above any of the others.

[Hippocras]

I don't see the point of comparing the books or ranking them. They tell different parts of the same story. The middle of any story is always messy and full of moving parts. It is the middle, so nothing is resolved yet. People obviously don't feel satisfied until the various threads have some kind of resolutions, and clearly they do not have that in the middle.

[Alester Florent]

2 hours ago, Hippocras said:

I don't see the point of comparing the books or ranking them. They tell different parts of the same story. The middle of any story is always messy and full of moving parts. It is the middle, so nothing is resolved yet. People obviously don't feel satisfied until the various threads have some kind of resolutions, and clearly they do not have that in the middle.

I'm inclined to agree with this.

I found ADwD a bit of a slog when reading it. AFfC less so because I ploughed straight into it from ASoS without pausing for breath, and that momentum carried me virtually to the end before I realised that nothing had actually happened. 

It may be that when the story is complete, we look back and say, "yeah, AFfC and ADwD were pretty baggy in the middle there" or acknowledge that they were essential to tell the story effectively, but ranking books by order of preference seems pointless.