Varys is on the side of the realm.
The third book shits all over the first two. It seems that every other chapter or so there's a giant FUCK ME moment or twist. Lots of people die. Lots of people you've come to know and love.
I've heard the 4th book is a bit dry in comparison to the first 3. I'm going to try to power through though because I've heard really good things about the 5th book release.