The Northern Civil War

Roose Bolton consolidates power in the north, while Stannis marches to challenge him, leading to a climactic confrontation.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Bolton's Return

Bolton's Return The Fall of Moat Cailin Theon Greyjoy convinces the ironborn to surrender Moat Cailin. Roose Bolton's army passes through. The Wedding Ramsay Bolton marries fArya Stark. The northern lords are forced to attend. The Consolidation Bolton gathers his forces at Winterfell. He prepares to face Stannis.

The Murder Mystery

The Murder Mystery The Killings Several men are found dead in Winterfell. Suspicion falls on everyone. The killer is never identified. The Tension The murders increase distrust among the northern lords. The Freys and Manderlys nearly come to blows. The Escape During the chaos, Theon and Jeyne escape with the help of Mance Rayder's spearwives.

Stannis's March

Stannis's March The Snowstorm Stannis's army is trapped in a blizzard. They are starving and freezing. The Arrival of Reinforcements Arnolf Karstark and Mors Umber join Stannis, but Arnolf is secretly loyal to Bolton. The Battle Approaches Stannis prepares to fight despite the odds. The book ends with the battle imminent.

midway through the book

during the stay at Winterfell

late in the book