A Clash of Kings

Greetings, A Clash of Kings is the second novel in the Song of Ice and Fire series, written by George R.R. Martin and was published in 1998. In this novel he introduces new characters to the story, such as Melisandre of Asshiai, and elaborates on those who had only been mentioned beforehand, most notably Stannis Baratheon. There are a lot of characters to keep track of even this early on in the series as well as numerous dynasties with different loyalties and an extensive lore. There certainly were a few more minor individuals that lacked any sort of uniqueness, personality or traits that made them stand out and added to the confusion. I’m sure that it will only get more complex as the series progresses as even more characters are introduced. Despite this, it still is an entertaining experience due to the inclusion of devious or untrustworthy characters such as Tyrion, Varys and Littlefinger.

The plot takes place shortly after the first novel and the kingdom is at war with four kings competing for the throne. Joffrey, a young and cruel king who had inherited the throne from Robert, tries to maintain his crown from the clutches of the other kings. As he is an unpopular ruler he has to keep his starving and rebellious subjects suppressed or be overthrown by his own population. Robb Stark crowned himself king of the North and attempts to avenge his father’s fate by waging war against Lannister troops. In another plot line, the Stark kingdom of Winterfell is under threat from a region that seeks its independence from the North and the rebels hope to achieve it through force. The other two kings are Robert’s brothers who are called Stannis and Renly. The two both claim that the throne is rightfully theirs and as such are on hostile terms, threatening to use their militaries to settle the dispute. While Renly relies on earthly powers his older brother, Stannis, has enlisted the help of a sorceress called Melisandre to help him win the war.

The storyline revolving around the four monarchs is the most prominent plot in the novel but there are others that take place outside of the main realm. For instance, John Snow and a convoy of the Nights Watch are searching for his uncle, Benjen Stark, beyond the wall as he had not returned from his mission in the first book. The main concern of the order is that there are circulating rumours that Mance Rayder, king beyond the wall and a threat to the Nights Watch, is building an army of wildlings and supernatural creatures. Another central character to the plot is Daenerys Targaryen, a princess titled the mother of dragons, that lost her inheritance to the Iron throne of the seven kingdoms when Robert took it by force. In my opinion her storyline is rather slow and her chapters are the least interesting to read. Her chapters are about her attempts to raise an army in the East in order to invade and retake the throne that was denied to her.

Those are just a few of the many plots and characters that are in the novel. Individuals such as Arya Stark do have chapters dedicated to them but it would take too long to list all the important characters for this blog update. I did notice that many previous characters, including the antagonist Jamie Lannister and John Snow, received little attention in this book compared to the original but I assume that this was to introduce new characters. Overall, it is entertaining to read even if some characters are a little dull at times. I look forward to what lies in store for the future of the series and all the unexpected plot twists that are bound to come. I would encourage you to watch it if you have an interest in the fantasy genre.

Plot=8/10

Characters=8/10

Wording=8/10

Overall=8/10

Quote of the Day

I wanted this to be professional. Efficient, adult, cooperative, not a lot to ask. Alas, your Mr. Takagi did not see it that way, so he won't be joining us for the rest of his life.

Hans Gruber

Die Hard