ImpinAintEasy

Yes.

Use [ ] brackets instead of ( ).

Okay, now things are about to get interesting. Shimpy is about to venture into the great unknown. Prediction(not for Shimpy's eyes):

RE: Publishing order I would just read the 3rd D&E novella before moving on to the 4th book. But it's not that big of a deal if you read the 4th book and then read 'The Mystery Knight'. I'd recommend reading the 3rd D&E novella before the 5th book, though, which I believe would be the published order anyway. Either way is okay.

I vote for reading the 'Dunk And Egg' stories next. They are qick, enjoyable reads. There are quite a few 'Easter Eggs' in the next two books that you will notice because you read the D&E tales. Most notably

I sort of waffle back and forth between whether I think it's "really" Dany or Jon. I was in a Dany mood when I started this post but now I'ce gone back to thinking it's Jon, so it does change pretty regularly. The dragon has three heads... Not sure I needed to spoiler code that, but better to be safe.

Speculation based on Book 4 and 5 spoilers:

Splitting the 3rd book over 20 episodes was too much, IMO. 15-16 episodes would have been ideal, but this is one of the problems of trying to adapt the series to TV. They had neither the time or budget to do a 15 episode season. What results is having many of the storylines feeling like they have stalled for a season, or more. Jon and Stannis especially suffered from this in seasons 3 and 4. Sansa too.

Sorry, forgot that LS hasn't been used in the books yet.

Welcome to your first meeting with UnCat. LOL. Three changes at the end of season 4 really upset a lot of people. Those were: 1. Lack of UnCat 2. Leaving out Jaime telling Tyrion about Tysha 3. Changing Littlefinger's final words to Lysa from 'Only Cat' to 'Your sister' I think the lack of the Tysha reveal was because the writers felt most of the audience couldn't be bothered to remember the story Tyrion tells in season 1. Changing 'Only Cat' was just plain stupid. If you're going to change it because you worry about casual fans not knowing who Cat is, then just use her full name. As for UnCat, I think it's too early to discuss in depth. I can think of a few reasons she has not appeared in the show, yet...

I finally caught up with everything. Just wanted to say that I followed the Unsullied from season 1, and the 'spitballs' that you guys came up with were the best. Shimpy, reading your opinions on the books are equally enjoyable. Can't wait to see your thoughts on the end of ASOS and the 4th and 5th books. I may even join in on a 'Dunk and Egg' read through, which I also would recommend reading prior to AFFC. Don't want to hijack this thread, just thought I'd mention his original work, as I feel it is quite good, better than his adaptations. I enjoy the show for what it is, but I can't disagree with many of the criticisms lobbied at it.

The 25th Hour and City Of Thieves. Look into them. Benioff has written some very good original stuff. He is not without talent.