Tower of the Hand

In an interview with A Dribble of Ink, Spellwright author Blake Charlton discusses how A Game of Thrones has shaped his reading of "Non-Conciliatory Fantasy." Where traditional heroes survive despite impossible odds, protagonists aren't so lucky in non-conciliatory fantasy. As a result, Charlton says he won't get attached to characters in these types of stories, especially if the character is likable, double especially if George R. R. Martin is writing the book.

There have been many events in A Song of Ice and Fire that make it a model non-conciliatory fantasy. Are you better prepared for future surprises because of this, or are you just as attached to characters as ever? Has GRRM changed the way you read other fantasy authors? Is it shocking anymore when major characters are killed?