Classic Fantasy Book Epic: A Clash of Kings

Title: A Clash Of Kings
Author: George RR Martin
Pages: 784
Genre: Fantasy

The Seven Kingdoms are embroiled in a civil war and five individuals are vying for the throne. As if that was not enough, the undead are stirring and about to rise. A Clash of Kings is the second book in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which picks up where A Game of Thrones ends. The fantasy series, created by author George R. R. Martin takes place in the land of Westeros, a loosely based adaptation of the European continent during the Middle Ages.

King Robert dies and Stannis has assumed control over a small army to overtake the Seven Kingdoms and install himself as king. Along the way, he abandons the state religion to follow the Lord of Light and the sorceress, Melisandre. His brothers and others have also amassed armies of their own in hopes of securing the coveted Iron Throne.

Amidst the battles and apart from them, several subplots take place. The incestuous son of Cersei has taken Lord Eddard’s daughter hostage, a reconnaissance mission unfolds to investigate the mysterious beings known as wildlings, who are occupying the North Wall and there is the tragic never-ending plight of Arya Stark. All of the action is played out under a portent of foreboding doom.

Martin is not at a loss for creating characters or plotlines. Readers unfamiliar with the series should read the first book before delving into A Clash of Kings. Several characters introduced in A Game of Thrones books reoccur in this second installment. The long litany of characters makes it impossible to introduce them all in this review.

Martin definitely keeps the reader on their toes. In addition to the reoccurring characters, a slew of new ones have been added. Unresolved conflicts from the first installment reach conclusion in this second book, while other subplots become cliff-hangers leaving the reader hungering for the third installment.

Sorcery and debauchery abound in this tale of battle among royals. Sinister beings, undead others and dragons are featured as prominently as the battles that permeate the novel. In addition, Martin throws in just the right amount of sex, incestuous unions and fratricide to keep the reader intrigued. However, readers should be cautioned that resolution does not come for all characters in A Clash of Kings. The wonderful storyline continues in the next book in the series, A Storm of Swords.