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on November 29, 2015
If you liked the TV Series, you'll love the books. Both have much to recommend them and reading the books will enrich your enjoyment of the series. Even if you never see the series though, you will still enjoy the books. The characters are finely drawn, the dialogue brilliant, the plot fascinating and full of surprises. It IS a fantasy, and as such there are elements of magic, dragons, etc. but nevertheless it is a very human tale and it is the relationships between the many characters that lifts the story into the realm of great literature.
There IS a great deal of death and violence which some may find troubling. Of course, no amount of words can shock and disturb quite like the TV series, with its special effects depictions of beheadings, burning at the stake and flayings, but Martin's written descriptions still do a great job of leaving one horrified. Perhaps the most horrifying thing is knowing that everything depicted has happened in the real world and still does in some places.
There IS a great deal of death and violence which some may find troubling. Of course, no amount of words can shock and disturb quite like the TV series, with its special effects depictions of beheadings, burning at the stake and flayings, but Martin's written descriptions still do a great job of leaving one horrified. Perhaps the most horrifying thing is knowing that everything depicted has happened in the real world and still does in some places.
on April 1, 2017
Great book, couldn't recommend it enough. Probably driving my friends crazy, its just such a great book and i feel every one should be reading them. It definitely didn't disappoint, after how wonderful the first book was, and how much i loved it, i wasnt sure if it could complete. But its just as amazing, if not better.
on March 28, 2014
I rated this a 4 instead of a 5 because I couldn't put it down, yet I spent a lot of my reading time in a confused state. I like the construction of the books in this series--each chapter devoted to a single character's perspective of events. However, sometimes this book seemed too disconnected. I also had trouble keeping castles and secondary characters straight in my head.
This is the wrong sort of book to read on a Kindle. I didn't find the genealogies of the various houses until I had completed the text. Had it been presented in the beginning, I might have had an easier time. I also needed maps.
Thanks to what I am sure was copious research, the plot, although set in some other world a la Tolkien and Rowling, gives the reader a glimpse of the unsettled state of the Middle Ages on Earth. The books seem to carry as one theme relevant to the modern reader, "The more things change, the more they remain the same."
Martin is a master at introducing red herrings and creating cliff-hanging situations. Obviously, I'm going to have to read the rest of the series to discover how it all comes out, but I will read subsequent books in the paper versions.
This is the wrong sort of book to read on a Kindle. I didn't find the genealogies of the various houses until I had completed the text. Had it been presented in the beginning, I might have had an easier time. I also needed maps.
Thanks to what I am sure was copious research, the plot, although set in some other world a la Tolkien and Rowling, gives the reader a glimpse of the unsettled state of the Middle Ages on Earth. The books seem to carry as one theme relevant to the modern reader, "The more things change, the more they remain the same."
Martin is a master at introducing red herrings and creating cliff-hanging situations. Obviously, I'm going to have to read the rest of the series to discover how it all comes out, but I will read subsequent books in the paper versions.
on November 7, 2013
what can I say? The books are brilliant, tried on Kindle and then, went out and bought the entire series in hard cover, I love how kindle is portable and easy, and its a lower cost if you wanted to try a book if you love it, then go buy the hardcover, George RR Martin, he is the best author, one of my all time FAVS, he ranks with Tolken, the hobbit, lord of the rings.... and he is my favorite! Tolken and George RR, what a tie! both brilliant!!! if you are watching the Game of Thrones, you can do yourself the best favor ever! READ these! they rock! NO doubts, YOU will love them!
on July 25, 2014
George R.R. Martin's "A Clash of Kings" is the second volume in the continuing "A Song of Ice and Fire" epic fantasy series. Book two makes it clear that the success of "A Game of Thrones" was no fluke; Martin is supremely capable writer who weaves intricate plots and paints fascinating character portraits. He is also building, kingdom-by-kingdom, a rich tapestry of cultures and religions in his fictional land of Westeros.
This volume has an increased emphasis on warfare, supernatural and mythological events, and sea-faring cultures and characters. There are also some surprising turns of events in the latter half of the novel - victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, and vice versa - that are incredibly memorable. Old characters like Tyrion Lannister and Bran Stark show themselves to be increasingly capable and confident, while an expanded cast of new characters give perspectives sympathetic to the challengers to the throne.
It's true that the story of "A Clash of Kings" is less self-contained than that of "A Game of Thrones," but there is just so much action and intrigue here that it's hard to fault Martin for tying anything up and putting a bow on it. Some readers have also complained that the Daenerys storyline isn't as strong or as eventful as it was in book one, but I found one of her chapters in particular here to be the best so far in the series, offering tantalizing clues about events yet to unfold.
So, in short, if you were a fan of the first novel or hooked by the HBO television series, "A Clash of Kings" is well worth your time.
This volume has an increased emphasis on warfare, supernatural and mythological events, and sea-faring cultures and characters. There are also some surprising turns of events in the latter half of the novel - victory snatched from the jaws of defeat, and vice versa - that are incredibly memorable. Old characters like Tyrion Lannister and Bran Stark show themselves to be increasingly capable and confident, while an expanded cast of new characters give perspectives sympathetic to the challengers to the throne.
It's true that the story of "A Clash of Kings" is less self-contained than that of "A Game of Thrones," but there is just so much action and intrigue here that it's hard to fault Martin for tying anything up and putting a bow on it. Some readers have also complained that the Daenerys storyline isn't as strong or as eventful as it was in book one, but I found one of her chapters in particular here to be the best so far in the series, offering tantalizing clues about events yet to unfold.
So, in short, if you were a fan of the first novel or hooked by the HBO television series, "A Clash of Kings" is well worth your time.
on January 17, 2012
I thought "A Game of Thrones" was rather morbid, gritty, and heart-wrenching. Well, surprisingly, A Clash of Kings surpasses all of what GOT was by far. While GOT is definitely not what I'd call a constantly up-lifting tale, the thoughts of the days where Ned was the Hand of the King, Sansa a gullible, starry-eyed young girl in love with Joffrey, and Arya taking lessons with Syrio were always something to smile about, even when things started taking a dark turn. However, this novel managed to shatter all of that entirely into pieces. There are no safe places, no safe characters, and the brutality of it all goes way beyond anything we read in GOT. This is all-out war, in it's most sickly and realistic form. Treacheries of the worst sort, fratricide, continued incest, rapes, torture, and all of the bloody and horrific parts of war....this isn't a fairy tale or for the faint of heart!
Obviously, with an incredible amount of people calling themselves king and even more scheming to become king, there is going to be war. At times the book is a little slow moving, but at around 70% through (Kindle version), the action elevated quickly. Some of the things in this book will just make your jaw drop, and for me, the absolute disgustingness of one particular character was bone-chilling.
Fantasy plays a much bigger role in this book than a GOT. While we were only given small glimpses of fantasy in the first book, A Clash of Kings has its fair share of warlocks, pyromancers, supernatural things (sort-of) beyond The Wall, and dark magic. I think fantasy will play a much larger part in future books, and I like how Martin eases us into it. I'd write more on that, but don't want to spoil it.
HBO
I cannot wait to see what HBO does with this book. I would have to guess it was even more expensive than the first to produce, with constant war scenes. Hopefully, they won't scale the world of Westeros down as much as they did in the first season, where everything seemed to be on a smaller-sized scale. The vastness of Westeros in a really key part of the series, and I want the show to reflect this. It will also be interesting to see how bloody and sexual things will get. While I doubt they'll tone down the sex and nudity much, some of the violence was just horrific (that kindly Ser Gregor...). I hope they show it all though, and stay true to the book, which I feel confident they will.
If you enjoy books that have more "grey" characters rather than one-dimensional black and white ones, have a strong stomach, and love amazing, captivating writing that will keep you entranced, you will love this series. Some people complain that it's too much of a "downer," well - if you're concerned about that, you may want to check into reading a more archetypal "good vs. evil guys" fantasy book than this one. Regardless, this book isn't a total downer. It's just real. There are plenty of good things you can take from this book. It's all about how you interpret it.
Obviously, with an incredible amount of people calling themselves king and even more scheming to become king, there is going to be war. At times the book is a little slow moving, but at around 70% through (Kindle version), the action elevated quickly. Some of the things in this book will just make your jaw drop, and for me, the absolute disgustingness of one particular character was bone-chilling.
Fantasy plays a much bigger role in this book than a GOT. While we were only given small glimpses of fantasy in the first book, A Clash of Kings has its fair share of warlocks, pyromancers, supernatural things (sort-of) beyond The Wall, and dark magic. I think fantasy will play a much larger part in future books, and I like how Martin eases us into it. I'd write more on that, but don't want to spoil it.
HBO
I cannot wait to see what HBO does with this book. I would have to guess it was even more expensive than the first to produce, with constant war scenes. Hopefully, they won't scale the world of Westeros down as much as they did in the first season, where everything seemed to be on a smaller-sized scale. The vastness of Westeros in a really key part of the series, and I want the show to reflect this. It will also be interesting to see how bloody and sexual things will get. While I doubt they'll tone down the sex and nudity much, some of the violence was just horrific (that kindly Ser Gregor...). I hope they show it all though, and stay true to the book, which I feel confident they will.
If you enjoy books that have more "grey" characters rather than one-dimensional black and white ones, have a strong stomach, and love amazing, captivating writing that will keep you entranced, you will love this series. Some people complain that it's too much of a "downer," well - if you're concerned about that, you may want to check into reading a more archetypal "good vs. evil guys" fantasy book than this one. Regardless, this book isn't a total downer. It's just real. There are plenty of good things you can take from this book. It's all about how you interpret it.
on February 25, 2014
I admit I am hooked now. And the world needs to wait until I finish all the books in these series.
A Clash of Kings begins dramatically just as the first book did. With Robb Stark declared as the King of North, the late king Robert’s brothers, Stannis and Renly have becomes as well. With one too many contender for the Iron Throne, the plot thickens.
Catelyn Stark wants to trade the Kingslayer, Jaimie Lannister for her daughters, Sansa and Arya but Robb is not too enthusiastic about it. In the King’s landing, Joffery proves himself foolish, arrogant and the worst kind of king that the realm can have. Tyrion arrives as the hand of the king and has to match wits with his cunning sister who wants to undermine him at any cost.
At Winterfell, Bran Stark is having his wolf dreams at increasing frequency and unexpectedly he gets friends who believe his dreams, Jojen and Meera Reed. He also discovers that he could inhabit his wolf’s body and hunt at night – a prospect that is exciting and also equally dangerous for him.
Robb sends Catelyn to parley with Stannis and Renly and to join forces with him to overthrow Joffery and avenge his father’s death. The talks fail and a shadow kills Renly – a black magic killer created by Melisandre, a priestess who accompanies Stannis. Fleeing from the murder scene, Catelyn takes away Brienne Tarth, a lady knight along with her, who swears fealty to Starks.
Theon Greyjoy who was introduced in the first book has individual chapters in this one, indicating that he has a bigger role to play in the later series. Sansa Stark is stuck between hell and high water in the King’s Landing. She has no illusions about Joffery’s character now yet she is forced to act innocent and loving towards him. Surprisingly it the imp, Tyrion Lannister who is kind to her.
A world apart, Danearys is in search of an army to take over the Iron Throne. She gets welcomed everywhere because of her exotic dragons but is largely unsuccessful in procuring an army. The house of undying beckons her with a promise and there she sees many visions of what the future might bring forth to her.
Stannis attacks King’s Landing and is defeated thanks to Tyrion’s wildfire idea. He also arranges alliance for Joffery with Margery Tyrell, who was wedded to Renly Baratheon, thereby securing their wealth and military help. But sadly he is cast aside despite his efforts as his father takes over the role of Hand.
Jon Snow in the meanwhile has marched with his band of Brothers to fight with the wildings. His progress is slow and full of surprises. The wildings are fleeing and many are rallying in the army of Mance Rayder, a self proclaimed king, who was once a brother of the night’s watch.
I liked Arya’s journey in this plot. She starts out as a boy, gets captured by the Tyron Lannister’s army and brought to Hallenhell where she changes her identity to a girl. Adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, she is one smart girl. It is through her eyes, we see the devastation that the country is going through thanks to the game of thrones. She meets an intriguing assassin whose life she saves. He promises her three lives and she names of her tormenters and later realizes that she could have named Joffery or the queen as well!
I loved the multi-dimensional characters that Martin builds here and he gives access to even the most vilest of characters in the book. The conversation between Jaimie Lannister’s and Catelyn Stark is most revealing and interesting, promising a deeper mystery. And Jaimie Lannister’s revelations about the mad king (whom he killed) brings forth a different angle to the story.
Plus Points: Addictive, Addictive and Addictive. Please don’t read this when you are cooking. You might just burn that curry to hell!
Minus Points: I was bored during the narrative of onion knight. But the author brings his perspective in to describe the war and I wonder whether he would play a bigger role in the series to come.
Verdict: Get ready for a long haul. You are not going to rest until you find answers to the following -
Who was Jon Snow’s mother?
Why did Jaimie Lannister slay the old king?
Who is the baby that Daenerys sees in her vision?
Will Arya Stark ever meet her family again?
Will Sansa ever get back home?
A Clash of Kings begins dramatically just as the first book did. With Robb Stark declared as the King of North, the late king Robert’s brothers, Stannis and Renly have becomes as well. With one too many contender for the Iron Throne, the plot thickens.
Catelyn Stark wants to trade the Kingslayer, Jaimie Lannister for her daughters, Sansa and Arya but Robb is not too enthusiastic about it. In the King’s landing, Joffery proves himself foolish, arrogant and the worst kind of king that the realm can have. Tyrion arrives as the hand of the king and has to match wits with his cunning sister who wants to undermine him at any cost.
At Winterfell, Bran Stark is having his wolf dreams at increasing frequency and unexpectedly he gets friends who believe his dreams, Jojen and Meera Reed. He also discovers that he could inhabit his wolf’s body and hunt at night – a prospect that is exciting and also equally dangerous for him.
Robb sends Catelyn to parley with Stannis and Renly and to join forces with him to overthrow Joffery and avenge his father’s death. The talks fail and a shadow kills Renly – a black magic killer created by Melisandre, a priestess who accompanies Stannis. Fleeing from the murder scene, Catelyn takes away Brienne Tarth, a lady knight along with her, who swears fealty to Starks.
Theon Greyjoy who was introduced in the first book has individual chapters in this one, indicating that he has a bigger role to play in the later series. Sansa Stark is stuck between hell and high water in the King’s Landing. She has no illusions about Joffery’s character now yet she is forced to act innocent and loving towards him. Surprisingly it the imp, Tyrion Lannister who is kind to her.
A world apart, Danearys is in search of an army to take over the Iron Throne. She gets welcomed everywhere because of her exotic dragons but is largely unsuccessful in procuring an army. The house of undying beckons her with a promise and there she sees many visions of what the future might bring forth to her.
Stannis attacks King’s Landing and is defeated thanks to Tyrion’s wildfire idea. He also arranges alliance for Joffery with Margery Tyrell, who was wedded to Renly Baratheon, thereby securing their wealth and military help. But sadly he is cast aside despite his efforts as his father takes over the role of Hand.
Jon Snow in the meanwhile has marched with his band of Brothers to fight with the wildings. His progress is slow and full of surprises. The wildings are fleeing and many are rallying in the army of Mance Rayder, a self proclaimed king, who was once a brother of the night’s watch.
I liked Arya’s journey in this plot. She starts out as a boy, gets captured by the Tyron Lannister’s army and brought to Hallenhell where she changes her identity to a girl. Adapting to rapidly changing circumstances, she is one smart girl. It is through her eyes, we see the devastation that the country is going through thanks to the game of thrones. She meets an intriguing assassin whose life she saves. He promises her three lives and she names of her tormenters and later realizes that she could have named Joffery or the queen as well!
I loved the multi-dimensional characters that Martin builds here and he gives access to even the most vilest of characters in the book. The conversation between Jaimie Lannister’s and Catelyn Stark is most revealing and interesting, promising a deeper mystery. And Jaimie Lannister’s revelations about the mad king (whom he killed) brings forth a different angle to the story.
Plus Points: Addictive, Addictive and Addictive. Please don’t read this when you are cooking. You might just burn that curry to hell!
Minus Points: I was bored during the narrative of onion knight. But the author brings his perspective in to describe the war and I wonder whether he would play a bigger role in the series to come.
Verdict: Get ready for a long haul. You are not going to rest until you find answers to the following -
Who was Jon Snow’s mother?
Why did Jaimie Lannister slay the old king?
Who is the baby that Daenerys sees in her vision?
Will Arya Stark ever meet her family again?
Will Sansa ever get back home?
on October 10, 2013
The King is dead and chaos reigns. Sitting on the Iron Throne is the vicious boy-king Joffrey, ruled over by his ambitious, ruthless, amoral and disquietingly beautiful mother Queen Cersei. But many do not accept the boy-kings rule, and six other rulers rise to claim their place, including the Stark heir Robb.
This volume opens with the flight of Princess Arya Stark, pretending to be the boy `Arry, and ends with...but that would spoil the suspense, so I won't tell you that.
As I mentioned in my last review, there are echoes of the Wars of the Roses in these volumes. Joffrey is as vicious as Edouard of Lancaster, the heir to the Lancaster cause and son of the ruthless and arrogant Queen Marguerite of Anjou. Who his father was, was something that no-one was really sure of (as in Joffrey's case), but the betting was that it was Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset rather than King Henry VI.
What is so wonderful about this book is the accrual of detail that makes the lives of these characters so real, and by extension the world of that long-vanished past of the 15th-century real as well. Most second novels are extremely disappointing. This is just as wonderful as the first. Five stars.
This volume opens with the flight of Princess Arya Stark, pretending to be the boy `Arry, and ends with...but that would spoil the suspense, so I won't tell you that.
As I mentioned in my last review, there are echoes of the Wars of the Roses in these volumes. Joffrey is as vicious as Edouard of Lancaster, the heir to the Lancaster cause and son of the ruthless and arrogant Queen Marguerite of Anjou. Who his father was, was something that no-one was really sure of (as in Joffrey's case), but the betting was that it was Edmund Beaufort, Duke of Somerset rather than King Henry VI.
What is so wonderful about this book is the accrual of detail that makes the lives of these characters so real, and by extension the world of that long-vanished past of the 15th-century real as well. Most second novels are extremely disappointing. This is just as wonderful as the first. Five stars.
VINE VOICEon September 16, 2015
The Good: The characters in this series continue to amaze me. They are so wonderful. Or horrible, depending. So many secrets, lies, hidden pasts waiting to be uncovered. I never know what was going to be revealed next. The political intrigue plays out in often scandalous fashion. The more I read these books, the more I see the series as primarily historical fiction with a hint of magic thrown in now and again rather than straight high fantasy and that really works for me. A little easier to put down than the last one, but still a very quick read considering the length of the book. Can't stop, have to keep going, have to know what happens next.
The Bad: Thing dragged a little more here than in the first book. There seemed to be a decent amount of unnecessary filler and not as much plot progression as I would have liked for a book of this size.
The Bad: Thing dragged a little more here than in the first book. There seemed to be a decent amount of unnecessary filler and not as much plot progression as I would have liked for a book of this size.
