1. You will understand the whole story.

"Song of Ice and Fire" is more than the story of the Starks or Targaryens. It is a complicated story that started 8,000 years ago. In the TV show, they tried for many years not to use flashbacks. However, the books are full of flashbacks where Martin explains the history of Westeros or the history of the character; then, it is easier to understand the problems before the moment the first book starts (when King Robert Baratheon asks Ned Stark to become the Hand of the King).

I have to admit that I have listened to a podcast about "Song of Ice and Fire" to better understand the full plot. It is a Spanish podcast and they have the history of Westeros there which makes it easier to understand the present of the story.

In any case, what we have watched on the TV show is nothing compared to what the saga offers.

2. You will love the characters even more.

There is an advantage the books have, and the show lacks. It is the point of view of the characters. With the novels, you will know what it is in the mind of Tyrion, Daenerys, Jon, Bran, Sam, Cersei, Sansa, Brienne, Jaime, and even Melisandre. It is nice to know them genuinely because they narrate their past, the present and their thoughts, which is fantastic.

3. You will enjoy more magical events.

On the TV show, we can enjoy the dragons, some Dire wolves and Melisandre's traits; however, in the books, all this magical world is more significant. For example, Bran is not the only one who can see and feel inside of his wolf’s eyes. Actually, Jon and Arya can see under their wolves' eyes. The relationship between Daenerys and her dragons is genuinely in the novels and you can know better how the Targaryens live with the dragons in the past.

What I like the most are the prophecies. "The House of the Undying" is different in the books. There Daenerys has some predictions such as the Red Wedding or the false Aegon. She could (we could) see more prophecies, but we need to wait until the next two novels to understand them.

Also, there are more references about the R'hllor, the seven gods and the god of the sea.

4. You will read the other short stories.

You know that GRR Martin also has written some more short stories related to the universe of "Song of Ice and Fire." One of my favorites are the tales of Dunk and Egg. You should read them, but I want to add, you should read them after you understand the Blackfyre Rebellions. In any case, you will learn a lot about Westeros's history and you will discover a new dragon.

5. You will appreciate all the talent of GRR Martin.

I cannot imagine how GRR Martin could create this entirely new world. There are uncountable characters, families, stories, loves, and deaths. I do not know how he can keep all these in his mind. Also, there many unfinished subplots, prophecies, and traces he develops. As somebody who loves reading and writing, I think it is unique what GRR Martin created and it is easier to see this greatness when reading the books.