In this thrilling sequel to A Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin transports readers to a world of revelry and revenge, wizardry and warfare. A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky, heralding chaos across the kingdoms from Dragonstone to Winterfell. Six factions vie for control of the Iron Throne, engaging in tempest, turmoil, and war. The narrative explores complex themes as brother plots against brother and the dead walk at night. A princess hides as an orphan boy, a strategic mind prepares poison, and wild men ravage the countryside amidst a backdrop of alchemy, murder, and strife. As kingdoms collide, the landscape shudders under the weight of power plays and chilling ambitions.