A Storm of Swords

A Storm of Swords is a fantasy novel by George R. R. Martin, first published in 2000. It is the third volume of the series A Song of Ice and Fire, following A Clash of Kings. Widely regarded as one of the most eventful and acclaimed installments of the series, it carries the War of the Five Kings toward a series of devastating climaxes and reversals.

The novel is notable for the density of its major events and for several of the most shocking turns in the entire series.

Overview

As the war grinds on, the fortunes of the contending houses shift dramatically. Robb Stark's early victories begin to unravel, leading toward the infamous Red Wedding, a betrayal that reshapes the conflict. In King's Landing, a royal wedding ends in murder, and Tyrion Lannister is accused of the crime and brought to trial, ultimately demanding trial by combat with the Red Viper, Oberyn Martell, fighting as his champion against Gregor Clegane.

In the north, the threat beyond the Wall grows acute as the wildlings, led by Mance Rayder, march south, and Jon Snow is caught between his vows to the Night's Watch and his time among the free folk. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen turns conqueror, taking the slaver cities of Astapor and Yunkai and freeing their slaves, building the army and reputation that will define her later chapters.

Place in the series

A Storm of Swords brings several long-building storylines to a head and permanently alters the balance of power in Westeros. Its principal viewpoint characters include Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, Daenerys Targaryen, Arya Stark, Catelyn Stark, Sansa Stark, Bran Stark, Jaime Lannister, whose perspective is introduced in this volume, Samwell Tarly, and Davos Seaworth.

The book is frequently cited as a high point of the series for the scale and consequence of its developments, and it set up the broader, more dispersed narrative of the volumes that followed.

Publication

A Storm of Swords was first published in 2000. Because of its length, it was split into two volumes in some markets for paperback release. It was nominated for major genre awards and is often regarded by readers as a pinnacle of A Song of Ice and Fire.