A Storm of Swords

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Roy Dotrice

Length: 47 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

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....

©2000 George R.R. Martin (P)2004 Books On Tape, Inc., published in arrangement with Random House Audio Group, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Locus Award, 2001

"A riveting continuation of a series whose brilliance continues to dazzle." (The Patriot News)

"I always expect the best from George R. R. Martin, and he always delivers." (Robert Jordan)

This Keeps you wanting more

I have enjoyed every book in this series, I love the detail, and how he tells the story.

Nothing's better than a few deaths at a wedding...

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would definitely suggest this book if they love stories with a while world of stories

What other book might you compare A Storm of Swords to and why?

Wheel of time series

What does Roy Dotrice bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He captivates you with his voice. How his voice changes for each character. Also the fact he reads every Song of Fire and Ice book is amazing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are enough moments where you either yell out with joy and pride. Then the next you just want to hold yourself and cry. But I think that's George R. R. Martin for you.

Any additional comments?

The book is very captivating and has a great flow to it as each character goes through their own trials and tribulations.

Exceptionally read!

I expected great narration and wasn't disappointed. Perfect pauses were made for great dramatic effect and the character voices were numerous and well distinguished.

Exciting!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

the narrator is very good and does a variety of voices. He has a pleasant voice and makes the story interesting

Which character – as performed by Roy Dotrice – was your favorite?

Tierrian Lanaster

Any additional comments?

I have noticed a few editing errors, such as lines being repeated, but it's not a big deal and doesn't detract from the book.

A Storm of Swords Will Draw You In

What made the experience of listening to A Storm of Swords the most enjoyable?

This is the third book in the series and I am listening to them in order. Not the usual book genre I normally read but I can't stop now. The story line is difficult to follow. It jumps around so much. The lesser characters are hard to keep up with because their names are so similar and a few of the younger ones are named after older ones. I have found that it helps to borrow a copy of the book from my local library while listening to the audio book. The book has a list of the main characters and families in the appendix. It helps in understanding who they are and to follow the story. Do not get too attached to the main characters. They don't all survive. I was very sad when two of my favorites met a very sad end in this book. It is a great series, just very, very long.

What did you like best about this story?

The Starks.

Which character – as performed by Roy Dotrice – was your favorite?

Tierion is a very interesting character and I really enjoy the accent the reader gives him.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

There is no way to listen to this book in one sitting.

Story picks up after a slow second outing

Where does A Storm of Swords rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The Best - Roy Dotrice captures characters better than any other performer.

Any additional comments?

If you don't already know about Game of Thrones than you are missing this generations Star Wars or Lord of the Rings. However if you don't have time to commit to the reading the HBO series is extremely faithful to the books.

Narrator slipping near the end

This series is very good. A bit boring at times but deep with the interactions of the characters and surroundings. Well worth the credit.
One thing I noticed was the narrator in the last few hours seemed to be having trouble
when switching from one character to another. Many times I didn't
know who was talking and everybody sounded like Long John Silver.(Pirate) All and all I did enjoy this book but the narrator can make a great book sub-standard.

Cannot recommend enough

Roy Dotrice gives this series so much more.. I would say his gruff voice and characters give even more richness to an already amazing series.

Adventure! Great characters. Exciting read.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book continues with the exciting fantasy tale of adventure, intrigue, mystery,malice, love, war...One could listen to this as a stand-alone, but it is best when read in sequence.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Storm of Swords?

John's 'going over' to the wildings' side. His love affair and his loyalty issues. Well written.

Have you listened to any of Roy Dotrice’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

When my son suggested I read The Game of Thrones, I was skeptical. I bought only the first book. I got hooked and bought the next three. I recently drove across the country from WA to VA. Let me tell you, This series kept me alert and interested the whole way.

Praise For George R. R. Martin. This was powerful!

What made the experience of listening to A Storm of Swords the most enjoyable?

The book actually exceeds its predecessors and assures you no one is ever safe. How to describe it: Westeros is ruled with a an assurance that in fact all men must die and only a few will make it to the finale of claiming the Iron Throne. Especially, now in this world, you have to ask who will die and who will win? Maybe not with spears and swords but with a flawed system and power given to those who only exceed in the greatness of a world were hope is needed and fear prevails. A powerhouse of a book and surrounds you with a want to know more.

What did you like best about this story?

Overall, everything.

Have you listened to any of Roy Dotrice’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Roy Dotrice as always is the perfect story teller for George R. R. Martin's world.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Catelyn's character and eventually her plead and what follows after is a an unpredicted wedding, a father's end, and a broken relationship with two opposed forces.

Any additional comments?

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