Book Review: A Clash of Kings
Written by: George R. R. Martin
rooster books
ISBN: 0-553-10803-4
Available: print and e-book
4 stars
Martin believes a worthy sequel to his fantasy epic, “Game of Thrones,” with “Clash of Kings.” Set primarily in the land of Westros, various men fight for the crown of the seven kingdoms. Will there be a winner? In the east, Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, seeks a way to return to Westros.
The story begins with the main characters observing a comet in the sky. Everyone has their own personal interpretations of the comet, good and bad. What I liked about Martin’s use of the comet was how he evoked “an imminent feeling” about what was going to happen and what was inevitable. This tone remains in the reader’s mind as the story progresses.
Stannis, the rightful heir to the previous king, has turned to sorcery and believes the time is right to attack Westros and secure his throne. With his sponsors and his sorceress, he sets out to fulfill his inevitable mission.
In King’s Landing, the 13-year-old king, Joffery, demonstrates cruel brutality and little concern for the subjects who follow him. It is up to his uncle, Tyrion Lannister, to defend the city and do justice. Tyrion has quite a challenge considering the obstacles in his way.
Tyrion’s father, Tywin, fights north of King’s Landing, but is unable to defeat Robb Stark’s forces or secure the freedom of his son, Jaime.
Ayra Stark finds herself in Harrenhal, serving the Lannisters first, rather than Robb’s man Bolton, and must rely on all her wits to stay alive. Will Syrio’s lessons be enough?
To the west, Balon Greyjoy, self-styled king of the iron islands, attacks the north coast. His son Theon returns to a lavish greeting and discovers that his sister is in great favor with her father. Wanting to gain prestige in his father’s eyes, he attacks the Starks at Winterfell.
Bran and Rickon flee Winterfell and are presumed dead. North of Winterfell, Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch explore beyond the wall to determine the nature of the threat that stands in the way.
Catelyn Stark travels to Storm’s End and has an adventure before returning to Riverrun, where she is determined to support her son, Robb. An explosive confrontation with Jaime Lannister towards the end of the story solves several problems for her.
In the south, Renly Barathron makes plans to attack King’s Landing, but first he must deal with his brother, Stannis. In the Far East, Daenerys leads her Khalhaser through barren lands before finding hope in the city of Quarth.
Martin’s story is told from multiple perspectives, giving the novel an epic fantasy feel. Writing is crisp and never lags, moving from event to event at a crisp pace.
Martin’s characters give the story its heart. For Daenerys, her character continues to grow in inner strength and resolve. Theon’s deception is heartbreaking, while Tyrion’s honest approach as the Hand of the King had me rooting for him despite the darkness behind the bright colors of the Lannisters.
“A Clash of Kings” awakens a passion in the soul, making the reader feel like he is a knight in Westros. The only drawback, albeit a minor one for me, was the open plot points at the end of the novel. While various ends were tied off, new ones were developed. There’s no sense of satisfaction at the end, just a restless anxiety that promises to continue with “A Storm of Swords.” Martin, however, has me hooked, so I’ll read on to find out what happens next. Some, however, may find the unresolved ending frustrating.
Who will be the king of the 7 kingdoms? Joffery? renly? Stannis? Greyjoy ball? Rob Stark? “A Clash of Kings” promises surprises, fast-paced action, and will leave the reader eager to read the next book in the series. Overall, “A Clash of Kings” will leave you breathless and wanting to know what happens next.
Reviewed by: S. Burkhart
