George R. R. Martin's A Dance with Dragons, is book five in the fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire. The book, a work of fiction, is by no means a stand alone book. For those who are not familiar with the characters and various complex scenarios, the book will prove to be nearly impossible to follow. For those who do manage to follow it, there will be numerous trips to the lengthy and complicated appendices to learn about characters, places, and situations.

The story opens with the introduction of Varamyr, a human who is able to "warg" into other life forms, including wolves. Many characters throughout the story can leave their bodies and force their spirits into another for various purposes. This causes some conflict for humans who turn into animals since they are often required to hunt other humans for food.

Varamyr is a powerful creature. Varamyr thinks about the parameters of his being and the things that are and are not permitted. He also thinks about his past battles and the possibility that his life is almost over. He relies on Thistle who seems to be the hunter and gatherer of the group. Varamyr is correct in thinking that he is dying and is on the verge of entering the second life.

Several favorite, main characters take part in the story. These include Tyrion, Daenerys, Jon, and Theon aka Reek.

The basis of the story is this: Stannis continues to try to usurp power and remains at the wall, determined to claim The Iron Throne. While there, he continues his part in the triumvirate of Jon and Melisandre to try to gain more power.

Tyrion spends most of the book trying to get to Meereen where he hopes to persuade Daenerys to serve his own ends. As a new queen, Dany is still settling into power, hates war, and ends up marrying Hizdahr for political reasons. Dany, mother of the dragons, finally takes flight on Drogon, which is a much awaited event. Many things go awry in Dany's absence.

Like Dany, Jon Snow is trying to find out his role as the new Lord Commander. Jon is young and has a great deal to learn, including listening - with healthy skepticism - to what Melisandre has to say about his future and safety.

Aegon Targaryen still intends to recover the Iron Throne. Aegon goes to in Westeros armed with the Golden Company. Aegon has not yet made his big move.

The story ends with Kevan Lannister being called in to see the Grand Maester Pycelle. It is a trap set by Varys. Kevan and Pycelle are both murdered.

The book shows a great deal about the characters' loyalties as well as their ulterior motives. Martin kills off several characters before they complete their goals, which leaves a great deal to be decided in the next book.