HBO’s hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin’s internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A DANCE OF DRAGONS book is the fifth volume in the epic fantasy series.
Dance with Dragons is the fifth installment in author George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, a set of books that have become immensely popular among readers of fantasy and science fiction genres. This book review will look at the latest installment in the series, Dance with Dragons, to see how it measures up to its predecessors.
So come along and check out everything you need to know about A Dance with Dragons!
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A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire Book)
In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance—beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death. But Daenerys has thousands of enemies, and many have set out to find her. As they gather, one young man embarks upon his own quest for the queen, with an entirely different goal in mind.
Fleeing from Westeros with a price on his head, Tyrion Lannister, too, is making his way to Daenerys. But his newest allies in this quest are not the rag-tag band they seem, and at their heart lies one who could undo Daenerys’s claim to Westeros forever.
Meanwhile, to the north lies the mammoth Wall of ice and stone—a structure only as strong as those guarding it. There, Jon Snow, 998th Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch, will face his greatest challenge. For he has powerful foes not only within the Watch but also beyond, in the land of the creatures of ice.
“I rose too high, loved too hard, dared too much. I tried to grasp a star, overreached, and fell.”
George R.R. Martin, A Dance of Dragons
Our Overview
Daenerys Targaryen has been trying to reclaim her throne as the rightful queen of Westeros. She has been building an army and making alliances in the city of Meereen, but her rule is challenged by the Sons of the Harpy, a secret society of rebels who want to overthrow her.
Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen is losing her grip on the Iron Throne and the citizenry of King’s Landing were living in terror of the upcoming army and dragons of the greens.
Meanwhile, Jon Snow, the lord commander of the Night’s Watch, is facing his own challenges at the Wall. Here we will see the future of the Night’s Watch will face his greatest challenge yet. An army of the undead, known as the Others, is preparing to invade, and Jon must find a way to unite the Watch and gather resources to defend against the impending attack.
Tyrion Lannister is on the run after being falsely accused of murder and has been traveling through the continent of Essos, trying to evade capture and find a new place to call home. He is smuggled across the narrow sea by Varys from King’s Landing to Pentos.
There are also a number of subplots involving other characters, such as Arya Stark, who is training to become a Faceless Man in Braavos; and Bran Stark, who is learning to use his powers as a warg and greenseer.
Our Review
Will there ever be a George R.R Martin book that we won’t love?
Unlikely!
One of the things I enjoyed most about “A Dance with Dragons” was the way it brought together a diverse cast of characters and storylines. From Daenerys Targaryen’s efforts to reclaim her throne as the rightful queen of Westeros to Jon Snow’s efforts to defend the Wall against an army of the undead, the book offers a wide range of exciting and thought-provoking subplots. We especially love seeing how Arya stark grows and develops in her independance and strength in this novel.
Martin’s writing is superb, and he does an excellent job of building tension and creating a sense of urgency as the characters face a series of challenges and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences. There is no such thing as a simple black and white decision. The question of who will take the Iron Throne gets more and more difficult to answer. We can’t wait to see what might develop in the next novel!
Our rating: ★★★★★
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct order of Game of Thrones Books?
The branching canons and miscellanies of genre fiction are commonplace to some fans but the unusual running order of A Song of Ice and Fire has been known to put off newcomers to the series. Have no fear though, the publishing order of the books is still the most sensible reading order.
Here are all the books in the A Song of Ice and Fire series in (publishing) order:
- A Game of Thrones (1996)
- A Clash of Kings (1999)
- A Storm of Swords (2000)
- A Feast for Crows (2005)
- A Dance with Dragons (2011)
- The Winds of Winter (unreleased)
- A Dream of Spring (unreleased)
What is A Dance with Dragons about?
In the aftermath of a colossal battle, the future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance—beset by newly emerging threats from every direction. In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the last scion of House Targaryen, rules with her three dragons as queen of a city built on dust and death.
Is A Dance with Dragons suitable for all ages?
As with all books in this series, this novel has some pretty gruesome scenes and some very heavy topics. The books are for mature audiences.
How long is A Dance with Dragons?
Depending on publication, the book is around 1,500 pages, spanning across 73 chapters.
Why is a Dance with Dragons in two parts?
Due to its huge scale, Dance with Dragons was split into two parts; by location.
What seasons does A Dance with Dragons follow?
The sixth season mostly follows A Dance with Dragons.
