A Dance with Dragons
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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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 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.