'A Storm of Swords' by George R.R. Martin is the third book in the 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series, known for its intricate plotting, strong characters, and heady narrative. The book delves deeper into the world of Westeros, filled with chaos, betrayals, and dramatic climaxes. Readers are drawn into a web of complex characters, unexpected twists, and shocking moments that keep them on the edge of their seats. With a mix of soap opera-like drama and epic storytelling, the book explores the blurred lines between heroes and villains, making every character's journey compelling and modern.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and compelling storytelling, with a rollercoaster of emotions that range from surprises and heartache to satisfaction and eeriness. Martin's ability to create a beautifully complicated narrative, where major characters undergo drastic transformations and unexpected turns, captivates readers until the final page. As the plot unfolds, the story becomes more complex, engaging, and emotionally immersive, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include graphic violence, character death, and themes of betrayal and war.
From The Publisher:
A STORM OF SWORDS
A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: BOOK THREE
With a special foreword by Neil Gaiman
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. . . .
But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings 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. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords. . . .
Ratings (180)
Incredible (67) | |
Loved It (80) | |
Liked It (20) | |
It Was OK (10) | |
Did Not Like (3) |
Reader Stats (254):
Read It (201) | |
Want To Read (28) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (24) |
8 comment(s)
I loved this book, was hard work with all the characters but the more into the series i go the better its getting, just excellently written and i get so immersed in the world!
All i can say is pure genius, Loved it and on with the rest :)
Finally finished this humungous book. That was a trial. It was good, don't get me wrong, but oh gods, was it long.
My favorite of the series so far. So much action, death and intrigue. From the moment I started I couldn't put it down. George R.R. Martin expands on the world he has created for some characters and created a newer outlook for those you thought you knew.
Martin continues to ramp up the stakes in his third Ice and Fire book. Nobody is safe in these books; the action is unpredictable. Characters rise and fall within pages. Martin is beginning to bring together threads of story that were merely glimpsed in the first two books. As the plot comes together, themes begin to emerge and echo across the various viewpoints. Now I understand why people are so impatient for book 5.
One aspect of the book I take issue with is Martin's treatment of female victims. Since the story is set during a "medieval" period in a time of war, rape is common (as a weapon of war and as a major risk for low-born women during everyday life). Martin uses rape as a signifier of evil. If someone is a rapist, we know he is a bad guy. None of the female narrators are rape victims, and thus we never see how such a person navigates this world. Jaime Lannister undergoes torture and maiming, and we see how those experiences shape his character; however, Lollys is gang raped and fades into the background, a pregnant joke for the rest of the characters. Of course, the fact that they joke about her signifies their cruelty, but Lollys herself is a cipher. See Jacquelyn Carey, Juliet Marillier, and Patricia Briggs for treatment of rape victims as people with agency.
****5.0****
It took me a month to read this. Slow and steady.
Very good entertaining read.
I never thought Mr. Martin would kill them.
Happy Reading!!
Best of the series so far. Holy hell. So good.
As far as the cast of characters - it is vast. And character development is sophisticated. You have a vast range of personalities, motivations, biases, vices, scheming, hurts, etc. You watch upon a stage where the marionette has directed their interplay so intricately it is a believable plotline that echoes real life as action and schemes between characters collide. And as time moves forward in the story you experience those characters exult in victory, seethe with hatred, quail in defeat, rage in frustrated schemes, and hope against hope. Not only that - but they grow with their experiences. Their motivations can at times be complex scheming or simple earthy passion (whether that be angry violence or lust or daydreaming). The stage is set with a great cast as well - both men and women each with their subtleties and unique persona. Not every woman is a damsel, just as not every man is a hero - which is fantastic.
What can you read after
A Storm of Swords?
About the Author:
George R. R. Martin is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of many novels, including those of the acclaimed series A Song of Ice and Fire-A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast…
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