Rating: 
Summary: READ THIS BOOK!!!
Review: 'A Clash Of Kings' a novel by George R. R. Martin is another fine entry in his fantasy series called 'A Song Of Ice And Fire'. The author, George R. R. Martin is an excellent writer and make no mistake about it, this series is the best set of novels I have read in years (in any genre). Very rarely will I read books twice'normally most books do not warrant 2 reads. However, these books are rich in detail and every page draws the reader further into the story. Martin writes each chapter as if it were a short story and every chapter is written from a different point of view. Even minor characters have their own stories. His world is made up of people surviving difficult situations and each character reacts differently to circumstances based upon their own interests. No person is completely good or bad, Martin's characters are people who make mistakes and likewise they are people who capitalize on mistakes made by others. This makes for fascinating reading. Martin's world is a place of knights and kings. His people have different religions and different customs. In sum his world is as real a place as you can expect of a fantasy novel. Therefore, the story is far too large to summarize here but suffice it to say that Martin's world is up for grabs. There are 6 kings/rulers fighting it out to see who will survive. The amazing thing is some leading characters actually don't survive. Martin has the courage and literary skill to 'kill' off both major and minor characters and yet the story does not suffer. Intertwined in the political intrigue there are stories of love, stories of betrayal, stories of war. If you select this book you will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: The battles begin..
Review: "A Clash of Kings" keeps going where Martin's other book "A Game of Thrones" left off. This book, like his others, has plenty of action, intrigue, adventure to keep any fantasy fan hooked. Martin does a wonderful job bringing us to terms with the characters that he has created. His unique character-based chapters don't take away from the story at all, they only succeed in planting the action right infront of the reader. There are now four kings buying for the rulership of the kingdoms. Stannis, Renley, Joffrey, and Robb Stark. All of them want what the others have. But to make matters more exciting, the blood of the old rulers is returning. Dany, Mother of Dragons, is returning to reclaim her rightful place on the throne. The kingdoms seem to be in chaos, who will come out on top. While "A Game of Thrones" seemed more of a precurser to future events. This book actually brings those events to life. Armies meet, kings fall, there is no end to the action. "A Clash of Kings" succeeds in bringing together real life emotions, with everyday horrors. This book moves the epic story along, and some things are solved, while other problems are just beginning. Who will come out on top? What of the problems in the North? And what about those words that should freeze the blood of the battling kings... "Winter is coming..."
Rating:
Summary: At least as good as the first one
Review: This book doesn't need a lengthy review: if you liked the first book, then buy this one, you'll like it exactly as much. The follow-up to the first book is so well-crafted and exactly in the tone of the first, that the two could well be two halves of one book. The story progresses somewhat slowly in the first half, but at this point, the reader has come to know and care so much for the characters that this is not a problem; anyway, the finale more than makes up for it. The shining star of this book is definitely Tyrion, the ultimate anti-hero if I ever saw one, who manages to totally defeat the classification between hero and villain. I found myself wishing the next Tyrion chapter would come along, although all characters, in their own way, made me yearn for their next chapter. Two new characters are given their own chapters in this novel, Theo and Davos. I found this somewhat irritating at first because I felt they did not contribute to the story, but both have a role to play in the story that makes it more than worthwhile to read their chapters through. I look forward immensely to 'A Storm of Swords', after two such incredible novels.
Rating:
Summary: A Strong Middle Book In A Great Series
Review: First of all, I'd like to point out that my rating is four and a half stars. I _loved_ A Game of Thrones; in my opinion, it's one of the best fantasies written in a long time (for those interested, see my review of AGoT from January, 1999). ACoK is even darker than the already dark Game, but it carries on the story in a tight, well-paced direction. The plot thickens substantially, and the chapters specifically related to Tyrion Lannister (arguably the coolest character in the series) are incredibly well-written! The only gripe I have with George's second installment is the lack of closure. I certainly understand that this is a middle book in a six volume series, but it still ended a bit too abruptly for my taste. Still, it is a masterful addition to one of the best fantasy worlds created in a long time. For those who have criticized Martin for the profanity and graphic violence portrayed in his novels, I will say his series is not for the squeamish or easily offended. For those who have tough hides, it's definitely worth your time. The profanity is not excessive. Many people swear; you can't avoid it. So some of George's characters use strong language too; however, this is realistic to their personalities! Martin doesn't use these words to shock, but to simply strengthen the realistic nature of some of his characters. The violence is harsh, yes, but I think it is also necessary to the plot. The land of Westeros is _brutal_. Many of the central characters are _not_ nice people. Let's face it. A realistic world is not all fun and games. Bad things happen. Those who want happy endings should read Cinderella. Those who want a gritty, realistic fantasy should read George R.R. Martin. One last comment I want to make is directed to George. I read one of your latest interviews in which you name Tyrion Lannister a villain. I beg to differ. Tyrion is the _hero_ of the series. Sure, he may be on the wrong side for the time being, but he is a just person. Give him the credit he's due. If nothing else, call him an anti-hero. In the end, I think the Imp will be the most remembered character of the series. One last plug. I suggest all fans of Martin read his short story, "The Hedge Knight," which can be found in a fantasy compilation of short stories called _Legends_. It's set in the same world as AGoT, and its characters are some of my favorites. If you're reading this, George, write a prequel novel about Dunk and Egg! :-)
Rating:
Summary: There's good, and then there's...
Review: I'll admit I picked up Game of Thrones basically because it had a quote from Robert Jordan on the cover, and I was desperate for a book to read. Good luck, I'd say. Martin's successfully created a fantasy world that at once seems as real as our own history and at the same time embraces the utterly fantastic. What he started with Game of Thrones has only improved with Clash of Kings. For an erstwhile fantasy novel, there's very little in the way of sorcery and fairies...which is not to say those aspects are not there. Clash of Kings features a significant increase in the role of the fantastic from Game of Thrones, but continues to let his enthralling characters and amazing ability to tell a story of politics within the scope of what almost feels like historical fiction. To me, most fantasy novels have an almost dreary lack of originality. Even such modern masterpieces as Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry, Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time are positively drenched in Tolkein and Arthurian archetypes. Martin has written a brilliant novel of conflict, human flaws, and strength, using the traditions of the fantasy genre, not to supply him with the basis for all his characters and his plot, but as a supporting aspect of a far grander theme. Bravo.
Rating: 
Summary: Suffers from some 'middle book' problems
Review: I waited impatiently for this - read it as soon as I received it. I am a little disappointed, but it may just be the usual problems with middle books - the set up is familiar, therefor not as exciting, and there's no resolution. I am disquited to hear that the number of planned books has expanded to four - shades of Robert Jordan. I've been telling friends that this is not a series like Jordan's, but I am beginning to suspect that Martin has lost control of his material. Clash of Kings reads more like genre fantasy to me - too much magic, among other things. I could really do without Melisande - her whole thread seems manufactured, although I like Davos. I am also disturbed by the many descriptions of the rape and humiliation of women. Some - Sansa - are valid plot points, but some used as background detail seem gartuitous to me. I await the third book, but I'm not as certain it will the the top-notch book I was expecting. I hope to be proved wrong.
Rating: 
Summary: Another blow to Tolkien
Review: I have no idea why Martin continues to talk about his love of Tolkien (even calling him the greatest author of the 20th century), despite having de-throned his minions (pretty much any current fantasy writer) with no Tolkien standard black-and-white characters, no Dwarves, and no Elves, and being on the verge of ridding fantasy forever of the blowhard (and forget your delusions of Tolkien inventing fantasy, Robert Howard wrote long before him). This second volume is another masterpiece. Once again Martin manages to blur the lines of good and evil, most prominently in Tyrion and Varys, but in virtually everyone else too. There are no truly "good" characters, and the only purely "evil" character is Joffrey. I've said his previous volume was reminescent of "Dune", in fact the only reason it got four stars instead of five was because the parrallels between Leto and Eddard made Eddard's fate obvious, and the chapters spent developing him seem somewhat redundant (of course the character's whose deaths surprise me are fine). Anyway, this second volume no longer mirror's "Dune", but that's fine with me because the whole message of Dune was "YOU FREAKIN' IDIOTIC HUMANS, WHY ARE YOU STANDING AROUND WAITING TO KILL FANATICALLY FOR THE FIRST SO-CALLED MESSIAH THAT COMES ALONG!!! THINK FOR YOUR SEEEELLLLLVVVEEESSS!!!!" So I won't hold it against Martin that he thinks for himself. From what I've read of the other reviews the most popular character is Tyrion, and his fans get plenty of him in this book. Unfortunately though, my favorite character, Daenarys, is an underused element who seems to be waiting for a later book to DO something, and that cost Martin one star from me.
Rating:
Summary: Luscious High Fantasy
Review: I read all of the Song of Ice and Fire series before they were put into audio form and I was soooo excited to see that they were available in audio! The narrator Roy Dotrice does an astounding job, especially for such a massive work as A Song of Ice and Fire. He handles his characterizations steadily, he doesn't use ridiculous mincing voices for the female characters, and the more disgusting figures, ie Vargo Hoat, will make your skin crawl. The books are simply the best fantasy written in many many years. Incredibly rich and complicated storylines and character development. I love it that you never know who to trust. Martin will not let you get too comfortable with your favorite characters.
Rating:
Summary: Another thrilling tome
Review: To say "the plot thickens" doesn't do justice to this second volume of George R.R. Martin's massive fantasy epic. Everything explodes around the characters we were introduced to in "A Game of Thrones", and the whole landscape of the Seven Kingdoms (the fantasy land this series is set in) is thrust into chaos. Where "A Game of Thrones" set the roots for the enormous and interwoven conflict that takes place in "A Clash of Kings", this volume takes that conflict and drives it through so many twists and turns that, by the end, you can't imagine how the protagonists of the story are going to make it through. Every part of the plot is believable, as are the characters involved in them. And almost every part excites. Nevertheless, the flaws present in "A Game of Thrones" remain in "A Clash of Kings", albeit to a less exaggerated extent. Martin shifts to a completely different viewpoint with each and every chapter, and the shifts are jarring enough that it often makes you want to put down the book and take a break. And the pacing is, as before, slow. This makes reading the book a impressive undertaking in its own right, though the well-written prose and dialogue and the usually self-enclosed chapters help to ease this difficulty. And through all of this, the plot makes sense. It isn't hard to keep track of where everything stands. And in a work of this complexity, that shows remarkable skill on the part of the author. The world of "A Song of Ice and Fire" is compelling. Its characters are compelling. And even more so than in the first volume, "A Clash of Kings" has driving, powerful plot. It's a shame that this plot has to take place over six volumes of a thousand pages each, but it's well worth the reader's time and effort. Fantasy readers owe it to themselves to give "A Song of Ice and Fire" a look.
Rating:
Summary: The descent into total war
Review: That's what this book is. After years of relative calm in Westeros, the entire continent explodes in turmoil. In the south, five kings fight for the Iron Throne, vengeance, and in some cases independence. In the north, wildlings have massed after a long time of nothing but raids, and there are hints of a more powerful, darker force stirring as well. A Clash of Kings, the second book in the series, is not quite as compelling as the original, as the characters are no longer fresh, and of the 3 books released so far, the action is rather forgettable. However, the introduction of characters like Davos is a treat, and minor ones such as Qhorin Halfhand are interesting. In all reality, A Clash of Kings is Martin's bridge from A Game of Thrones into everything the series has become. The next book's pace picks up tremendously, and shows no signs of abating. Not quite as satisfying, and certainly not a standalone book, but ACoK is still a worthwhile read, and will leave you thirsting for more.
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