Customer Reviews
Absolutely awesome.
G.R.Martin does it again and takes us on another trip into his game of kings and savages, heroes and scoundrels, lovers and sinister machinators. He lets us suffer with our favorite characters, he makes us hate the vicious guys (and girls), and he keeps on surprising us with every new chapter, which is one of the most striking features of Martin's work: whenever you think you know where he's taking us (and the story line of some of his multitude plots), be sure things wont turn out as you'd expect them to.
His artwork is brilliant, and the way how he's managing and connecting all the main characters' plots is simply awestriking. I enjoyed every minute of this breathtaking fantasy novel, and the rush of events towards the end of this book, esp. the battle of King's Landing and the developments beyond the wall in the north, dont let you put aside this fantastic book for a single minute.
It's been quite some time since I've read a fantasy series like this, which makes me dream we could just enter the world described and participate in the staggering events that unfold before us.
So, dont wait, get a hand on Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series - and join us in the lands of Westeros.
I cannot praise it enough.
A monster creation of gritty realistic proportions, building on the previous volume with almost majestic qualities. Fantasy styles and novels come and go, but I believe that "The Song of Ice and Fire" will stand the test of time and become a classic very soon.
Fantasy elements are kept in restraint at all times, this could almost be a historical novel set in the times of the English Wars of the Roses, but this makes it all the more better, as the whizz-bang of wizards, magic swords and the like are refreshingly missing. I haven't read a Fantasy novel for a long time that gets the sense of large countries and populations across realistically. Normally with an army of a few thousand and a handful of characters, the lead protagonist makes his move. Here armies' number in the hundreds of thousands and Martin has hundreds of well-placed, well thought out characters (with suitable family histories) in more than one location to back this up. Action takes place simultaneously with far distances separating places and people effectively. With literally hundreds of sub-plots, histories and motivations to go with it. Action is often brutal, bloody, dirty and realistic. Again I am reminded of the War of the Roses. The detail and description is heavy and rich without being dense and boring. Events keep you turning the pages and I am looking forward to the next volume. I cannot praise it enough.
It's Still An Overwhelming Story
First, I would like to comment on language. Skip to the asterisks to by-pass a mild rant.
Words are used to convey ideas. No word in and of itself is "bad", and curse words are frequently (and commonly) used to express intensity, disdain, passion, et al. Frankly, anyone who would condemn a story because the language contained within it is living in a fantasy world whose bubble will pop (one can only hope permanently) the first time they bump into something real.
This book, like all the others, contains language that your mommy wouldn't like. People who have grown up don't let this bother them, while others plant their heads under the blanket and hope the boogie knights don't come for 'em.
*****
Apologies. On with the review.
A Clash of Kings continues the story arc, and now things are picking up speed. The king is dead, as is his Hand (if that confused you at all, read the first book) and now the lands are immolated in a power struggle for the Iron Throne.
Yeah.... well, what you can expect from the book:
Magic: While it obviously existed in the first book, it wasn't addressed. Martin starts ramping up the power curve here, taking his time and introducing things slowly. Make no mistake, the magic in this world is NOT fluffy and light, but rather dark, mysterious (it's magic, after all) and scary as hell in some places.
It fits very well.
Battle: People want power, and when might makes right, people will reach for it when it's available. There's a TON of fighting in this book, and the descriptions are pretty impressive.
Death, treachery: This happens when people fight. No war is bloodless, and should never be thought so. Most folks check their honor at the door when it comes to surival. It happens throughout the book.
I've read that some people are unhappy with the unpredictability of the story. No, I'm not kidding. For them, I suggest the "See Spot Run" series, which is nice and controlled, and if they can tear it from the hands of the Language Police they should enjoy it.
Martin doesn't spoon-feed plot to us, and fore-shadows with some subtlety, which can leave an inattentive reader behind.
I love that. I like reading a book that I can get more out of by re-reading it, and this is that kind of story.
If you enjoyed A Game of Thrones, Heir to the Empire and/or 13th Warrior, you'll probably like A Clash of Kings.
