maza's Full Review: George R.R. Martin - A Clash of Kings: Book Two of...
This is a review of book two of Martin's series Song of Ice and Fire. You are also encouraged to read the review for the 1st book A game of thrones which also serves as an introduction to Martin's world.
Book two of Martin's fantasy epic "A Song of Ice and Fire" continues the high standard set in book one. As with the earlier book chapters are split up according to the view point of a character and different characters have very different knowledge and in some cases different perceptions of the same situation.
This isn't a story with simple "good" and "bad" characters. None of the people are entirely pure but its a rare character that has no redeeming qualities.
This book is, if anything, even grimmer and more bleak than its predecessor. It is a brutal, and agonizing to read. Oh, the story moves merrily apace, and that's good, but no wench goes unraped, no mother begging for mercy for her babes goes unbeheaded, no farmer is allowed to watch his sons go unflayed... There are now four "kings" in the land and they are all determined to fight for their kingdom. The battles are ugly and there is plenty of betrayal. The Stark family continues to suffer more than its share of hurt.
While the civil war wages, other storylines are developing. In the far north, beyond the wall Jon Snow (bastard son of Eddard Stark) has "joined" Mance Ryder, whose force is moving to the Wall and he begins to learn about the "others". Mysterious supernatural beings who are somehow connected with the winter ahead. While away from the Seven Kingdoms, the daughter of a dead king tries to gather a host to return and reclaim her thrown... aided by dragons. The Lannisters have effective control of southern Westeros, and control the combined forces of House Lannister, HighGarden, and Dorne. Stannis Barratheon has been beaten and has presumably retreated to Dragonstone with his shattered navy. Sansa is still a prisoner in King's Landing. Tyrion is wounded but alive, amidst the viper's nest of his family. Littlefinger has won the first stage of the war for the Lannisters by his vicious maneuvering. Robb Stark has won many military victories in the Trident and the West but we have no clear idea of how he and his army are doing. Catelyn Stark is in Riverrun doing SOMETHING with Jaime Lannister (but we dont know what). Arya has escaped and is attempt to cross the Trident to Riverrun. The Ironmen under King Balon control Moat Cailin and the Neck, severing Robb from the North. The Bastard of Bolton, effective ruler of the Dreadfort has burned Winterfell. His ambitions and allegiances are unknown. Bran is alive and heading North of Winterfell (presumably to the wall). Bran has realized his ability to commune with the wolves. Theon Greyjoy is missing and (due to Martin's love of cliffhangers) presumed alive, but disgraced. The Ironmen "hold" the North, albeit very tenuously. Daenerys Targareon is about to leave Quarth and travel to the Free Cities on ships provided by Magister Illyrio, whose allegiences and ambitions are also unknown
"A Song of Ice and Fire" is a very big story. It is being told over 6 books and at book 2, much of the story is still unclear. With a story of this size, the cast of characters is huge and on occasion it can be hard to remember just exactly who certain people are. Despite this minor annoyance, I found the book irresistible. I'd like to say I read it all in one sitting but unfortunately its size and the fact I have to work got in the way.
George R. R. Martin has been described as a pessimistic writer. In this series he certainly doesn't shy away from visiting suffering on hapless individuals. The world of the Seven Kingdoms is one of great hardship. It is very heavily modeled on the middle ages. Children reach adulthood early. One of the viewpoint characters is as young as 8. Another married off at 11.
Magic is used very sparingly in this book (unlike many other fantasy series). So far instances of magic have been few and far between. The "others" and the dragons are the two most obvious cases. By and large, this is a world which exists and works without magic. There are many unanswered questions at this point in the series. We're not even clear exactly who is still alive. And the contradictory information which certain characters have given us accurately mimics real life.
Forget the unending "Wheel of Time". At least GRRM doesn't suffer from RJ-itis. In his world, mysteries and secrets are finally pieced together. Catelyn was allowed to piece together the whole Jon Arryn/Bran/murder plot. THIS is the fantasy series of the decade
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, thi...More at HotBookSale
This second novel of Martin s New York Times bestselling fantasy series, the sequel to A Game of Thrones , transports readers to a world of revelry an...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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