Join me for a deep dive into A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin, the third book in the iconic A Song of Ice and Fire series. From 8th-14th June 2025, we’ll be tackling both Part 1 (Steel and Snow) and Part 2 (Blood and Gold) as one combined readalong, experiencing every betrayal, alliance, and heartbreak.
Known for its shocking twists and unforgettable moments, this book marks a brutal and pivotal turning point in Westeros. Whether you’re reading for the first time or returning to the series, this is the perfect chance to journey through Martin’s masterful storytelling with fellow fantasy lovers.
A Storm of Swords Overview
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Originally published in 2000, A Storm of Swords continues the brutal, intricate, and deeply political saga of Westeros. The War of the Five Kings rages on, the Night’s Watch faces growing threats beyond the Wall, and Daenerys Targaryen rises in the East. With weddings, betrayals, and unforgettable character arcs, this book is often hailed as one of the strongest entries in the series.
Brace yourself: you’re about to encounter some of the most iconic moments in fantasy literature.
🗓️ Readalong Schedule: 8th June – 14th June 2025
Day 1: June 8 – Chapters 1–12
- How has the War of the Five Kings reshaped the political landscape?
- Which characters are positioned to rise or fall?
- What are your early predictions?
Day 2: June 9 – Chapters 13–24
- How does Martin balance intimate character development with large-scale political conflict?
- Which relationships (alliances or rivalries) are you most intrigued by?
- What themes are beginning to emerge strongly?
Day 3: June 10 – Chapters 25–36
- Which chapters or POVs are hitting you the hardest emotionally?
- How do the narrative threads between the Wall, King’s Landing, and the East play off one another?
- Are you starting to sense any major foreshadowing?
Day 4: June 11 – Chapters 37–48
- What tensions are reaching a breaking point?
- How are betrayals and shifting loyalties impacting the main players?
- Which character decisions shocked you most today?
Day 5: June 12 – Chapters 49–60
- How did you react to the Red Wedding and its aftermath?
- What does this moment tell us about loyalty, ambition, and betrayal in Westeros?
- How does Martin make grief and loss feel so visceral?
Day 6: June 13 – Chapters 61–72
- How is the story pacing after the Red Wedding?
- Which characters are showing surprising resilience or collapse?
- How do secondary characters shape the larger plot at this point?
Day 7: June 14 – Chapters 73–82 (End)
- How does A Storm of Swords set the stage for future books?
- Which character arcs have surprised or devastated you the most?
- What are your theories for what’s coming next?
🔍 End-of-Readalong Deep Dive Questions
- How does Martin play with reader expectations, especially through shocking twists?
- Which death or betrayal hit you hardest, and why?
- How are loyalty and betrayal woven into the major character arcs (think: Robb, Catelyn, Tyrion, Jon, Sansa)?
- How do you feel about Daenerys’ growing power in the East — is she a hero, conqueror, or something in between?
- How does the exploration of power and its cost compare between characters like Stannis, Tywin, and Mance Rayder?
- Which relationships or alliances fascinated you most, and how do they evolve across the book?
- How does Martin handle themes of honour, vengeance, and justice in this instalment?
- What did you notice about the pacing — does it feel slower or faster than A Clash of Kings?
- Which character POV was the most compelling or challenging for you, and why?
- What emotions did you experience while reading, and which moments lingered with you most?
- If you were in a live book club session, which scene or character arc would you most want to debate or unpack with others?
- What are your biggest predictions, hopes, or fears heading into A Feast for Crows?
Tag your posts with #ASOIAFReadalong and follow @UptownOracleBooks on Instagram and @UptownOracle on TikTok for discussions!
Let’s experience the heartbreak, ambition, and deadly intrigue of Westeros together, and remember: in the game of thrones, you win or you die.
