A Storm of Swords

Widely considered the magnum opus of the series, A Storm of Swords is a relentless tour de force. The result is a book of climaxes, delivering hit after emotional hit with a pacing that is breathless for such a massive tome. Martin strips away the remaining veneer of chivalry to reveal the raw brutality of power; the "Red Wedding" remains one of the most traumatic and defining moments in literary history. The character arcs reach pivotal turning points - Jaime Lannister’s deconstruction and redemption arc is particularly masterful. The result is a complex, heartbreaking, and exhilarating tragedy that works as the explosive conclusion to the saga’s first major act.

George R.R. Martin (b. 1948) is an American novelist and short story writer in the fantasy, horror, and science fiction genres. Often called "the American Tolkien," he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula awards and was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine.