A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
by George R.R. Martin
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Book Summary Information
Author: George R.R. MartinEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2002-05-28
ISBN: 0553381695
Number of pages: 768
Publisher: Spectra
Book Reviews of A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Book Review: On Par With the Standard Set In The First Book
Summary: 4 Stars
Clash 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.
Summary of A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2)
Here is the second volume in George R.R. Martin magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R.R. Martin stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.A Clash of Kings
A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. Two great leaders-Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon-who hold sway over an age of enforced peace are dead, victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.
How does he do it? George R.R. Martin's high fantasy weaves a spell sufficient to seduce even those who vowed never to start a doorstopper fantasy series again (the first book--A Game of Thrones--runs over 700 pages). A Clash of Kings is longer and even more grim, but Martin continues to provide compelling characters in a vividly real world.
The Seven Kingdoms have come apart. Joffrey, Queen Cersei's sadistic son, ascends the Iron Throne following the death of Robert Baratheon, the Usurper, who won it in battle. Queen Cersei's family, the Lannisters, fight to hold it for him. Both the dour Stannis and the charismatic Renly Baratheon, Robert's brothers, also seek the throne. Robb Stark, declared King in the North, battles to avenge his father's execution and retrieve his sister from Joffrey's court. Daenerys, the exiled last heir of the former ruling family, nurtures three dragons and seeks a way home. Meanwhile the Night's Watch, sworn to protect the realm from dangers north of the Wall, dwindle in numbers, even as barbarian forces gather and beings out of legend stalk the Haunted Forest.
Sound complicated? It is, but fine writing makes this a thoroughly satisfying stew of dark magic, complex political intrigue, and horrific bloodshed. --Nona Vero
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