A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Spectra - Spectra
Release date: 2000-09-05
Mass Market Paperback
Author: George R.R. Martin
Fiction, Fiction - Fantasy, Fantasy - Epic, Fiction / Fantasy / Epic, Fantasy - General, Fantasy fiction
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A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Date undefinedThis is excellent fantasy. The sweeping epic begun in A GAME OF THRONES continues in A CLASH OF KINGS. Once again George RR Martin takes us deeper into his magical and beautiful world that stretchs from the icy wastes beyond the Wall to the burning deserts across the ocean.
The old King is dead; the succession disputed. The brothers of King Robert, Stannis and Renly contend for the crown while his queen upholds the claims of her son Joffrey. Other lords strive; some bend the knee to this or that claimant; others raise the standard of dormant kingdoms.
The family of Ned Stark is scattered across the kingdom: daughter Sansa a prisoner in the capital, daughter Arya adrift in the wilderness, sons Bran and Rickon at the family seat in Winterfell. The eldest son, Robb Stark, namesake of King Robert has raised his own banner as King in the North and fights battle after battle while his mother Lady Catelyn rides as envoy to this lord or that. Meanwhile, Jon Snow, Ned's bastard son, finds evidence beyond the Wall that a greater doom is about to fall upon this divided land.
And I haven't even mentioned the Queen Across the Water and her brood of growing dragons!
Martin's handing of his huge cast of characters and complex plot is nothing short of masterly. Every chapter ends with a potent hook and events, which go from bad to worse for the characters, will sweep the reader along. Martin has placed sympathetic characters on all sides of this contested realm. They can't all win or come through safe, but the reader can't help but hope for all of them.
This really feels like a juggling act done by a man dancing on a tightrope strung over a volcano. I've got a feeling this series can't be ended or resolved successfully, but that will be part of the suspense of reading the other books in the series.
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Date undefinedClash of Kings continues with the president GRRM set in Game of Thrones and expands on certain plot aspects while leaving others in the proverbial dust.
To begin this review, let's assume that you've read Game of Thrones and understand the unique method whereby GRRM weaves his tale. Again in Clash of Kings (COK), the reader is carried along on a grandiose prose through the various characters involved (some more directly than others) by each being given their own chapter.
We are introduced to the former Stark ward Theon Greyjoy in this edition who, despite some initial potential, turns out to be quite a traitor. We continue with the Starks through Catelyn, Sansa & Arya, Bran and Rickon although Robb is sourly lacking in this installment (his exploits are gathered through hearsay and conversations). Jon Snow (Eddard Stark's bastard) continues his exploits with the Brothers in the Night watch, this time from beyond the wall. Of course Martin balances out the Starks with the Lannisters through the exploits of the dwarf Tyrion, his sister Cersei, and their marauding father (who, like Robb is basically missing save for a few mentions). Worst of the lot by far is the nasty child-king Joffery who, quite frankly, better meet his demise soon.
The late Robert Baratheon's siblings come to blows over which has the rightful claim to the throne in the form of brothers Stannis and Renly.
Daenerys Targaryen's tale moves slowly forward and takes a twist toward the sorceress-side although I must confess that much of my initial intrigue with the character died with her Dothraki prince (in the first book).
Additionally there are some new developments in the form of the Onion Knight and the wickedly frightening red priestess. There's a bit more magic in this edition when compared to the first book and the pacing is quite consistent with Game of Thrones despite the additional bulk of this book.
Sadly, those looking for immediate resolve to long-standing plot elements will likely be disappointed to note that the prose simply ends fairly abruptly. Purchasing the 3rd book (A Storm of Swords) is simply a requisite to the further the threads GRRM so gracefully intertwines here.
Some critics fault the story for resembling more of a soap opera set in a medieval environment than a true epic fantasy (and there is slight truth to such claims) but the overall plot is crafted so flawlessly that I found it quite impossible to bail out along the way. The backbone of the prose isn't overly remarkable (after all it is a succession of family betrayals and plotting for political power) but GRRM delivers the package through such character-driven passion that it simply doesn't get bogged down. Very highly recommended reading for anyone who appreciates a slow-building, character-based drama with just the right amount of supernatural elements to keep things interesting.
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Date undefinedbest start to a fantasy series i've read. But definitely wait till they last 3 installments come out before diving it. It's no fun to wait a few years between books.
