Book Review: "A Clash of Kings" by George R. R. Martin

A Clash of Kings is the second book in the Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. A Song of Ice and Fire is a high fantasy series that currently includes five books. (See my review on A Game of Thrones also)

In A Clash of Kings the reader continues to follow the Stark family of Winterfell and the schemeing of the Lannisters. The Starks have been scattered all over the kingdom and some fare better than others. The Mother of Dragons across the sea starts to plan her return to the kingdom. There are also other characters that start to become more important during this book; we see from the perspectives of a few more characters.

The reader is following a war for the Iron Throne, which four different kings have claimed. There are a lot of intense exchanges both on and off the battlefield and we see that not all wars are fought by swords. As wars are being fought for the Iron Throne, those in the north are starting to face an enemy that hasn't been seen in hundreds of years.

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars. I did have some trouble getting through this book. It took me quite a while and I felt like not a ton happened once I finished it. I did quite enjoy the book when I was reading it, however. As I said in my A Game of Thrones review, I really enjoy seeing things from the perspective of many different characters. The world building is really great and we continue to learn more about the past and how it is affecting the current state of the kingdom.

I would recomend this book for sure. Again, this is a very long series, which the reader should be prepared for. I am still looking forward to starting the next book in the series and finding out what happens next!