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  • A Feast for Crows

A Feast for Crows

A Song of Ice and Fire #4 / 7
by George R. R. Martin
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4) by George R. R. Martin
★ 8.54 / 132
1123341586574682394510

Hugo Award nominee 2006, Locus Award nominee 2006, British Fantasy Award nominee 2006.

Few books have captivated the imagination and won the devotion and praise of readers and critics everywhere as has George R. R. Martin’s monumental epic cycle of high fantasy. Now, in A Feast for Crows, Martin delivers the long-awaited fourth book of his landmark series, as a kingdom torn asunder finds itself at last on the brink of peace... only to be launched on an even more terrifying course of destruction.

A Feast for Crows

It seems too good to be true. The war of the Five Kings has finally ground to an uneasy halt, with House Lannister and their allies the apparent victors. But all is still not well in the land...

With the death of the monstrous King Joffrey, Cersei is ruling as regent in King's Landing. Robb Stark's demise has broken the back of the Northern rebels, and his siblings are scattered throughout the kingdom like seeds on barren soil. Few legitimate claims to the once desperately sought Iron Throne still exist – or they are held in hands too weak or too distant to wield them effectively.

But as in the aftermath of any climactic struggle, it is not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters start to gather, picking over the bones of the dead and fighting for the spoils of the soon-to-be-dead. Now in the Seven Kingdoms, as the human crows assemble over a banquet of ashes, daring new plots and dangerous new alliances are formed, while surprising faces – some familiar, others only just appearing – are seen emerging from an ominous twilight of past struggles and chaos to take up the challenges ahead.

It is a time when the wise and the ambitious, the deceitful and the strong, will acquire the skills, the power, and the magic to survive the stark and terrible times that lie before them. It is a time for nobles and commoners, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and sages, to come together and stake their fortunes... and their lives. For at a feast for crows, many are the guests – but only a few are the survivors.

”Of those who work in the grand epic-fantasy tradition, Martin is by far the best... [He] is a tense, surging, insomnia-inflicting plotter and a deft and inexhaustible sketcher of personalities... This is as good a time as any to proclaim him the American Tolkien.”
– Time Magazine

”The only fantast series I'd put on a level with J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings… It's a fantasy series for hip, smart people, even those who don't read fantasy… If you're new to the series, you must begin with Book 1, A Game of Thrones. Once you're hooked… you'll be like the rest of us fans, gnawing your knuckles until book 5” – Marta Salij, Detroit Free Press

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Release date: October 2005
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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 / 198
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire #2)
★ 8.80 / 152
A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire #3)
★ 8.90 / 148
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire #4)
★ 8.54 / 132
A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire #5)
★ 8.66 / 103
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)
★ 7.90 / 22

Book Reviews

03/27/2025
Darkki avatar
Darkki
259 books, 27 reviews, 344 posts
★★★★★★★★☆☆ 8 / 10

A Feast for Crows is a very different kind of book compared to the previous ones. Instead of fast-paced action and shocking twists, this one slows down and focuses more on the aftermath of war, politics, and character development. While it doesn’t have the same level of intensity as A Storm of Swords, I still really enjoyed it.

The biggest change is that many of the major characters from the previous books, like Jon Snow, Tyrion, and Daenerys, aren’t in this one. Instead, we follow Cersei, Jaime, Brienne, and a few new characters. Cersei’s chapters are some of the best—watching her try to hold onto power while slowly unraveling is fascinating. Jaime’s story also continues to be great, and Brienne’s journey, while slower, adds a lot of depth to the world. The focus on the politics of King’s Landing and the growing chaos in Westeros is interesting, but at times, it feels like the story is building up to something rather than delivering big moments.

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The writing is still excellent, and the world-building remains as immersive as ever. However, because it only covers part of the full story (with the rest happening in A Dance with Dragons), it does feel incomplete. Even though it wasn’t as thrilling as the previous books, A Feast for Crows is still a solid and enjoyable read, just in a different way.

11/22/2007
Bluejay avatar
Bluejay
59 books, 27 reviews
★★★★★★★★★★ 10 / 10

It's true that A Feast for Crows misses a tiny bit it's other half, The Dance with Dragons, which haven't yet been published.. But there's nothing wrong with this first part, Martin is The Master. The story is great, the characters get even more interesting. My only critique is that the wait between the books of Song of Ice and Fire is waaaay too long.

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

A Feast for Crows is the fourth book of A Song of Ice and Fire. This book isn't quite as good as the three previous books, but it's a great book. As almost everybody knows George R.R. Martin had to split this book into two parts, because if he'd put all the material into this book, it would've been too big to publish. This split is easy to notice, because many important and interesting characters are missing. That's why this book isn't as excellent as the previous books. If you enjoyed reading the three previous books, you should read this book. It's an interesting fantasy book.

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