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A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin (Book Reviews: 4.5/5)

The second book of the phenomenal high fiction series 'A Song of Ice and Fire', A Clash of Kings carries the legacy of George R.R. Martin's breathtaking writings. The second part of the seven books (five volumes in all) continues with the rising of the kings, beginning of the battle, and the tragic splitting of the Stark family.

 The story follows the beheading of Ned Stark by Ser Ilyn Payne on the orders of the boy king Joffrey Baratheon, and the different consequences falling on his respective children. Whilst Robb Stark has called upon the banners of the North to rebel against the Lannisters and claim the Iron Throne, Daenerys Targaryen, the mother of dragons, is traveling from city to city in hopes of raising an army to become the Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. The second part of the high fantasy showcases the rising of the five kings in Westeros and surrounding nations, namely:
Robb Stark, eldest son of Ned Stark and heir to Winterfell: King in the North
Stannis Baratheon, elder brother of late King Robert, Lord of Dragonstone: Claiming the Iron Throne by family-right
Renly Baratheon, younger brother of late King Robert, Master of Laws in Robert's Council: Claimant of Lord of the Seven Kingdoms title
Balon Grejoy, Lord Reaper of Pyke, Father of Asha and Theon Grejoy: King of the Iron Islands
King Joffrey Baratheon, eldest child of late King Robert, a boy of 13 whilst crowning: claimant of the Iron Throne by birthright.
Martin has yet again brilliantly managed to connect the different characters, battles, and internal conflicts in 752 pages. The turning of teenager Robb to the wise King in the North has been emotionally portrayed through Catelyn Stark’s eyes. With the proceeding story, the difference in the Stark sisters turns out to be exactly what their parents had been talking about. The resemblance of Arya Stark with her father and half-brother Jon Snow gets more and more clear given her love for swords and rebellions.

 The plot turns darker and more evil with the unnatural forces used by Lady Melisandre, Joffrey’s behaviour against his betrothed Sansa, the mystical murder of Renly Baratheon by Stannis’ shadow, and Cersei’s hidden weapon of wildfires respectively. Battles at Harrenhal, Stormlands, Blackwater Bay, etc. fought on different landscapes (and at the sea) have been vividly described, justifying Martin’s superpower of brilliant portrayal.

 Brienne of Tarth, Ygritte the Wildling, and Margaery Tyrell of Highgarden are the major additions to the book series in The Clash of Kings. The 752 pageturner introduces the magical yet spine-shivering lands north of The Wall. Yet another self-declared king of the Wildlings, is joining his army to attack on The Wall and march south.

 The best part about the book is the eventual deepening into the backgrounds of lead characters, throwing a light on the past that turned them into what they are now. There are times when you feel sorry for Tyrion Lannister The Imp, Queen Cersei, and even Sandor Clegane The Hound. The book is written in a way the reader gets a chance to put her/himself in several characters’ shoes without being biased, and realize their souls aren’t completely dark; they’re all gray.

 All in all, The Clash of Kings entwines the reader so much into the bloodied story that you just can’t stop picking up the following book the moment this one finishes. This is the magic of a great book, you just can’t get enough from one, or once!

 I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

 Title: A Clash of Kings
Author: George R.R. Martin
Genre: High Fantasy

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