A Storm of Swords - George R. R. Martin

The third volume in the saga reaches epic proportions, so much so that it is divided into two separate publications: 'Steel and Snow', and 'Blood and Gold'. With civil war now in full swing, A Storm of Swords picks up the pieces from the Battle of Blackwater and prepares the way for further blood and tears. Tywin Lannister moves in as new Hand of the King, whilst a grievously wounded Tyrion recovers to find himself stripped of his powers. Released from captivity, Jaime Lannister starts his perilous journey home, Robb Stark attempts to pacify Lord Walder Frey for breaking a marriage oath, Jon Snow is captured by the Wildlings beyond the Wall, Arya Stark falls in with a band of outlaws Robin Hood style, and Danaerys begins sacking slaver cities to build an army. As in the last volume, new point of view characters appear to fill the shoes of those deceased.

Swords probably holds the record for the number of major characters killed off in one book. George R. R. Martin seems determined to shock and upset his readers. If Eddard Stark's execution came as unexpected in Thrones, the deaths here are a succession of resounding slaps to the face. No less than five major players are eliminated in suitably gruesome ways, some of which had received significant character development. One soon comes to the realisation that nobody is spared plot immunity, a factor which serves to increase tension for characters in a way not many fantasy writers have achieved. Two scenes which stand out as particularly memorable are the aptly named Red Wedding, a hauntingly atmospheric occasion which builds to a Homeric massacre, and Joffrey's own wedding feast at the Red Keep, which also doesn't quite go to plan. The realm lies shattered and bleeding, yet winter is still coming...

Rating: 4/5