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A Storm of Swords

A Song of Ice and Fire #3 / 7
by George R. R. Martin
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3) by George R. R. Martin
  ★ 8.92 / 146
21★32★3★14★15★56★67★268★169★8610★

Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel 2001. Hugo Award nominee 2001, Nebula Award nominee 2001, Tähtifantasia Award nominee 2007.

Rarely has there been a tale as gripping, or one as likely to seize the minds and hearts of a generation, as George R. R. Martin's epic high fantasy series. In A Game of Thrones, an ancient kingdom was torn by the ambitions of ruthless men and women; in A Clash of Kings, war, sorcery, and madness swept over the kingdom like a voracious beast of prey. Now, as the brutal struggle for power nears its tumultuous climax, the battered and divided kingdom faces its most terrifying invasion — one that is being spearheaded from beyond the grave...

A Storm of Swords

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King's Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne.

Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. Filled with the stench of death and decay from the destructive dynastic war, Daenerys is gathering allies and strength for an assault on King's Landing, hoping to win back the crown she believes is rightfully hers.

But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings bent on overwhelming the Seven Kingdoms arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others — a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. And as the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest in the quest for victory until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords...

Brilliantly conceived and grand in scope, A Storm of Swords is the incredible tale of a world of harsh beauty and powerful magic, torn by treachery, ravaged by brutality, and consumed by greed and ambition. It portrays a war-torn landscape in which nobles and commoners, heroes and villains, the freeborn and the enslaved, all struggle to survive and to find their destinies... along with the dazzling bounty and wondrous enchantment that was once their birthright in the Seven Kingdoms.

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Standard Shelves
Updated 03/30/2025
Category: Fantasy, High Fantasy, TV Series, Locus Award
Release date: August 2000

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George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his epic storytelling, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Martin has captured the imagination of millions of readers globally. Born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he began his writing career as a young man and quickly became known for his distinctive narrative style. With works spanning across novels, short stories, and television scripts, Martin has established himself as a master of fantasy and speculative fiction.

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Best known for his groundbreaking A Song of Ice and Fire series, which inspired the wildly popular television series Game of Thrones, Martin has redefined the modern fantasy genre. His books combine medieval-style politics, deep character development, and unpredictable plots, setting them apart from traditional fantasy works. In A Game of Thrones (1996), the first book in the series, Martin introduces readers to the treacherous and captivating world of Westeros, where noble families vie for power and the fate of the realm hangs in the balance. The series has become a cultural phenomenon, earning Martin critical acclaim and a massive global fanbase.

Martin's writing is known for its complexity, with multiple perspectives and intertwining plotlines that challenge readers' assumptions. His characters, often gray rather than strictly good or evil, add depth to the epic struggles of power, love, betrayal, and survival. The series’ unpredictability, including the shocking deaths of key characters, has set it apart from other works in the genre, earning Martin the title of "The American Tolkien."

Beyond A Song of Ice and Fire, Martin has contributed to various other works, including Fevre Dream, Tuf Voyaging, and The Ice Dragon, showcasing his versatility as a writer. His involvement in television, particularly his role as a co-executive producer and writer on Game of Thrones, has further cemented his status in the literary and entertainment world. Martin is also the editor of the Wild Cards series.

Despite his immense success, Martin's dedication to his craft remains unwavering. Fans eagerly await the next installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, with The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring promising to bring even more depth to his already intricate universe.

With his unparalleled storytelling, George R. R. Martin has not only shaped the fantasy genre but also influenced generations of writers, leaving a lasting legacy in both literature and popular culture. His ability to weave together complex worlds, multifaceted characters, and gripping narratives ensures that his works will continue to captivate readers for years to come.

Photo: Henry Söderlund / CC BY 4.0

A Song of Ice and Fire

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin is an epic fantasy series that has become a cornerstone of modern speculative fiction. Known for its intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists, this bestselling saga immerses readers in the violent, power-hungry world of Westeros and beyond. Set in a medieval-inspired universe, the series weaves together political intrigue, war, magic, and the supernatural, creating a gripping narrative that continues to captivate fans worldwide.

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At the heart of A Song of Ice and Fire are its multifaceted characters, each of whom is drawn into the struggle for the Iron Throne of Westeros. With noble families vying for control, alliances shift, betrayals occur, and battles rage across the continent. Key figures such as Eddard Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, Jon Snow, and Tyrion Lannister each play pivotal roles in this complex tale, their destinies intertwined by power, loyalty, and survival. The series is renowned for its morally gray characters—where no one is truly good or evil, and each decision has far-reaching consequences.

The political and social dynamics of Westeros are just as much a part of the story as the fantastical elements, including dragons, magic, and ancient prophecies. Martin’s world-building is meticulous, with rich histories, cultures, and landscapes that give the setting a depth rarely seen in fantasy literature. His writing style is known for its shifting viewpoints, giving readers insight into the minds of multiple characters, all of whom are fighting for different goals but are linked by the overarching conflict.

A Song of Ice and Fire is more than just a story of dynastic politics and warfare—it explores the themes of power, loyalty, love, and betrayal in ways that resonate with readers on a deep level. It is a saga about the cost of ambition, the complexities of human nature, and the dangers of underestimating one's enemies. Through its vivid portrayal of a brutal world where every decision could be a matter of life and death, the series has become a cultural touchstone.

Since its debut in 1996, A Song of Ice and Fire has garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been adapted into the immensely popular Game of Thrones television series, bringing the story to an even broader audience. The books' shocking plot twists, morally ambiguous characters, and epic battles have earned them a loyal fanbase, while the unanswered questions and unresolved plots have kept readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

With each new book, the saga deepens, bringing readers closer to the ultimate confrontation for the throne, while exploring the personal, political, and supernatural conflicts that shape the world of Westeros. A Song of Ice and Fire is a fantasy series like no other—an epic adventure filled with unforgettable characters and an intricate plot that will leave you hooked from start to finish.


A Song of Ice and Fire consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.

Related series A Song of Ice and Fire (related works)
Related series A Song of Ice and Fire: The Graphic Novels
Related series A Targaryen History
Related series The Targaryan Dynasty

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)
  ★ 8.84 / 196
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2)
  ★ 8.80 / 150
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3)
  ★ 8.92 / 146
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4)
  ★ 8.54 / 130
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire #5)
  ★ 8.66 / 101
The Winds of Winter (A Song of Ice and Fire #6)
  ⧗ 9.42 / 7
A Dream of Spring (A Song of Ice and Fire #7)
  ⧗ 9.60 / 5
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (A Song of Ice and Fire)
  ★ 8.22 / 19

Book Reviews

03/27/2025
Darkki avatar
Darkki
254 books, 27 reviews, 326 posts
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

A Storm of Swords is easily one of the best books in the series and a complete rollercoaster from start to finish. If the previous books were unpredictable, this one takes things to a whole new level. Just when you think you know where the story is going, Martin delivers some of the most shocking moments in fantasy. There were times I had to stop reading just to process what had just happened.

What makes this book so great is how intense and emotionally gripping it is. The stakes feel higher than ever, and no one is safe. Betrayals, unexpected alliances, and brutal twists make it impossible to put down. The character arcs are also incredible—some characters reach their highest points, while others fall in ways I never saw coming. The battles, both on the battlefield and in the game of politics, are some of the best in the series.

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The world-building also continues to expand, revealing more about the magic, history, and different regions of Westeros and beyond. Every little detail adds to the richness of the story, making it even more immersive.

A Storm of Swords is a masterpiece of epic fantasy. It’s unpredictable, emotional, and absolutely unforgettable. This book left me in awe, and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

10/15/2007
Seregil of Rhiminee avatar
Seregil of Rhiminee
3707 books, 260 reviews, 15 posts
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

A Storm of Swords is the third book of A Song of Ice and Fire saga. It's amazing how good a writer George R.R. Martin is and how much depth he's managed to put into his series. A Storm of Swords is even better and more fascinating than the two previous books. It's almost impossible to describe how good this book is, so all I can say is that it's a unique masterpiece of modern fantasy. This book is definitely one of the best fantasy books ever written and everybody who likes epic fantasy should read it.

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