A Storm of Swords
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.
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.
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.
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
Book Reviews
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.
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.