Hmm think you should probably edit that post Bandy - bit too big a spoiler.
I know what you mean though, but those sorts of things are also the only real standout feature of the series. It's basically generic fantasy where the characters aren't immune from bad shit happening to them, including death.
One problem I've had with the last couple of books is the opposite - it had already become obvious which characters were being saved for a conclusive conflict in the series, and in the last two books it's almost been like they're oscillating pointlessly waiting for the rest of the action to catch up, including a lot of new stuff that feels a bit bloated and tacked on.
