Book Review: A Clash of Kings

George RR Martin's spectacular series, A Song of Ice and Fire, continues with the second installment. A Clash of Kings is longer than the first book, A Game of Thrones. In A Clash of Kings, the Seven Kingdoms begin to fall apart as Joffrey, the bastard son of Queen Cersai (one of the despicable and power hungry Lannisters), takes over after Robert Baretheon dies. Several other contenders for the throne split off from the Seven Kingdoms and claim the throne for themselves. Included in the battle for the throne are Renly and Stannis, both brothers of the former King Robert. The story of the Seven Kingdoms continues in bloody glory. Also adding to the confusion that wracks the Seven Kingdoms is Robb Stark's declaration that the North is separate and he is King of the North. He seeks to avenge his father's murder as well as rescue his sister who is wed to Joffrey.

This second book in the series begins with Arya fleeing the capital.  The milieu, or world, which Martin has created is one of the most believable I have ever read.  It is filled not just with villains but with truly detestable and believable characters who share all the same faults that people in our world have.  Cersei, a power hungry, manipulative woman who has no morals except to do what brings power and money, becomes even more detestable in this book as she turns her back on everyone who is not able to help her.  Arya, the escaped daughter of the Starks, flees to her homeland and runs into several shady characters on the way.  Throughout this book, I rooted for this spunky young girl who is traveling in a dark and dreadful world.  Tyrion, the dwarf brother of Cersei, is detestable throughout this book but does show a more human, caring side than either his father or his sister.  He actually does some good. 
George RR Martin in this book, and in this entire series, does an absolutely amazing job of painting realistic characters that make you want to root for or against them.  The world, in my estimation, is the most believable fantasy world I have ever read.  Everything about this book is great. 

 This book is long.  If you don't like long books, or series, this book is not for you.  It also is not a book for the fainthearted.  The events in this book are dark and fearful.  If you are looking for a book that celebrates the goodness of man and mankind in general, this book will not satisfy you.  As far as the quality and quantity of the book--it doesn't lack a thing.  It is an unbelievable well written and compelling story. 

I say, if you haven't done so already go and get the book and read it. I rate this book a 9.25 out of 10. It is a definite standout in the fantasy section of any bookstore. George RR Martin, with this series, places himself alongside such greats as Tolkein, Brust, and Alexander. Although this particular book didn't make it into my Greatest Fantasy Books of All Time Hub, the first book in this series did.  As a series, A Song of Ice and Fire easily ranks in the top ten best fantasy series ever.