A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Fire and Ice #5)

A Dance with Dragons is the fifth book in George RR Martin's series A Song of Fire and Ice. This volume takes place at the same time as the fourth book, A Feast for Crows, until the last quarter of the book when time catches up and the story lines from both books merge once again.

The fighting and politics of a new king for Westeros continues on both sides of the world. King Stannis travelled to the North all the way to the Wall to fight against the wildings who were trying to breach the kingdom. He then continues his campaign by striving for Winterfell - where one of the northern lords claims be holding a wedding between Arya Stark and his base-born son.

In Valyria, Queen Danerys - the rightful heir to the throne stolen by King Robert - has freed the slaves of the city of Meereen. Her three dragons are growing and her companions are eager to leave for Westeros to claim her seat. The armies of the other cities she has set free have other ideas about allowing her to live peacefully in Meereen.

Tyrion Lannister, on the run from Westeros after killing his father, is making his way to Meereen to join Danerys in her quest for the throne. His family has betrayed him and he would like nothing more than to see them pay. But the gods have other ideas about his journey.

Martin is a brilliant fantasy writer whose series is as intricate as it is long. His characters are believable and readers either love or hate them with all of their human faults. He also has no problem killing main characters who are loved by all. If you have not begun to read this series, I highly recommend it - though you may want to wait for the last two books so you can read it straight through!

Martin, George RR. (2011). A Dance with Dragons. New York: Bantam Books.

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Fire and Ice #4)

A Feast for Crows is the fourth book in George RR Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series.

In this book the story continues as does the war for the rule of Westeros. There are not as many kings as there were in the last book but then again, others may try to make a claim.

Notable in this volume is the fact that main characters are missing from the narrative. Martin did this on purpose as the next book - A Dance of Dragons - will tell the same story from their point of view.

My only complaint is that the next book is not yet published! Otherwise, this series is a masterpiece.

Martin, George RR. (2005). A Feast for Crows. New York: Bantam.

A Storm of Swords (A Song of Fire and Ice #3)

A Storm of Swords is the third book in George RR Martin's Song of Fire and Ice series.

The war for a new king continues in Westeros. One of the five possible kings has died, but the battle goes on for the remaining challengers. The land is divided and the smallfolk suffer each time an army passes through.

Robb Stark rules the north but will not be left to rule in peace. While away from home fighting for the kingdom his home of Winterfell will face an attack.

Queen Daenerys is still across the sea amassing power to take with her back to Westeros.

Jon Snow and the black brothers of the Night Watch fight an attack from beyond the wall, with none of the kings answering their pleas for more men to fight off the wildings.

There is little else that can be said without including spoilers... Martin is a fantastic writer whose characters are realistically flawed and compelling even when revolting. This may be one of the best series of books ever written (but I will have to wait until all 7 books are published to be sure).

Martin, George RR. (2000). A Storm of Swords. New York: Bantam.

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Fire and Ice #2)

A Clash of Kings is the second book in George RR Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice series.

The land of Westeros is in chaos. There are four kings and one queen claiming power and they are about to clash.

I don't want to give too much away about the first book, so it is difficult to add any plot summary...

The Stark house is spread over the kingdom and by the end of the this book there will be no two in the same place. Tyrion Lannister is finally taken seriously for his wisdom and strategy. Boys who used to listen to their mothers stop doing so when they become kings. Daenerys is still trying to get back to Westeros to reclaim the thrown stolen from her father.

What Martin does in the midst of a well thought out plot, is create characters who are whole and flawed. Each character is an important part of the story and interesting in his/her own right. He is a master story teller.

Martin, George RR. (1996). A Clash of Kings. New York: Bantam Spectra Books.

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Fire and Ice #1)

A Game of Thrones is the first book in George R.R. Martin's epic series A Song of Fire and Ice - a brilliant fantasy series without equal.

In a time similar to that of King Arthur and his knights, but in a land unlike our own where the seasons of Summer and Winter can last for years, the seven kingdoms have been incorporated under one throne. King Robert Baratheon now rules.

It has been fifteen years since Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell has seen his friend Robert. He has been in the far North where his family have lived since the First Men arrived. But when the King and his Queen come to Winterfell, it is Lord Stark's duty to accept a position as the King's Hand.

With Summer coming to an end, Lord Stark finds himself in the capital surrounded by intrigue, politics and danger - nothing like the simple life he led on his own lands. The danger comes from all directions and and his children are trapped into a deadly game. When you play the game of thrones, you either win or you die. It matters little that Lord Stark did not volunteer to enter the game...

Martin, George R.R. (1996). A Game of Thrones. New York: Bantam Books.