Game of Thrones: A Clash of Kings Book 2 Review

I was just sitting down to a much deserved cup of cocoa and a long awaited late night tryst with A Storm of Swords, when I realized I was remiss in reviewing A Clash of Kings. Somewhere in the all consuming compulsion to devour these books, I had failed to digest book two here. I will attempt to remedy this immediately.

A Review of A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin:

When autumn begins its descend into Westeros bringing with it dark whispers of winter and a burning comet in the sky, the land falls into turmoil and treachery. The cold and empty iron throne beckons to many, but whose claim is true and whose is born of smoke, deceit, and furtive villainy? A boy king born of incest, a pale haired princess the last  of a dying line of past kings, a brother battle hard and iron willed, and a younger brother benevolent and beloved-- on whose head would the crown of the realm peacefully rest?

The kingdom cast about so like a storm ravaged sea breaks upon the iron throne and shatters. The dead walk with ice blue eyes and coal black hands. The wildlings are gathering north of the wall, but to what purpose? Even the shadows honed sharp and dangerous by the words of the woman in red offer no shelter.  As every player of the game seeks advantage, the land, its people, and the very heavens burst forth in blood, magic, and fire. "For when kings clash; the whole land trembles."

Many a time, I have found the middle books in a series a bit of a drag-- long winded, detail riddled, important plot building installments but ultimately cliff hanger kindling that adds more to the anticipation of the next read than the true enjoyment of the current book. This time that was not the case.

George R. R. Martin does it again. The ridiculously good story seems to fly out in so many unanticipated but highly entertaining directions with twists and turns leading the reader further down the rabbit hole to Westeros. These books are literary genius! He is a master character smith. The absolute scale of this interwoven tale is unbelievable. So so so so good. Seriously.

I have some new favorites to love and hate in this book. Here's the dish.

To Love:
*Ser Davos Seaworth- known as the Onion Knight for past good deeds as a baseborn smuggler/siege breaker made knight by his king
*Ser Byrnden Blackfish- a knight that understands the importance of family and honor, he is a key advisor and confidant of his nephew Rob Stark
*Qhorin Halfhand- the first ranger from the Shadow Tower well renowned as a wildling slayer and master swordsman
*Jaqen H'ghar- the faceless man from Braavos who keeps his promise to aid Arya Stark
*Brienne Tarth- a brave yet unlovely valiant knight-- strong of will and sword

To Loathe:
*Melissandre- a scarlet eyed, crimson cloaked priestess to the lord of light, loves to say, "The night is dark and full of terrors."
*Craester- the ickiest man north of the wall with nineteen wives and nineteen daughters, but there are only nineteen women... you do the math. But no sons...
*Walder Frey- the yellow bellied guardian of the Twins and the river crossing, doesn't lend aid until most battles are over
*The Mountain- Lord Tywin's personal headsman, raping, pillaging, and burning anything in his path
*Theon Greyjoy- the ironborn ward of Winterfell and last living heir to the iron isles (read to find out why I detest him)

This book will make you turn a suspicious eye every time you see a raven. "Dark wings, dark words" is a theme in this book. Every raven sent throughout the realm seems to carry doom and destruction, fear and fighting, shadow and secrets. You will wait with baited breath to hear the tale they bring.

This book (most likely all books in this series) is a 5 Commendable Yarn. I can't seem to tell you enough how much you will enjoy reading these books. There is something in them for everyone. Get reading!