*5 EPIC STARS*

Wow, just wow! I am truly at a loss for words. This book was simply amazing! It is truly awe-inspiring how George R.R. Martin has managed to bring this entire new world to life. The diverse cast of characters is one of the book's greatest strengths. Somehow, you find yourself falling in love with each and every one of them, and yet, it all works perfectly! I have to admit that I like this book even better than the first one. This is probably because as you progress through the story, you get to know the characters and the world they inhabit even better. The plot, too, is generally more interesting and engaging. I found myself completely immersed in the story and finished this book in just 3 weeks, as opposed to the 3 months it took me to finish the first one. My favorite characters so far are definitely Tyrion, Jon, and Arya. I did watch the TV series first, but I've heard that the plot takes a slightly different direction in the third book compared to season 3 of the TV series. I can't wait to read it and see the differences for myself!

Suddenly, everyone and their butler wants to be king!

In A Game of Thrones, we had the distinct pleasure of watching a kingdom fall apart as various individuals and their families jockeyed for positions of power. With A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin takes the story to a whole new level. He moves beyond the ambitions of individuals and shows just how FUBAR the situation in Westeros has become.

In the first book, there was a glimmer of hope that the impending doom could be averted if certain people worked together. But as A Clash of Kings opens, it's clear that peace is no longer an option. The scales have tipped firmly in favour of war, and the situation just gets messier and more complex.

Tyrion is, without a doubt, the best part of this book. He arrives in King's Landing to assume the post of Hand at his father's behest. He professes love for Cersei and Joffrey and loyalty to the Lannisters, but he has his own unique way of showing it. Tyrion often works at cross-purposes to Cersei, and he does some truly terrible things. But there's something about him that makes us root for him anyway.

Furthermore, Tyrion's machinations as the Hand are the most coherent part of the political intrigue running throughout the book. He knows that either Stannis or Renly or both are going to attack King's Landing, which is woefully under-defended. So he does everything in his power to secure the city. But he has more to worry about than just the external threats. King's Landing is suffering through a famine, and Joffrey is a tyrannical brat who makes things even worse.

Cersei, on the other hand, comes across as much more emotional than she did in the first book. She's an overprotective mother, and she's desperate to free her brother/lover from the clutches of the Starks. But in my opinion, this makes her a much less formidable enemy and a much less interesting character.

There's plenty of parallelism in this book if you look for it. Robb Stark, for example, has a somewhat protective mother as well. But unlike Cersei, Catelyn is aware of how her actions could undermine her son. She's the voice of reason throughout the book, and she does her best to guide Robb in the right direction.

Overall, A Clash of Kings is a solid successor to A Game of Thrones. It lacks the novelty of the first book, but it makes up for it with increased depth and complexity. There are some great scenes and characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you liked the first book, then you'll definitely want to read this one.