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A Feast For Crows
George R. R. Martin

A Feast For Crows

Quick Answer

Read "A Feast For Crows" as the 4th book in the A Song of Ice and Fire sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "A Storm Of Swords" (Book 3)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 4th installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2005784 pp
Few books have captivated the imagination and won the devotion and praise of readers and critics everywhere as has George R. R. Martin’s monumental epic cycle of high fantasy. Now, in *A Feast for Crows*, Martin delivers the long-awaited fourth book of his landmark series, as a kingdom torn asunder finds itself at last on the brink of peace . . . only to be launched on an even more terrifying course of destruction. ***A Feast for Crows*** It seems too good to be true. After centuries of bitter strife and fatal treachery, the seven powers dividing the land have decimated one another into an uneasy truce. Or so it appears. . . . With the death of the monstrous King Joffrey, Cersei is ruling as regent in King’s Landing. Robb Stark’s demise has broken the back of the Northern rebels, and his siblings are scattered throughout the kingdom like seeds on barren soil. Few legitimate claims to the once desperately sought Iron Throne still exist—or they are held in hands too weak or too distant to wield them effectively. The war, which raged out of control for so long, has burned itself out. But as in the aftermath of any climactic struggle, it is not long before the survivors, outlaws, renegades, and carrion eaters start to gather, picking over the bones of the dead and fighting for the spoils of the soon-to-be dead. Now in the Seven Kingdoms, as the human crows assemble over a banquet of ashes, daring new plots and dangerous new alliances are formed, while surprising faces—some familiar, others only just appearing—are seen emerging from an ominous twilight of past struggles and chaos to take up the challenges ahead. It is a time when the wise and the ambitious, the deceitful and the strong will acquire the skills, the power, and the magic to survive the stark and terrible times that lie before them. It is a time for nobles and commoners, soldiers and sorcerers, assassins and sages to come together and stake their fortunes . . . and their lives. For at a feast for crows, many are the guests—but only a few are the survivors. Preceded by: [***A Storm of Swords***][1] Followed by: [***A Dance With Dragons***][2] ([Source][3]) [1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257914W [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL1955906W [3]: https://georgerrmartin.com/grrm_book/a-feast-for-crows-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-book-four/
Next Recommended Book

A Dance With Dragons

Book #5 of 5 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

This book, the fourth in the series, begins immediately after 'A Storm of Swords,' but runs chronologically in parallel with the subsequent volume, 'A Dance with Dragons.' The story was split geographically, with 'A Feast for Crows' focusing on events in King's Landing, the Riverlands, Dorne, and the Iron Islands, notably excluding the viewpoints of Jon Snow, Tyrion Lannister, and Daenerys Targaryen.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for A Song of Ice and Fire conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading A Feast For Crows?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read A Feast For Crows before A Storm Of Swords?

No. We recommend reading A Storm Of Swords first. A Feast For Crows is the 4th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is A Feast For Crows required reading for the A Song of Ice and Fire?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after A Feast For Crows in the reading order?

The next recommended book after A Feast For Crows is A Dance With Dragons (Book #5).