A comet the color of blood tears through the skies of the Seven Kingdoms, a sinister harbinger of death and destruction. As winter approaches, the contenders for the Iron Throne are determined to fight with fire and steel for dominance over the divided land of Westeros.

The second book of the epic series, honored with three Locus awards, has been translated into more than ten languages and has sold millions of copies worldwide.

"Truly epic... the plot escalates to a crescendo of action. A true feast for fans of fantasy literature."
(Publishers Weekly)