Quirky Cat
Written on Sep 8, 2012
THE BOOK BEHIND THE SECOND SEASON OF GAME OF THRONES, AN ORIGINAL SERIES NOW ON HBO.
A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: BOOK TWO
In this thrilling sequel to A Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin has created a work of unsurpassed vision, power, and imagination. A Clash of Kings transports us to a world of revelry and revenge, wizardry and warfare unlike any we have ever experienced.
A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And 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.
- ISBN10 0345535421
- ISBN13 9780345535429
- Publish Date 6 March 2012 (first published 16 November 1998)
- Publish Status Out of Stock
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Random House USA Inc
- Imprint Random House Inc
- Edition HBO Tie-In Edition
- Format Paperback (US Mass Market)
- Pages 1040
- Language English
- URL https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780345535429
Reviews
Amber (The Literary Phoenix)
Written on Jul 8, 2012
A Clash of Kings saw the removal of Eddard Stark (obviously) from the character narratives, and much of the focus turns to the place of fighting. We see the addition of Theon Greyjoy, who I decidedly don't care about, and of another man in Stannis' care who obviously I also didn't like because I cannot be bothered to conjure his name. Here, Martin splits the reader to watch the real battle, instead of the individual characters. As a character writer, this is less to my taste. We see nearly nothing of Robb, Little of Arya and Bran, but a good taste of Tyrion (who strangely, I like) and Catelyn... and of Greyjoy. The characters remain consistent and well-written... the way a person views the chapters, I think, is based less on the writing of them and more to the fact or whether or not you like the character as a person.
You know Martin has big plans for Dany, because he isn't dropping her, but she still feels so far away from the action, I found that reading her chapters were frustrating because of the distance of the "important" plot.
I have a difficult time reviewing this book because all I want to do is compare it to the first one (which I LOVED). It's also difficult because there is so much to it. It's actually overwhelming at times trying to keep everything straight - sometimes you need to go back and flip to the last section narrated by that character to review. I liked it, but I didn't at the same time. That's why it gets three stars.
Martin undoubtedly succeeded in one thing, however. I want to know what happens next. So I will be reading the next book.
layawaydragon
Written on Jun 23, 2012
It is very involved and frustrating when the perspective shifts characters. Having maps of this world and a list of the players is very helpful to keep them all straight.
I do feel it should be noted for Trigger Warning due to rape being common in the series.
I'm at a loss on what else to add. I feel so inadequate when talking about this series. It's on my list of all time favorites already. I hope the next books live up to it.
Michael @ Knowledge Lost
Written on Mar 14, 2012
I blogged about my issues with the writing here.
Ace
Written on Jun 21, 2011
Artemis
Written on Jul 11, 2010
jesstheaudiobookworm
Written on Jan 1, 2010