A Clash of Kings is the second book in George R. R. Martin’s series A Song of Ice and Fire. It is a seamless continuation of the story, and all the things that made the first book such a good read are present here as well.
I did feel that the book started off a little slow. As we follow the principal characters and their initial planning for the war for the Iron Throne, I was beginning to miss the drama of the first book! In a short while, however, a roller coaster ride of emotions ensued, and days later, I am still trying to calm down and collect my thoughts for this blog!
The first thing of note was that, if ever there was a puppet master, it is Tyrion Lannister! He arrives at King’s Landing to serve as Hand of the King - and then, from making small changes in order to strengthen the security of his city, to creating double spies out of unsuspecting relatives, to completing major negotiations with warring lords, to leading his men by example - it is this king-sized dwarf all the way!
For that matter, all characters go through great transformation, brought on by rapidly changing circumstances. Arya’s growth from Arya Stark to Arry to Weasel to Nan… Sansa’s growth from a spoilt girl to a woman with the makings of a queen… Robb’s growth to cope with leadership… Jon Snow’s growth to cope with a role that was in direct conflict with his basic nature… everyone adapts and grows.
Not only do characters go through a lot of development, the very definitions of good and bad are questioned. Heroes are suddenly revealed to have dubious motives, and villains suddenly seem to have another side to their story. A most notable example of this is Theon Greyjoy. Is he an ungrateful villainous ex-ward of Eddard Stark, or just a neglected son trying desperately to win his father’s approval?
Speaking of relationships, this book also had one of the more fascinating concepts I have ever come across - the ‘bond’ between the Stark boys and their pet wolves. If you haven’t read this book yet, I will say no more… but I have a feeling that the eye-opening event sparked by Jojen Reed will lead to more wondrous incidents in the next book(s)!
The other - equally remarkable - factor in this book is the very dark atmosphere that envelops the entire story. On the one hand of course is the tangible dread of an ultimate power play. It is brutal. It is harsh. Villages are plundered, babies are killed and women are gang raped. This is the age of people like Gregor Clegane and the Bastard of Bolton.
On the other hand, the story takes a turn toward horror! From the far-reaching effects of Dany’s dragons, to Jaqen H’ghar and his mantra of ‘valar morghulis’, to Melisandre and her deadly shadow assassins… this story is woven with magic, mystery and terror.
There is an old Stark saying, that has been oft repeated since the first book, “Winter is coming”… for most, winter has finally come. The time for games is over. This is war. This is what happens when kings clash.
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