A Clash of Kings: A Song Of Ice And Fire: Book Two

Firstly, if you have not read the first novel in the series of A Song if Ice and Fire I suggest reading A Game of Thrones, the first novel in this epic fantasy. This review will contain SPOILERS from the first novel.

--- SPOILERS (from the first book) BELOW ---

In A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin shows the aftermath of the death of King Robert and Eddard. Most importantly, he shows the consequences of the secrets that Eddard reveals before his death. This leads to several different individuals claiming ownership of the Kingdom and the start of a very long war.

A Clash of Kings follows the same system previously shown in A Game of Thrones by focusing each chapter on a different main character. This also means it suffers from similar problems, there are certain chapters and characters I would rather read about then others, which is especially painful when they first introduce a new perspective. Although the character is interesting, there is less of an emotional attachment then to a character I have already read about in the first novel.

Aside from a few boring spots spread throughout various parts in the novel, I found that A Clash of Kings was definitely knit together more tightly. The character perspectives connected well throughout the novel and the plot was relevant in almost all of the different perspectives.

A Clash of Kings is slightly longer then A Game of Thrones, but if you have already read the first book and loved it I don't see why you wouldn't pick this up.

I wanted to read this just before the second season of the HBO series started and thought it best to wait until late March. However, I was hearing bits of what was going to happen, and didn't want to ruin anything about the book, so I read it as soon as possible. Basically, Joffrey's actions at the end of the first book throws Westeros into chaos as four kings emerge to claim the Iron Throne: Joffrey, Robb Stark, Stannis Baratheon & his brother Renly Baratheon. Now while it seems Joffrey has made enmeies of the three other claimants, none of them are willing to bend knee to any of the others, and what ensues is a tale of backstabbing and changing loyalty. The major battle at the end is very well written and seems to settle the claims of who is king (for the time being). In the meantime, young Arya Stark is trying desperately to get home, her youngest brothers, Bran & Rickon, must try to defend Winterfell in the absece of their family, and Jon Snow, Eddard Stark's illegitimate son, travels into the wild North to face a growing threat to all that has been fought for in the South as the Wildlings gather their forces into one huge army. I already want to continue with book three, but will wait, at least, until the HBO series comes to its season finale in June.

A wonderful follow up to Game of Thrones. Loved it! The development of the multitude of characters is fascinating ~ the ones I once cheered for, I now cheer against and vice versa. I was shocked by some events, and all the while left wanting more. Am on to book 3 now and still can't get enough. I don't know how people have waited years between volumes. A highly recommended series!

Martin delivers in his fashion a fantastic tale fit for many readers. I was drawn to this series from the HBO show and was so impressed with the first book and how the TV show actually did do it justice. Unable to wait for the second season I picked up this book and I'm so glad I did.

The book changes to different perspectives for every chapter just like the first book and this is one of the strong tools Martin uses to keep you engaged. Falling upon the various murderous plots before the characters know what's in store for them is akin to watching a scary movie and yelling at the character not to go down that dark alleyway! You know what's waiting for them but you are powerless to stop it.

The character development is so amazing and new characters are introduced. You'll come to love characters you hate and question the characters you loved. We learn more about the Night Watch and the histories of many of the families.

These books are so readable even if you're not someone typically drawn to the genre. And as usual he ends with so many twists you simply don't see coming that make you rabid for the next book.

Suitable for teens as well!

Martin does it again! Here, he continues his 'Ice and Fire' series with book 2. It has a bit of a different 'feel' than Game of Thrones did. We are introduced to a few new regions, and characters. Also, some of the characters that were minor in book 1, are now main characters in book 2, so they got shuffled around a bit. i look forward to what book 3 (Storm of Swords) brings...

A Clash of Kings was a very enjoyable read. When I finished reading The Game of Thrones I immediately felt the need to continue on with the series. While reading The Game of Thrones I could not put it down. I was hoping for the same feeling from this book. It was very very good, but it took me a bit longer to get into the story. I hope the next one is just a little bit better.

Words cannot express how much I love these books. I never thought I'd feel this way about a fantasy series like this. It is even better than Tolkien's books. it has a lot of detail but it doesn't kill you in the detail like Tolkien does. The characters are so lovable and infuriating. I was hooked from the first chapter in the first book.

I didn't think it was possible, but this second installment of "A Song of Ice and Fire" series has topped the first! More politics and the betrayals that come with it, religion and the fanaticism, emerging truths and deeper secrets, growing up to added responsibilities, fights and bloody deaths, and magic and dragons too. New characters' point-of-views have been introduced and so has a long list of characters. I know I shouldn't be leaving gaps between reading each book since I always lose track of what has happened or who has died, but what would I do if I read them all before the fifth one is published?!

The author of this book is a magician he winds throught the the kingdoms and creats storys within stories that has you wanting to read more. He is not afraid to kill charecters and he creates a master piece.

At 1009 pages this book supplies a depth and breadth of world that is so involving that though I race toward the end in eagerness, it's still enough to carry me through a couple weeks of real time reading. Enough time for it to live in me. To stew in my thoughts on the bus, at the gym, in the shower. I find myself thinking about the characters as if they were real people. Trying to prise out their motivations and guess at their plans. Wishing I could converse with them, see with their eyes, travel with them, train by their sides, know them, more.....

A Clash of Kings is a great follow up to the first book in this series. We're introduced to new insightful characters and some of the seconddary ones from the first book now take center stage. It's full of delightful and terrifying twists for all the survivors and makes you eager for more. True to form, Martin delivers some more devastating plot revelations, worth every word.

What an exciting read, I couldn't put it down. And after I was finished reading it, I wished I could go back and read it again for the first time. Martin picks up right where he left off, and makes you love and hate the characters more and more, even adding a few new ones. Whether you enjoy a great fantasy novel or just enjoy a great read, you have to get this book.

Not equal to the volumes the preceed and follow it, yet ACOK is still better the your average RJ-filled fantasy shelves

This book is the second following up A Game of Thrones in the series A Song of Ice & Fire. If you are a fan of epic fantasy, Frank Herbert's Dune, J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, then this series is for you. This second book continues the tale of the first. The Kingdom now has 5 different Kings all claiming to be the one true King. Regicide, Dark Magic, Evil Plotting, love, evil, plots with in plots, this book has everything. It is a must have for anyone who wishes to keep up with what High Epic Fantasy Fiction has become. Our parents had LOTR, we have Martin.

George R.R. Martin brings an incredibly moving account of the political intruiges seen in our now oh so common lives. His character complexity, devilish 180 degree switch's and development of people who are constantly changing and growing make these books absolutely incredible.

Martin shows how the events of greed and power shatter bonds of friendship and family, and how compassion brings the morality out of the even the most evil of enemies. A book that will make you want to read it again!!

THis book will stay high on my library as a book of pure delight. The story is well written, the character are very real. There is not only black and white, you can also see some taint of grey.

Reading A Clash of Kings was engrossing.
If you start this book you won't be able to put it down. I have read many Fantasy and Sci-Fi Novels and this series of books is by far my favourite.

If you like mean and nasty soap-opera-type people this is your book. Though plots and intrigues are rampant, they seem to lead absolutely nowhere. Arch villans abound, millions of other characters mill about, but heros cannot be found. Ditto for book 1 although it was slightly more interesting. I stopped reading at page 200.

You won't be disappoined if you decide to pick this one up. Lot's action and intrigue. Can't wait for the next book.

The kings and peasants burn alike in a war of 3 kings. The contender holds his place, waiting for a break in the war. Across the sea a woman and her childborn dragons grow in power.

You'll never be able to put this book down and once it's done you'll read it again, waiting for the next epic story to continue. Pray to the Godswood it comes soon. For the sake of the dragons, direwolves and you.