A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 - A Storm of Swords
Stark misfortune

// Synopsis: Daenerys is determined to win back the Iron Throne, and with seemingly nothing she raises a formidable army but discovers traitors within her fold. Back in the Seven Kingdoms the war between the kings has not ended and each of the Stark children are scattered and struggle for survival.

// Review: As good as the first two books were, this one goes a step further. It is definitely a bad day to be a good guy. While fighting has not concluded, due to treachery and betrayal, the war seems to be a foregone conclusion. The Lannisters continue to strengthen their power at the expense of almost every likeable character. Tyrion's unexpected rise to prominence quickly collapses as he finds himself without a friend or family after he becomes a prime suspect in a capital crime. Each of the Stark kids, believes the others are all dead and are left alone without an advocate or home to fend for themselves.

/ Book 3 is filled with a ton of plot twists and surprises that will keep you turning the pages as you ask yourself "what will happen next?" One of the most interesting things that happens is Jamie Lannister's transformation after his imprisonment. Before he seemed to be just another one dimensional character that was on the wrong side. But in this book we get a good look at why he did things that have given him a chilling reputation, and he's almost been re-invented making him one of the more intriguing if not likeable characters. Jon's chapters are also fascinating reads. He is stuck between the Wildlings and the Men of the Night's Watch where both seem to reject him him and he tries to find where he really belongs.

/ Daenerys continues mounting her strength through cunning and betrayal of her own. Even though it's against dispicable people and she's nobly motivated, I still never found myself rooting for her because in the end it seems like it will come at the cost of the Starks.

// Wrap up: An engaging and engrossing continuation of an excellent story. The one big downside for me is the increase in graphic sex. This volume is concluded with truly shocking epilogue.

Entertainment rating: 4.5