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A Storm Of Swords
George R. R. Martin

A Storm Of Swords

Quick Answer

Read "A Storm Of Swords" as the 3rd 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 Clash Of Kings" (Book 2)

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

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

Verdict Insight: As the 3rd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2000992 pp
Here is the third volume in George R. R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes *A Game of Thrones* and *A Clash of Kings*. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R. R. Martin’s stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction. ***A Storm of Swords*** 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. . . Preceded by: [***A Clash of Kings***][1] Followed by: [***A Feast for Crows***][2] ([Source][3]) [1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257939W [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257948W [3]: https://georgerrmartin.com/grrm_book/a-storm-of-swords-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-book-three/
Next Recommended Book

A Feast For Crows

Book #4 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?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

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 Storm Of Swords?

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

Can I read A Storm Of Swords before A Clash Of Kings?

No. We recommend reading A Clash Of Kings first. A Storm Of Swords is the 3th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is A Storm Of Swords 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 Storm Of Swords in the reading order?

The next recommended book after A Storm Of Swords is A Feast For Crows (Book #4).