A Song of Ice and Fire · #5

A Dance with Dragons

Name: A Dance with Dragons
Rating: 8.59 (211 reviews)
Author: George R. R. Martin

George R. R. Martin

Fantasy Epic Fantasy High Fantasy Locus Award TV Series

8.6 / 10

211 ratings

1 review

Locus Award for Best Fantasy novel 2012. Hugo Award nominee 2012, World Fantasy Award nominee 2012, British Fantasy Award nominee 2012.

Dubbed “the American Tolkien” by Time magazine, George R. R. Martin has earned international acclaim for his monumental cycle of epic fantasy. Now the #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers the fifth book in his landmark series — as both familiar faces and surprising new forces vie for a foothold in a fragmented empire.

A DANCE WITH DRAGONS
A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: BOOK FIVE

In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance — beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.

Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys’s claim to Westeros forever.

Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone — a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.

From all corners, bitter conflicts reignite, intimate betrayals are perpetrated, and a grand cast of outlaws and priests, soldiers and skinchangers, nobles and slaves, will face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Some will fail, others will grow in the strength of darkness. But in a time of rising restlessness, the tides of destiny and politics will lead inevitably to the greatest dance of all.

“Filled with vividly rendered set pieces, unexpected turnings, assorted cliffhangers and moments of appalling cruelty, A Dance with Dragons is epic fantasy as it should be written: passionate, compelling, convincingly detailed and thoroughly imagined.” — The Washington Post

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Published: July 12, 2011

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A Song of Ice and Fire

The series

Full series details →

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.

#1 · 1996A Game of Thrones

#2 · 1998A Clash of Kings

#3 · 2000A Storm of Swords

#4 · 2005A Feast for Crows

#5 · 2011A Dance with Dragons

#6 · TBAThe Winds of Winter

#7 · TBAA Dream of Spring

2015A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

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What Risingshadow readers think about this book

Darkki2025-03-27

A Dance with Dragons was definitely worth the wait. After A Feast for Crows focused on certain characters, this book brings back fan favorites like Jon Snow, Tyrion, and Daenerys, making it feel more like the first three books in the series. The scale is huge, the stakes are higher than ever, and the story is filled with tension, betrayal, and unexpected turns.

One of the things I loved most about this book is how deeply it dives into each character’s struggles. Jon’s storyline at the Wall is one of the strongest in the series, as he tries to lead while facing impossible choices. Tyrion’s journey is fascinating, full of danger and sharp dialogue as always, and Daenerys’ chapters show just how difficult ruling truly is. There are also some surprising new perspectives that add even more layers to the story.

The world-building continues to be amazing, with new places, cultures, and mysteries being explored. It feels like the pieces are moving into place for something massive to come, and the ending leaves you desperate for more.

A Dance with Dragons is a fantastic continuation of the series, packed with everything that makes A Song of Ice and Fire so great—complex characters, unpredictable twists, and a world that feels incredibly real.

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