A Storm of Swords is the third book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin and picks directly after the second book, A Clash of Kings. The book primarily deals with the aftermath of the unsuccessful attack of Stannis Baratheon of King's Landing. Joffrey is crowned the king while he forms a marital alliance with the Tyrells. Rabb Stark faces dissatisfaction in his ranks after the release of Jaimie Lannister by his mother. Theon Greyjoy is abandoned by the Ironmen and is handed over to the Boltons where he is tortured by Ramsey Bolton. Jon pretends to leave the Night' Watch to spy against the Wildlings. Daenerys' gathers an army and decides to free the Bay of Slaves.
The book is comparatively longer than the previous books and tells stories from the POV of 10 major characters. The book creates two major climatic events, the Red Wedding and the Battle on the Wall. Both events are completely unforeseen and unpredictable. Both events contrast in the manner, that while one leads to the downfall of the supposed hero of the series, Robb Stark who was out to get revenge his father's murder, the other leads to evolution of Jon Snow from a bastard steward to a respected and wiser Lord Commander.
The story arcs settle to safety for most characters who are mostly left in better circumstances than they were in before. Arya and Tyrion sail for unknown worlds, Sansa is left in Littlefinger's custody where she is safe. Briennne leaves King's Landing to find Sansa. Jaimie becomes the main Kingsguard. Jon becomes the Lord Commander and Daenerys decides to rule Meereen to understand the ways of a kingdom.
There is much foreshadowing in the book as is usual with the ASOIAF books, particularly the prophecies which Arya hear from an old lady and the ones which Melisandre claims to be coming true as sacrifices three leeches when Balon Greyjoy, Joffrey Baratheon, and Robb Stark die. This also serves as foreshadowing when Daenerys is surrounded by slaves chanting mother.
