A Storm of Swords Summary

The narrative progresses from where it left off in the preceding book, depicting the escalating War of Five Kings in Westeros, Daenerys's growing power in the East, and the looming menace of the Others - an almost invincible spectral army. The story unfolds through the eyes of 12 characters, with 10 of them being the primary narrators. These narratives occur concurrently, with the chapters alternating between their points of view. As the novel begins, Chett, a member of the Night's Watch, contemplates murdering his superiors and deserting his post. However, his plans are interrupted by a vast army attacking the Wall, instilling fear of the first successful invasion in generations. Meanwhile, Tyrion Lannister is recovering in King's Landing from serious injuries sustained in a large-scale battle. He struggles to gain his family's recognition, maintains a secret relationship with a disguised prostitute, Shae, and is reluctantly married to the young Sansa Stark for political reasons.

In an unexpected twist, King Joffrey is poisoned at his own wedding, and Tyrion is wrongfully accused and sentenced to death. However, just before his execution, he is rescued by his brother Jaime, who reveals a bitter truth about Tyrion's past marriage. In a fit of rage, Tyrion murders his father and his unfaithful lover, Shae. Simultaneously, Sansa Stark is also implicated in Joffrey's murder. Despite this, she manages to escape with the help of a knight, only to be forced into a politically motivated betrothal with her sickly cousin at the behest of the cunning Petyr Baelish.

Elsewhere, Arya Stark is captured by outlaws and later escapes, only to be kidnapped again. After witnessing the brutal assassination of her brother Robb, she abandons her captor and boards a ship to Braavos. Jon Snow, another Stark, feigns alliance with the wildlings, begins a relationship with Ygritte, defends the Wall from invasion, and is ultimately elected as the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Meanwhile, Bran Stark, on the run with his caretakers, displays a growing supernatural ability and finally crosses the Wall. Daenerys Targaryen, in the East, purchases, frees, and turns a slave army against their former masters on her quest to reclaim her crown. After a successful conquest of Meereen, she learns of treachery from her closest aides and decides to stay and rule the city as its queen.