Tyrion Lannister, having killed his father, and wrongfully accused of killing his nephew, King Joffrey, has escaped from King's Landing with a price on his head. Jon Snow has been elected Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. But Jon has enemies both inside and beyond the Wall. And in the east Daenerys Targaryen struggles to hold a city built on dreams and dust.

The future of the Seven Kingdoms hangs in the balance. On all sides bitter conflicts are reigniting, played out by outlaws and priests, nobles and slaves. The tides of destiny will lead to the greatest dance of all.