Rating: 
Summary: Artistry of the highest level
Review: Like the previous reader who referred to the reviewer from Shelton, CT, I cannot add much more to his bang-on, insightful review. Clash of Kings moves along at a swifter pace than its predecessor with each scene pushing the narrative to a more stunning climax. A tighter, finely plotted story, Clash of Kings, touches on medieval history, shattering the myths of chivalry and the knights' codes. This is not for readers who crave gentle, antiseptic medieval worlds that 'uplift' and 'enlighten'. This is not Piers Anthony or Guy Gavriel Kay. The violence and heartache and evil are not glossed over and Martin pulls no punches in portraying Winterfell as a harsh, violent and brutal land populated by hard, ambitious schemers willing and able to destroy anyone who stands in their way. If you've had your fill of watered down fantasy and crave something darker, meaningful, realistic and ultimately dramatic then this series is for you. All in all a terribly refreshing, exciting, and masterful novel from the characters to the prose, right down to the magificently realized tension and battle scenes. Meticulously plotted.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful fantasy epic continues
Review: Yes, there are depressing moments in this book, just as in life. Good does not triumph over evil without loss, without sacrifice. This book does have its very dark moments, and, if all you want in fantasy is dancing fairies and cavorting elves, you will not be happy here. If you are looking for a beautifully written, elegantly plotted, authentically characterized book, this is it. The finest (contemporary) on-going fantasy series suffers from no "sophomore slump."
Rating:
Summary: WOW give me more
Review: This book was a real find in a second hand book shop in Ireland when on holiday, when i returned to the uk desprate for more i found that vol 2. Had been discontinued!!! After reading vol 1 i have found it dificult to forget the strong story and the complet twists.. Give us more!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Well Done! But WHAT does it do?
Review: This writer really knows how to write! The book has all the elements of a good story, however, it is depressing to read. This reminds me of a good architect designing and building a fine structure as grand as the Stark's Winterfel, which people admire, but upon looking closer, the building blocks are made of compressed garbage. For all its fine design and craftsmanship, after awhile, it starts to stink. I would plead with the author to use his considerable talent to make something uplifting, maybe even inspiring. There are sources. In real life there are heroes who are good (not perfect), and smart and flexible and selfless. Love and sacrifice are as good for a story as lust and vengance!!!
Rating:
Summary: Classic fantasy writing at it's best
Review: This book was great. The writing is perfect for me. There are several stories carried along by the main theme. It's impossible to get bored because the next chapter will be about a different character dealing with different issues. However, the main story is always in the background. The charactors are interesting and the writing gives them life in exciting ways. If you like Robert Jordan (Lord of Chaos and earlier WOT), you'll love this series.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic, adult themed, realistic fantasy
Review: Finally, somebody has managed to write an intricately plotted, realistic fantasy that isn't geared for 12 year olds. Martin's characters are wonderfully three dimensional, with actions that are driven by their own individual personalities rather than by a contrived plot. Full of surprises, deceptions, and multiple levels of betrayal, this one and its predecessor are books that will stay in the reader's mind long after the last page is turned. Because of the intricate plotting and mulitple storylines, this book is best read after you have reread A Game of Thrones. For those who don't know, the series is scheduled for a total of 6 books. There is supposed to be a five or so year break in "story" time after the third book, so the entire tale can be viewed as two related trilogies. This structure should help prevent the plot creep that has affected Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
Rating:
Summary: More, PLEASE, SOON!
Review: I think this is one of the greatest stories published in years. MORE
Rating:
Summary: Makes me remember what I liked about *early* R Jordan
Review: I cannot write a more masterly review than that of the reader from CT posted 8/25, so I'll just agree with her/him. I usually avoid fantasy and stick to sci fi, but this book and its predecessor had me reading well into the night several times. I do hope that this story can be encompassed in 3-4 books, so that it *remains* gripping, instead of drowning in all the boring, braid-tugging detail of Rand et al.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, yeah. What a _book_!
Review: If you liked the first one (and who couldn't, exactly?) you will love this. I bought a copy for my dad (his birthday is the 2nd of February and the gesture seemed fitting in that I had tuned him into A Game of Thrones) and then realized that I couldn't make myself wait for him to read it, so i bought a second copy for myself. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: the best book i have ever read
Review: this is the best book i have ever read and i really want to read part 3. does anybody know when it will come out?
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