I honestly feel by books 4/5 it's not all Martin's work - just seems so laboured and slow all the time. In the first few books I loved Daenerys, I was hoping for the all very much so cliche ending of her and Jon Snow (my other favourite) getting together and completing "Fire and Ice" but as the series went on her character just became this aweful whiney little bitch who lost all of her early strength and vulnerability - proper bastardisation of a character.
I think the power and her struggles changed her. I started to dislike her more and more and I think Martin probably always planned for that. The fairy tale ending of this vulnerable character reclaiming her throne and falling for Jon Snow was never going to happen in the Westeros world.
The last two books were not as action packed but they are still good books. Everything calmed down, and had to build up again - remember Martin originally planned for that period to be skipped over, rejoining the characters a few years later.
The plot is all set up for the next book to bring the series back to it's best.
Spoiler
Stannis vs Boltons.
Jaime & Stoneheart.
Varys in Kings Landing.
'Aegon' joining up with Dorne to attack the Lannisters & their allys.
Tyrion, Jorah, Victarion all trying to get to Dany, who is now some way away with Khal Jhaqo.
Murder at the wall.
Sansa & Little Finger.
Arya the assassin.
Davos off to find Rickon.
Sam in Oldtown with Jaqen.
Bran the greenseer & skinchanger.
Euron Greyjoy and his dragon horn.
& all the while the white walkers arent going anywhere!
Can't wait for the next book, 'urry up George lad!