A Storm of Swords

by George R.R. Martin
A Storm of Swords cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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  • ID: 7840
  • Added: 2025-12-17
  • Updated: 2025-12-18
  • ISBN: 9780007447848
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2011-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow is the first part of the third volume in George R.R. Martin's internationally bestselling series, A Song of Ice and Fire. The HBO hit series Game of Thrones is based on this modern fantasy epic, which has captured the imagination of millions. As winter approaches, the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are divided by revolt and blood feud. In the northern wastes, a horde of savage people steeped in dark magic is poised to invade the Kingdom of the North, where Robb Stark wears his new-forged crown. Meanwhile, Robb's defenses are ranged against the South, the land of the cunning and cruel Lannisters, who hold his younger sisters in their power./n/nThroughout Westeros, the war for the Iron Throne rages more fiercely than ever. The fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance, and if the Wall is breached, no king will live to claim it. This volume is a testament to Martin's intricate world-building and complex characters, making it a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts.

Reviews
Literary Elephant · 2019-05-21
engaging 4.00

The book masterfully blurs the lines between opinion and fact, creating a rich and immersive narrative. The complexity of the characters and their motivations is particularly engaging.

The reviewer appreciates how Martin often allows the reader to discern when a character is expressing opinion rather than fact, though this technique is not consistently applied. This nuance adds depth to the storytelling, making the characters more relatable and the plot more intriguing. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of character motivations to be particularly compelling, highlighting the author's skill in creating a complex and engaging narrative.

Quick quotes

    Martin often allows the reader to know when a character is expressing opinion rather than fact, but not in every case.

    I particularly enjoy this aspect of the book.

    The complexity of the characters and their motivations is particularly engaging.

Novel Notions · 2019-01-29
brilliant 5.00

This book is a merciless and brilliant masterwork, showcasing the height of George R.R. Martin's writing. The reviewer finds it unbelievably amazing and a standout in the series.

The reviewer is highly impressed with A Storm of Swords, describing it as a merciless and brilliant masterwork. They believe it represents the pinnacle of George R.R. Martin's writing, with an unbelievably amazing narrative that stands out in the series. The reviewer is particularly taken with the book's ability to maintain a high level of excitement and engagement throughout, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    An absolutely merciless and brilliant masterwork.

    This was unbelievably amazing.

    A Storm of Swords could actually be the height of George RR Martin's writing.

The Lit Bitch · 2017-11-29
gritty 4.50

Martin challenges readers to empathize with a character who was previously unsympathetic, adding depth to the narrative. The book is praised for its ability to evoke a range of emotions and keep readers engaged.

The reviewer notes that in this book, Martin challenges readers to put themselves in the shoes of a character who was previously unsympathetic. This shift adds a new layer of depth to the narrative and evokes a range of emotions. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its complex characters and compelling storylines. They find the book to be a standout in the series, with a gritty and darker tone that adds to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    In the previous two books, he was anything but sympathetic but in this book, Martin challenges us to put ourselves in his shoes.

    This book is a delight for grimdark fans and another high point in George RR Martin's enduring saga of war and betrayal.

    The writing style is brilliant, maintaining a well-paced narrative throughout.

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