Book Review: A Clash of Kings

 Book 2 of A Song of Ice & Fire takes the ambitious first novel of the series and completely takes off. While I did end up enjoying A Game of Thrones, I had trouble getting into it after watching HBO's adaptation first. So maybe I am a little biased, but I think the first novel started off a little slow, introducing us to the plethora of characters and the world of Westeros. It was necessary, yes, but not overly alluring. A Clash of Kings takes all of the characters we grew to know and love and throws them into a tumultuous battle for the Iron Throne.

 At the beginning of the second novel a red comet appears over the skies of Westeros. It is interpreted by the different camps of combatants as the heraldic symbol which foretells of their ascension to the throne. Each character believes it is a sign from the Gods sent only for them, but only one can be right. Who is the rightful heir to the Iron Throne?

George R. R. Martin's grasp on fantasy is so strong that you can become completely lost in his world. He has the ability to create villains and heroes like no other. His villains are so vile that you find yourself screaming out that justice must be done. He makes you want to put Joffrey's head on a pike and to protect Sansa from his childlike tantrums and cruel punishments. You wanted Arya to find her way home to Winterfell and for Catelyn to be reunited with all her children. You want exactly what George R. R. Martin wants you to want. I really began to care for the downtrodden and hate the evil.

Every chapter furthers the plot and the understanding of all the tenuous alliances hidden just under the surface. This book is fast paced and every chapter ends with you craving to know more. After almost every segment I found myself flipping through the pages to find out when that character reappears; when I can find out what happens to them.

A Clash of Kings continues the epic battle for control of the realm. The frenzy is heightened by the mysterious comet and a set of new characters that could change the outcome of everything.

I posted the trailer for Season 2 of HBO's Game of Thrones with my review of book one and season one, but here it is again. It starts April 1, 2012. I'm hoping it's just as faithful to the source material as season one. What do you hope to see in the second season? Did you think the second novel lived up to the first?