Book Review: Clash of Kings

Hey!

So I just finished reading The Clash of Kings by George R. Martin! And I'm EDITING THIS BABY! NO SPOILERS!

I think the really important thing to consider when reading a Clash of Kings is that it is the second book in a series of seven.  Game of Thrones has a thrilling ending, which leads you to hope that Clash of Kings might be a wild joy ride of death and action.  Unfortunately, it isn't a wild joy ride, but it is a beautifully written book with excellent characters.

Martin continues to develop the backstory on characters we have already seen, and adds a few new ones to help give you fresh (and necessary) perspective on what's happening in Westeros.  As Martin characters proves in a Game of Thrones, main characters are not immortal.  For this reason, I am going to refrain from using names in my review, but I will say that Martin shines the spotlight brightly on one of the best characters in the book.  They appear about once every three chapters, and they really enhance the overall quality of the book.  He also shines the spotlight on some less fascinating characters, but the Martin's style of writing ensures that even the most helpless characters are bearable to read about.

Martin's style of writing ensures that, without fail, you can count on something exciting to happen by the end of the chapter.  The great thing about the Song of Ice and Fire though, is that it's not some action-thriller where the only thing keeping you reading is the next mystery around the corner.  The language is deep and descriptive, and Martin paints a vivid picture in your mind of the dark and disturbing events taking place.  Despite the fact you know it is just a book, you can't help but wonder if there might just be some deep and terrible secret hidden somewhere in our world too...

All in all, it's a very well written book with very compelling characters.  There is more build up than follow through, but I am currently on the fourth book now, and can say the build up is well worth it, and you owe it to yourself to either read, or watch the TV series!

Would I recommend this book (to someone who read Game of Thrones)?

YES!

Enjoy!
Chris

(For more info on the TV show, you can go Game of Thrones Website)

(or buy the first book and get started!)