Book Journal: A Clash of Kings

The series continues flawlessly and seamlessly with A Clash of Kings, which isn't so much a second novel in a series but rather an incredible instant continuation that is as smooth as a river's run.

A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

The aftermath of Eddard Stark's death unfolds in the second part of Martin's epic series. It took me awhile to get through this one mainly due to my GRE--and then I slowly got back into it as I tried to mentally catch up with the first 250 pages I had read. Unlike A Game of Thrones this book doesn't hold you over quite as much (I particular found the early-middle part a little slower than others, between pages 300-450 or so) but it is still incredibly engrossing and not even the slightest bit of a letdown. As with the previous book, everyone dies, and everyone else is a little confusing (again, the wikia for this series is, like, my best friend), but the way things go is pretty fascinating: Renly vs. Stannis; Melisandre the psycho religious fanatic; Theon who sucks, sucks, sucks; Sansa and the Hound; JAIME LANNISTER APPEARS; and Jon Snow is suddenly much more boring than I realized.

Again, the action moves incredibly smoothly, this time with a good ol' Lord of the Rings-y battle at the end between Stannis and the Lannisters. That was when, as well, I realized how good Martin is about presenting all sides of a story. For me, the Lannisters are essentially villains--especially Joffrey and Cersei, who are hardly presented in a good light. They are both in direct opposition to the Starks, the clear protagonists of the first book. But the story moves on, and then Stannis--who is a villainous man capable of fratricide--is fighting the Lannisters, and idk who should win! Because I hate Stannis but I HATE Joffrey. And I love/hate Cersei, who is so interesting. At least Tyrion is okay.

Other houses are moving into the game as well--the Tyrells most notably, with Mr. Knight of Flowers/Loras/Renly's boyfriend (great subtle hints), and then the Greyjoys, but now also lesser houses like the Boltons, who I can already tell I will hate.

New favorites: The Hound. Bronn. Sansa, who I like more. Gendry. And a slew of other minor players.

I'm anxious for more developments in the call for kingdom and the other houses that will be introduced.

A solid second installment.

8/10