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Summary: The plot thickens...
Review: A fantastic follow-up to A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings delves even deeper into this densly populated story. George R. R. Martin set the foundation with the first volume and with the second he has teasingly revealed some of the motivations behind the deeds in the first book. Readers are given a much closer look at what is driving some of these characters and there is also additional information on the characters that were only mentioned in the first book but seemed to be left out.As I believe Martin himself has stated, the first book, while filled with many characters, did tend to focus on Ned Stark. A Clash of Kings is where the fans of the series get to find out just how devious Tyrion Lannister can be. While Tyrion may be shorter than most, his actions make him twice as tall. The chaotic stampede to name kings and sieze thrones created by the characters' actions in the first volume, comes to a titantic confrontation in A Clash of Kings. And yet, all of the various competitors still have not taken the field, which will keep readers hungry to devour more of the story in the next volumes. Martin is doing a wonderful job with this epic power struggle.
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Summary: Would the successor to Tolkien's crown please come forth...?
Review: For YEARS, the Fantasy Throne has been dominated by one lone author...known to many as 'R.R.' but now it seems as though we have found (finally!) the next-in-line to succeed Tolkien...and wouldn't you know it, HE has two R's in his name, TOO! George R.R. Martin has managed to pull off an amazing literary feat with his 'A Song of Ice & Fire' series...although he probably never set out to uproot the Fantasy world and ultimately overtake Tolkien's Territory, however with 'A Clash of Kings' he has managed to produce two of the absolute best novels of the genre ever produced. It is rather humorous to me to see the nay-sayers and their reasons as to why they dislike these books. I cannot in any way identify with them, but I DO find it funny. Mr. Martin has developed a fully-realized world that is very nearly as realistic as our own. Characters who are FAR from perfect, and just when you get around to hating one in particular, Martin gives you a reason to think they are not without merit after all--likewise those who you love sometimes become the most wicked...making this easily one of the most UNPREDICTABLE series EVER. You NEVER know just what is going to happen next, even if you are absolutely CERTAIN of it. Some have criticized Mr. Martin for writing a series that seems to have no direction...well I think that as long as we are along for the ride and enjoy the trip, WHO CARES? I for one would NOT like to make the mistake of trying to figure out just where Mr. Martin ultimately wishes the series to go because I am virtually 100% certain I would be incorrect...but let us allow him the CHANCE to DO it! Mr. Martin started out this series thinking it would be done within 3 novels, but shortly after starting 'A Game of Thrones' figured he would need at least 6 to pull it off...what a fantastic treat for us fantasy buffs! Many fear that he will come down with a terminal case of 'Jordanitis' which I find a very hilarious term--but also a very accurate one, too. Nobody wants to see a series stretched too thin where the entertainment factor begins to slide into the deep end. But I also contend that if each novel were as good as these first two, I wouldn't care if it went to 30 books! I just cannot wait to start 'A Storm of Swords'. High marks to Mr. Martin for truly the best of this genre I have ever read. Highly Recommended!
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Summary: Buy This Book Immediately!
Review: I am a fantasy series burnout. I read Jordan's 'Wheel of Time' as far as the first 5 books - looking back I wish he would have stopped writing after that 2nd one.... So it was something of a joke when, on the recommendation of a friend, I picked up George R.R. Martin's 'doorstop' fantasy series. The big suprise is that these books are tremendously fun to read with great plots and characters. No plastic here, just great stories. I can't wait for the next book....
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Summary: This Author is Merciless!
Review: Nearly 1000 pages and not long enough! I'm so desperate for the sequel I actually ordered a hardback edition, and I'll probably re-read the first three while waiting on #4! I would knock this one down half a star for being more explicit, but ignoring that, this one is as genious and even cruel(!) as the first! As exciting, tense, and twisting, with even more "why did you do this to that character!" moments. I'm addicted.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent with one caveat
Review: I love this series and can't really add anything that hasn't been said. I just want to let Mr. Martin know in case he reads these that I'm a little baffled by his sudden exploration of hard-core porn in his writing. I'm not offended but it was a little grating seeing episode after episode of graphic depictions of sex. It's fitting to have plenty of sex b/ I think it fits the culture of his world but it just got distracting for me seeing "those" words page after page. READ THIS SERIES!!
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Summary: Maybe even better than the first. . .
Review: I loved "A Game of Thrones" so much, I was almost afraid to read "A Clash of Kings" because of the dread of "sequal shock". Fortunately, George R. R. Martin is definitely not a one-trick pony. This series continues to deliver. With the advent of war, the pace of action picks up, which should satisfy the faction of reviewers that feels "A Game of Thrones" did not have enough action. There is a little more magic for those who felt the predecessor novel lacked enough conspicuous "gee whiz" magic. The magic is still scarce, which decidedly adds to its power. As a fantasy novel, "A Clash of Kings" maintains the stature of "A Game of Thrones" in standing head and sholders above most of comtemporary fantasy and sci-fi. In my book, Mr. Martin stands with Raymond Feist, Stephen Lawhead, and Gene Wolfe as a cut above the others. (Not to deny that that are other authors who come close - these are the ones I really like.) I will grant that there is not as much continuous action as one might find in, say, Terry Goodkind, or some of the slash-and-burn sword-and-sorcery series', but that is in no way a mark of weakness. The "Song of Ice and Fire" is first and foremost a saga of people and ideas. The intrigue and interplay is makes this series. The facts that the writing is top-notch and that the story is riveting (at least to me) are the icing on the cake. The development of the characters continues from the first book, and I find myself even more interested in them. The passing of certain of the characters actually brought tears to my eyes. (I should add that I am a 50-year old Italian male.) The fact that certain of the characters who desparately deserve to be knocked down a peg or two (I'm not bloodthirsty enough to demand their death) continue to live adds to the realism. In that, this tale mirrors contemporary life. That is it's ultimate charm - we are not constantly reminded that the characters are superhuman; we are reminded that they are all too human. They make errors in judgement, they bleed, they cry, they laugh, they are occassionally heroic - you get the picture. The only "weakness", and I use the term loosely, that might be perceived is that each book is definitely a piece of a continuing, larger whole. There are no momentary resolutions of plot at the end of the book. These cannot be perceived as stand-alone installments. Having said that, I still prefer these books over many far more lame series' that do wrap up each book nicely, leaving only the overall cliff-hanger, such as how are the heros ultimately going to save the world in book 3? (Or book 5, or book 9, or book 10, or book ???) After two books of "The Song of Ice and Fire", I'm actually glad to say that I don't know with certainty where it's going. Maybe ultimate good will triumph over ultimate evil. Maybe not. At this point, the thrill is in the journey and I'm not planning to get off!
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Summary: magical intro of magic
Review: This book -like all other sequels- continues the story. If you have read the previous book then you will know that something was coming, something big but you didn't quite know what it was. This book doesn't clear that up but it does give you a slightly better idea and a wonderful sense of impending doom. One thing that was great about the predecessor of this book was the lack of obvious magic. That was a refreshing treat in the world of fantasy as most know it. This almost follows the same trend but with a few exceptions of subtle magic and a small smattering of some more overt magic that decidedly works because of the lack of them for so long. After 1500 page without any wizardry or sorcery or intervention of the gods, it gives a sense of a more magical (groan) experiece. That said, A Clash of Kings follows in all the traditions of A Game of Thrones in that it stays away from stereotypes and archetypes but still provides the sense of gallantry and heroism that most other books slop a generous portionof sappy love and iron wills that will not break and fearless warriors and all kinds of otherstuff, but without all the junk that makes most readers think "this doesn't happen, these people aren't human. If I saw a 20 foot tall ogre, I'd soil myself, not charge after riding a horse and waving a stick." This book lacks 20 foot tall ogres but still, you get the idea. All in all - wonderful
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Summary: The best series i ever read.
Review: When I started reading A Song Of Ice And Fire series I had my doubts that it's going to be the same old story all over again where there is one main character with a mission. Don't get me wrong most of the series that I read who are based on that percpective are great. But, this series offers more. There is no certain main character. It is a story where any character can die at any time which is great. Why? Well, as you read the other books and a main character is in trouble you say : "Ah well he can't die.. the author won't let him." Which makes it predictable but Martin have created a series so unpredictable and so marvelous I couldn't put any of his books down. On other note, to adress those people who are yelling that there is too many sex scenes and too much bad language, bugger off. This is no kiddie tale where a character is one sided. People swear, soldiers swear, most people can't go 2 phrases without swearing. Since this book is based on The War Of Roses, do you think that soldiers, knights and criminals didn't swear back then? In my opinion they don't swear enough. Someone even went as far as to write a letter to Martin about the bad language and the sex scenes. Well, this is no tv show where the producers have to worry not to offend the viewers. This is as real as you ever get which makes this series even better than the other ones. Martin's books just keep getting better and I applaud him.
Rating: 
Summary: As good, if not better, than the first
Review: I am continually impressed with George R R Martin. I never thought he would suck me into his world...and a marvelous world it is, to! I've never read a fantasy series where you can truly identify and root for one of the "villains", nor have I read another work where realism and fantasy are blended so well. I will definately be buying the third installment.
Rating:
Summary: The War Continues, the Intrique Increases.
Review: This book is the second in this series. If you have not read the first book, don't read this one yet. Go back, read the first book, "A Game of Thrones", and then read "A Clash of Kings". You will enjoy both books more. You will also avoid spoiling many surprises and plot twists which are the hallmark of this series. You have been warned! If you did read and enjoy "A Game of Thrones", you will love this book too. The quality is as good or better. If you didn't enjoy the first book, are you crazy or something? Seriously, you might still want to consider this book as the pace and action are more intense then the prior one. In "A Clash of Kings", the war continues. Tyrion is sent south to save Kingslanding, King Joffery, and Cersei- in that order. With its forces stripped to fight King Robb, Kingslanding is weak and open to attack from either Baratheon brothers. Renly Baratheon and Stannis Baratheon are preparing for battle. But, they are getting ready to kill each other! Stannis has a better claim to the throne, but almost nobody likes him. Still, he would rather fight and die, then give up what he believes belongs to him. Renly, proud and popular, is also headstrong and vain, in that way he is the dead King Robert's true heir. King Robb, in the North, is attacked by a "friend." Daenarys is still collecting an army overseas. Jon and the Nightwatch are in an expedition past the wall. Bran has discovered that he may have great powers, once more common but now almost forget. A witch is beginning to influence King Stannis. More strange creatures are coming in from the north. And this is all in the first 100 pages! "A Clash of Kings" was worth the wait, worth the read, and is highly recommended.
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