“That's blood up there, child, smeared across the sky.”
“Our blood or theirs?”
“Was there ever a war where only one side bled?”

“I'm a creature of grief and dust and bitter longings. There is an empty place within me where my heart was once.”

“A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid.”

This is definitely one of my best reads in 2023. The quotes above really stick with me throughout reading.

It's such an excellent follow-up from the first book, A Game of Thrones. When I first learned that many liked it less, I was discouraged. But I pushed through and concluded that I like it better. It doesn't mean the previous book was bad. The conflict just gets more exciting as it goes. I greatly admire George R.R. Martin's talent in creating this universe. AGoT's prologue was hauntingly beautiful and ACoK didn't disappoint either. Now, let me analyze some characters:

I may tolerate Cersei's refusal to bear Robert's children and understand her lack of love for the late King Robert. But enabling Joffrey's cruelty is another matter. She's well aware of her son's malicious behavior and does almost nothing to stop it. She even shamelessly tells Sansa to suck it up. What a horrible mother-in-law and terrifying woman. She truly depicts the typical mother who blames the world for her child's destruction.

As for Theon, disappointed is an understatement. The betrayal doesn't taste so sweet now. Make no mistake, I hate Ramsay more, but I can't justify what Theon did to the Starks. Pity only goes so far, Theon.

While I'm still dreading to go over Bran's chapters quickly, I love Hodor and wish no harm would come to him. Out of all Catelyn's chapters, I find chapter 55 the most entertaining. Jaime's conversation with Catelyn rouses my curiosity to explore his character more.

As for Tyrion, the most misunderstood Lannister, he's still one of my favorite characters (beside Jon Snow). I wish Cersei, Tywin, and especially Joffrey will reap what they sow soon. He was a decent Hand of the King, clearly better than Cersei.

I love Samwell and think the Hound is more decent than Joffrey. Sansa, Arya, and Daenerys are getting more interesting. I'm happy Sansa is spared from marrying Joffrey. Her ill wishes for the King are amusing. I knew her character development would be splendid and it's starting to show. Jon and life beyond the Wall seem entertaining. I'm still unsure what to feel of Davos, but I'm really excited to pick up the third book. An epic fantasy, indeed.

A Game of Thrones was once described as an "epic doorstop" in my review, with its violence, rape, and over-the-top plot lines drawing comparisons to bodice rippers. I'm a fan of bodice rippers, and I did enjoy the book more on a reread. However, it had its flaws. There are numerous characters, and I didn't care much for most of them. The pacing was uneven, with long, dull stretches interrupted by short, exciting bursts.

The same problems persist in A Clash of Kings, but to a greater extent. The book is longer, yet less seems to happen. There's plenty of scheming and political maneuvering, but it feels like nothing is actually progressing. Sansa's story arc, for example, is one of unrelenting misery as she realizes the error of her ways and tries to escape her fate.

As for the characters, Arya is still annoying, while Catelyn remains on my bad side. Jon is more boring, and Theon has become one of my least favorite characters. On the other hand, I like Davos, a new addition to Stannis's court. He reminds me of Thomas Beckett, and I can see him facing a similar conflict in the future. I also love Daenerys, Tyrion, and Cersei.

The problem is that my favorite narrators are too infrequent, and the story is bogged down by the boring characters. I appreciate the world building, but the detailed descriptions can be overwhelming. Additionally, many of the new characters introduced in this book are killed off, making it feel like they were just cannon fodder.

I'll still read the sequel to find out more about Melisandre, Tyrion, and the Red Wedding, but I think I'll take a break first. Overall, I give A Clash of Kings 2.5 stars.

  



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I made a resolute decision to commence 2025 by embarking on an epic reading challenge for myself. I chose to reread the entire A Song of Ice and Fire series once more. Years ago, I had delved into these books, and having recently re-watched the entire television series, I thought it would be a great idea to revisit the written word. George R. R. Martin truly did a remarkable job with this series, and it definitely deserves my full and undivided attention.

I have blended my original review with some fresh thoughts, all in the hope of presenting a more updated and comprehensive assessment. Since the first time I shared my thoughts on these books, I have evolved as a book reviewer. So, let's see where this new exploration takes us.

The world seems to stand still as a comet streaks across the sky. Its blood red color gives rise to numerous omens and leaves many speculating about its significance and the forecasts it portends. From Dragonstone to Winterfell, those who witness it have their own set of issues to confront. It is the sense of chaos that unites them all. The realm remains in a state of uncertainty, and the Iron Throne continues to be the ultimate prize.

Six factions have staked their claims to the Throne in the Seven Kingdoms. There is the sitting king, a teenaged boy who has become intoxicated with power. Then there are those who battle along the Wall in the North. In the middle grounds, a young man seeks to fight back and avenge his father's name. And there is a young woman who has dragons by her side and a history that drives her to reclaim the honor of sitting on the Iron Throne. There are so many moving pieces, and time is of the essence.

Many of the characters develop their own captivating storylines, leaving the reader hungry for more. There is an imp who tries hard not to let his family's hatred of him influence his daily actions. A young girl who goes into hiding, disguises herself as a boy to learn the art of fighting, and discovers mischief along the way as she plots to avenge her family. A blooming young woman who is set to marry the young king but harbors a great deal of animosity towards her betrothed. Even a boy, crippled by a fall, who has a mission beyond seeking notoriety but struggles to understand what is expected of him.

As the game of trying to gain the Iron Throne intensifies, many battles will ensue, and blood will flow freely. George R. R. Martin weaves numerous stories in this second massive novel of the series. I found this book a bit more challenging to read, but the knowledge of the television show helped me fill in many gaps. I could better envision what was happening and how Martin effortlessly delved into various storylines. However, at times, I still had to cruise along to get from one point to another in this reading journey.

The narrative is quite intricate, and while it flows smoothly, its fragmented nature made it a bit difficult for me to follow without jotting down some notes on a slip of paper. The various characters serve as narrators, and their perspectives add a more all-encompassing dimension to the story's development. I thoroughly enjoyed all that I was able to learn, although at times, it felt like an overwhelming amount of information. Thankfully, I had the television show to support me.

The story is filled with great twists and turns that add depth and intrigue, keeping all the characters on their toes as they strive to make their way through the different storylines and reach their own mission endings. I am eagerly anticipating where things will lead and what the reader will soon experience as the six factions begin to clash in their quest to emerge as the final winner!

Kudos to Mr. Martin for this engaging and ongoing journey!

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at: http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

I've really struggled with rating this one. It was a tough decision, but I finally settled on 2.5 stars.

I feel a bit bad for rating it so low. Maybe once I've read the whole series, my opinion will change. Well, that's if George R.R. Martin bothers to finish it.

I really thought this was going to get a 1-star review. Honestly, the first 500 or so pages just didn't do anything for me. My main confusion with this book is how so little happens in over 800 pages, yet everyone seems to love it for some reason.

I was so bored for 60 - 70% of this book that I just couldn't rate it any higher than 2.5 stars, even though the last 200 or so pages were pretty amazing.

I enjoyed the first book a lot more than this one. I think I read them a bit too far apart because I kept getting mixed up with the smaller characters. There are just so many people to keep track of. Theon is a good addition to this book, making the reader hate and pity him in the same chapter. Davos is also a brilliant character addition and feels like someone you want on your side.

"A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward."

"A woman's life is nine parts mess to one part magic, you'll learn that soon enough... and the parts that look like magic turn out to be the messiest of all." (I couldn't agree more.)

"The Lord of Winterfell would always be a Stark."

I can't deny that George R.R. Martin's writing is beautiful. However, I still think this book could've easily been cut short by a few hundred pages. There are also some weirder moments in this book, mixing the real world with magic and myth. Some of it I liked, but some of it just felt out of place and strange.

Arya is still my favorite character because she's so rough, strong, and defiant. I think Catelyn is becoming a close second, along with Tyrion. It took me well over a week to get through the first 500 pages, but only three days to get through the last 300. Things really sped up in the last third.

I will be reading the next book because I'm not a quitter, and I'm hoping for more drama, action, and twists. Unfortunately, I'm not totally in love with this series yet. Oh, and one more thing - is the word "world" used a million times in this book, or is it just me?

**"A Review of 'A Clash of Kings'"**

I have no words to describe how amazing "A Clash of Kings" is, just like its predecessor. After the thrilling ending of "Game of Thrones" with the gruesome scene of the head on the spike and the powerful image of the naked mother of dragons with her dragons by her side, you can imagine my excitement level. I'm proud to say that I read this book in just 6 days. In my opinion, the first book was slightly better, but this one was almost equally enjoyable.



My favorite character is undoubtedly Daenerys Targaryen. I love reading about her adventures and the cities she visits. She is a badass and hot character, and I'm a sucker for that. The scene with the Unsullied was somewhat predictable, but still awesome. Also, in this book, I started to like Jamie. I don't know why, but I just don't care about the incest anymore. I'm glad I got to see him more as an individual character because in King's Landing, he was always in the shadow of Cercei.



And the ending, what on earth was that with the white walkers? I must admit, it gave me a "Walking Dead" vibe. I thought "Winter is coming" would bring giants as tall as the Night's Watch wall with spikes and all that, but white walkers on horses? It was like the excitement for "The Hangover 3" (if you know what I mean). But still, I'm so deep into this series that I can't wait to read the next book (which I've already read) *grins*.



In conclusion, I can't recommend this book enough. It's a must-read for all fantasy lovers.



You can find the full review and more about this book on my blog!







I HAVE NO WORDS, just as the first one, perfection. After Game of Thrones ending, with the head on the spike and the naked mother of dragons with her dragons in her body, you can imagine my level of excitement. I recall reading this in 6 days, and I am proud about that. For my opinion the first one was better than this, but still this one was almost as enjoyable as the first.







My favorite is Daenerys Targaryen, I just like to read about her and the cities she goes. She is a badass hot character and you know I am a sucker for that. The scene with Unsullied was kind of predictable, but still awesome. Also in this one I started to like Jamie, I don't know, I just don't care about the incest anymore, and I am glad I got to see him more as a own character because in the King's Landing he was always in the shadow of Cercei.







And the ending, like what the hell was that, the white walkers? I must admit, I got a Walking Dead vibe there. I thought Winter coming would bring like Giants as high as the Night's Watch wall with spikes and stuff, but white walkers in horses? That was like the excitement for Hangover 3 (if you know what I mean), but still I am so deep in this series, I can't wait to read the next book (Already read it) *grins*






  Okay so you what you get from reading this:




My favorite thing ever:






A great cool character that is totally awesome and cool:






The person you always wanted to kill:






The second person you always wanted to kill:






Dragons:






Arya freaking Stark:






More Daenerys:













I can't recommend this enough:)


*Pictures from the review are not mine, I took them mostly from Google images or Tumblr*

Hey,

I have a booktube channel, which is like youtube for book reviews and such. I include A Song of Ice and Fire in my top 10 fantasy books list here. Please subscribe if I've earned it!

For me, A Clash of Kings often gets overlooked. A Game of Thrones introduces this complex world and George R.R. Martin's disregard for our emotions towards the main characters. A Storm of Swords... well, we all know what went down there, although I have other reasons for it being my favorite.

A Feast for Crows is known as the first to take a step back in quality (though I have my own counterarguments), and A Dance with Dragons seems to be on a similar level (though I haven't read it yet and have no opinion at the moment).

This leaves ACoK mostly unnoticed, at least from my point of view.

However, upon rereading it, it has skyrocketed to my favorite in the series so far. There is so much happening in this book. I have to give credit to Tyrion for my newfound love for this book. His scheming against Cersei and their back-and-forth banter really makes this book stand out. Plus, Tyrion is plotting against almost everyone and doing an excellent job... only to have his father step in at the last moment to claim all the credit. And that ending is just brilliant.

Additionally, Sansa is finally becoming an interesting character. She's developing some personality, and this means that there's no point of view that you're not reluctant to leave, only to become fully engaged in the next pov and hate to leave that one too.

And I haven't even mentioned Arya's journey away from King's Landing, Jon's time at the Wall and beyond, Bran's discovery of his warg powers, Davos and King Stannis, and the idiotic Theon.

I've developed a new perspective on A Clash of Kings, and I can't believe I ever let it fade into the background. It's interesting to note that a significant portion of the book is actually leftover from the writing of the first book, and a good ending point was the only reason for the cutoff. I highly recommend the Wertzone's in-depth discussion of the series.

Roy Dotrice, as always, does a captivating job with the audiobook narration. I still disagree with some of his pronunciations (who pronounces Brienne like Bry-een?!?!), but otherwise, his ability to give each of the numerous characters a unique voice is quite remarkable (even if many end up sounding like an 'old hag').

Looking forward to my commutes is a sure sign of a great audiobook, and this one definitely delivered.

5 out of 5 Stars (it's hard to top).

It's truly an interesting experience to pen this review right after the screening of the show's finale. I find myself among maybe 5 people who are content with how every character's arc concluded.

Sure, I'm not overly impressed with how Weiss and Benoit managed to get there, but overall, I think it's a fair endpoint to Martin's story. In fact, I had anticipated something far less satisfying and hopeful. And I'm not ashamed to admit that I shed tears when Jon met Ghost again at the wall.

I can only hope that Martin is motivated enough and lives long enough to offer the psychological underpinnings for the events that occurred on the show this year, which left so many people dissatisfied and monumentally heartbroken. If Martin releases the final books, perhaps those individuals will find more peace with the same ending. We have to give it to GRR; he is verbose and often boring (I skip his battle scenes), but you come to appreciate that the thousands of pages of character exposition provided the framework to support the many characters we love on the show. I MUST know more about Bran and the Night King. But I'm personally okay with Dany's fate; her destiny was foretold in this very book. What did readers really think would happen to her?

But returning to the book at hand, A Clash of Kings, here are some random observations:

1) If Tyrion is Martin's alter ego, it's evident that Martin has an obsession with prostitutes, but in a rather limited way. Martin shows no interest in exploring prostitutes in Tyrion's life as real individuals. Tyrion's tragic story with Taisha is absurdly overdone, especially considering Tyrion was only 13 during that sordid affair. And Shae, ugh. Did she have to be so one-dimensional and dull?

2) The show runners managed to bring Shae, Cersei, and Melisandre to life as real people. Something Martin hasn't accomplished thus far in the books. Of course, it was achieved with excessive nudity and objectification on the show, but still.

3) Theon's point of view is often repulsive, and yet his character arc in A Clash of Kings is the best. I'm looking forward to not having to witness his torture in the books.

4) The only thing Martin seems more obsessed with than prostitutes is incest. Gah! I could have done without that Theon/Asha thing.

Second monumental novel of the "Song of Ice and Fire" cycle.

I proceed, between anguish and hope, in these captivating stories. There are the tales of vigorous young men whose dreams have been shattered, leaving them adrift in a world of uncertainty. And then there are the mothers, their hearts filled to the brim with grief, as they watch their children struggle in this harsh reality. The children of pain, forced to grow up at an alarming pace, immersed in hatred and resentment.

These are also the stories of victims and involuntary heroes. Kings, driven by an insatiable thirst for power and glory, embark on perilous quests. Ruthless assassins, deceived by fate yet longing for affection, hide their tears behind the façade of golden armor.

The fight that unfolds is one without mercy or justice. Mercy seems to have lost its home in this cruel world, and justice vanishes when the cold steel of weapons makes the dance of death resonate.

The earth greedily absorbs the blood that is shed, and the screams of the innocent spread like wildfire among the flames. This, gentlemen, is THE Grimdark. It is a story that is not for the faint of heart, but for those with strong stomachs. Yet, within this darkness, there is also a glimmer of hope. It is a wonderful story of courage, adventure, and the indomitable human spirit. This is fantasy at its absolute best.

And among all the characters, Tyrion Lannister stands out, a cut above all the others. He is truly one of the best characters of all time.

What is the draw?

While I am filled with joy at the end of Clash of Kings and am ready to embark on Storm of Swords, I find myself reflecting on the expansive universe that Martin has crafted in Westeros and beyond the Narrow Sea. The sheer number of characters, in the thousands, and the extensive history spanning thousands of years, which appears to be impeccably consistent, is truly remarkable.

The clash of religions, especially the ingenuity of the Seven, is particularly fascinating. The old gods bear a resemblance to aboriginal or pre-Christian pagan religions, while the god of light seems like a perverted version of Christianity with Stannis as a violent, vengeful Jesus. However, the Septon, the Grand Sept of Baelor, the seven-sided churches, and the heart-trees – that is truly brilliant!

But I continue to question myself: is this literature or just a fantasy variant of pulp fiction? Is it art or mere craft? There is no doubt that it is craft – the complexity of the plots and the vast array of characters leave no room for doubt. But is it art? Perhaps it is, but when compared to the ultimate in this genre, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien, does it hold its own? I'm afraid I have to say no.

Although the narrative technique in Game of Thrones of seeing events through each character's eyes is interesting, we don't really get inside their heads. When I read Tolkien's work, I felt as if I was truly in Bilbo's (and later Frodo's) mind. The descriptions seemed more literary and poetic. Martin comes closest to Tolkien in the "green" dreams of Jon and Bran and when we are with Tyrion, hearing his hilarious cut-downs and asides.

I also have to give him credit for the sympathy we develop for characters like Arya, Jon, and even the Hound and Jaime, as well as the hate we have for Joff and the Mountain and the pity we feel for Theon. There is some art hidden within.

I suppose I have to read the next three volumes and wait for the sixth next year to see how he develops the Fire vs Ice theme. But perhaps this is the one flaw that keeps it on a slightly lower level than Tolkien. The Hobbit and Ring Trilogy were relatively tight stories, despite having numerous characters and a long backstory. They focused on just a few themes and the storyline was easy to follow and remember. Game of Thrones is vast and complex, and it's difficult to remember all the third, fourth, and fifth-tier characters. I understand that he was breaking new ground by having multiple protagonists, but it can be tiring for the reader and sometimes detract from the enjoyment.

I'd be very interested to hear what my readers think about Game of Thrones the series, Game of Thrones the books, and how they compare to other fantasy epics.

George R.R. Martin, in his second Song of Ice and Fire novel, Clash of Kings, showcases his remarkable talent and earns the comparison to the great J.R.R. Tolkien.

Raymond Richard, born in New Jersey, and Ronald Reuel, born in what is now South Africa, have their differences, but their ability to construct fantastical worlds sets them apart.

While Tolkien's Middle Earth is more poetic and lyrical, Martin's Westeros and Essos are more adult, with graphic violence and sex, making them more modern and American.

Clash of Kings reveals even more of the astonishing world building that made A Game of Thrones so enjoyable. I had previously compared Martin to Tolkien and Frank Herbert, but he might now be considered the king of the hill, as his universe has an abundance of detail and backstory.

Have you seen the Interactive map? It's truly amazing. I spent an hour exploring it, still trying to piece everything together and completely captivated by the story.

The king is dead, but long live the king. However, little Joffrey Baratheon is a smug brat, and his uncles, along with Robb Stark and the Greyjoys, are all vying for power. Meanwhile, across the world, Daenerys Targaryen is gathering her forces in Essos, accompanied by her growing dragons.

As in Game of Thrones, Martin divides his narrative among multiple point of view characters, allowing the reader to follow all the action. The backstabbing intrigue is as entertaining as the sword and sorcery, and Martin's cast of intriguing characters keeps the pages turning.

In this installment, we get to know the Greyjoys, a piratical kingdom, as well as Davos Seaworth and other new characters. We also gain a deeper understanding of the Starks and Lannisters. Tyrion Lannister, the "LITTLE" brother, takes on the role of Hand to the king and proves himself more than capable. He earns my STEAL THE SHOW award for this novel.

For all the great characters and action, the real hero is Martin himself and his incredible world building. He has taken the baton from Tolkien and is running with it.

My review of:
A Game of Thrones - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Wikipedia:

A Clash of Kings is the second novel in A Song of Ice and Fire, an epic fantasy series by American author George R. R. Martin expected to consist of seven volumes. It was first published on 16 November 1998 in the United Kingdom, although the first United States edition did not follow until February 2, 1999. Like its predecessor, A Game of Thrones, it won the Locus Award for Best Novel and was nominated for the Nebula Award for best novel. The novel has been adapted for television by HBO as the second season of the TV series Game of Thrones. It depicts the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros in the civil war, while the Night's Watch mounts a reconnaissance to investigate the mysterious people known as wildlings. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen continues her plan to reconquer the Seven Kingdoms.

Goodreads:

A comet, the color of blood and flame, cuts across the sky. Two great leaders—Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon—who hold sway over an age of enforced peace are dead, victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress, and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles. Here is the second volume in George R.R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Storm of Swords. As a whole, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, bringing together the best the genre has to offer. Magic, mystery, intrigue, romance, and adventure fill these pages and transport us to a world unlike any we have ever experienced. Already hailed as a classic, George R.R. Martin's stunning series is destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

Believe it or not, this was even better than A Game of Thrones. The chapters POV's I enjoyed the most are Sansa and Tyrion. Now, let's quickly jump over to rating some important segments of the novel independently:
Writing style: 4/5 (nothing new here)
Pacing: 3.8/5 (a bit better than in book 1)
Characters: 4.55/5 (extra characterization, I love that we get more Varys, also Tyrion is much better written and more interesting than in the book 1)
Plot: 4.1/5 (The Clash of Five Kings, that is all I am going to say)
Descriptions: 4.5/5 (nothing new)

Since almost everyone says that A Storm of Swords is the best book of the series, and season 3 of the show really is more interesting than season 1 and 2, I have very high expectations :) Wish me luck with 1200 pages.

There was a Clash of Self in me about this—the reader part vying with the writer side of me, but ultimately the latter prevailed.

As a reader, being more of a classics delver than a genre fiction veteran, my judgment on this front is, of course, subjective. When it comes to Western medieval lore, Martin has done an incredible job in depicting it in every nuance in his saga, including women's social position and their everyday life. However, I truly prefer my fantasy reads to go that extra feminist mile and beyond a faithful depiction of an already existing reality. I want them to revel and build on the 'what ifs', especially with regards to women's position. Martin delivers again practically flawlessly when he writes from Daenerys's, Catelyn's or Arya's point of view. Yet, what is going on with the rest of the women in the 'background' of this book doesn't leave a very welcome impression in my mind.

Like I said, though, I cannot but read as a writer at the same time. And in A Clash of Kings, Martin's writing is truly magical and by far at its absolute best. (I could do with less analysis, for example, of the battle sequences, but again that’s something totally subjective and he undoubtedly describes them with brilliance.) That, and the fact that he manages to put down on paper and weave together all these stories in what seems like an almost effortless execution, cannot but leave one in amazement. It certainly left me.

"I take no joy in mead nor meat, and song and laughter have become suspicious strangers to me. I am a creature of grief and dust and bitter longings. There is an empty place within me where my heart was once." - Catelyn