Here's why:
* The TV series diverges from the books: While the first few seasons closely follow the books, the show takes significant liberties after that. Season 6 especially veers heavily off course, introducing new storylines and changing the fates of certain characters.
* *A Dance with Dragons* is the fifth book: The TV series ended after season 8, which roughly corresponds to the events of the fifth book in the series.
* The ending of *A Dance with Dragons* sets up the sixth and final book: By reading this book, you'll be fully caught up on the major plot points and character arcs that lead into the final installment of the series, *The Winds of Winter* (which is still being written).
However, there's a catch:
* *A Dance with Dragons* ends on a cliffhanger: George R.R. Martin is notorious for leaving readers on a nerve-wracking note. The book doesn't resolve all the major conflicts, and you'll be left waiting for *The Winds of Winter* to see how it all unfolds.
Tips for starting *A Dance with Dragons*:
* Brush up on the series' timeline: You may want to revisit the events of the previous books to refresh your memory on key characters and plot points.
* Be patient: *A Dance with Dragons* is a long and dense book. Take your time to absorb the information and enjoy the journey.
Have fun reading! The world of A Song of Ice and Fire is vast and complex, and there's still much to explore.