A Clash of Kings
Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel 1999, Nebula Award nominee 1999.
George R. R. Martin, a writer of unsurpassed vision, power, and imagination, has created a landmark of fantasy fiction. In his widely acclaimed A Game of Thrones, he introduced us to an extraordinary world of wonder, intrigue, and adventure. Now, in the eagerly awaited second volume in this epic saga, he once again proves himself a master myth-maker, setting a standard against which all other fantasy novels will be measured for years to come.
A Clash of Kings
Time is out of joint. The summer of peace and plenty, ten years long, is drawing to a close, and the harsh, chill winter approaches like an angry beast. Two great leaders – Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon – who held sway over an age of enforced peace are dead... victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns, as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms prepare to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war.
As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky – a comet the color of blood and flame – six factions struggle for control of a divided land. Eddard's son Robb has declared himself King in the North. In the south, Joffrey, the heir apparent, rules in name only, victim of the scheming courtiers who teem over King's Landing. Robert's two brothers each seek their own dominion, while a disfavored house turns once more to conquest. And a continent away, an exiled queen, the Mother of Dragons, risks everything to lead her precious brood across a hard hot desert to win back the crown that is rightfully hers.
A Clash of Kings transports us into a magnificent, forgotten land of revelry and revenge, wizardry and warfare. It is a tale in which maidens cavort with madmen, brother plots against brother, and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside.
Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory may be measured in blood. And the spoils of victory may just go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel... and the coldest hearts. For when rulers clash, all of the land feels the tremors.
Audacious, inventive, brilliantly imagined, A Clash of Kings is a novel of dazzling beauty and boundless enchantment – a tale of pure excitement you will never forget.
”Martin amply fulfills the first volume’s promise and continues what seems destined to be one of the best fantasy series ever written.” – Denver Post
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George R. R. Martin
George R. R. Martin is one of the most influential and celebrated authors in the world of fantasy literature. Known for his epic storytelling, intricate world-building, and morally complex characters, Martin has captured the imagination of millions of readers globally. Born on September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey, he began his writing career as a young man and quickly became known for his distinctive narrative style. With works spanning across novels, short stories, and television scripts, Martin has established himself as a master of fantasy and speculative fiction.
A Song of Ice and Fire
A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin is an epic fantasy series that has become a cornerstone of modern speculative fiction. Known for its intricate world-building, morally complex characters, and unpredictable plot twists, this bestselling saga immerses readers in the violent, power-hungry world of Westeros and beyond. Set in a medieval-inspired universe, the series weaves together political intrigue, war, magic, and the supernatural, creating a gripping narrative that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
A Song of Ice and Fire consists of five primary books, and includes one additional book that complement the series but is not considered mandatory reads and series is set to expand with the upcoming release of two more books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
Related series A Song of Ice and Fire (related works)
Related series A Song of Ice and Fire: The Graphic Novels
Related series A Targaryen History
Related series The Targaryan Dynasty
Reviews and Comments
A Clash of Kings is just as gripping as the first book, if not more. The stakes are even higher, with multiple characters vying for power and no clear path to victory for anyone. What I really loved about this book is how unpredictable it is—just like in A Game of Thrones, you never know what’s going to happen next, and every decision feels like it could change everything.
The political intrigue is even deeper this time, and the shifting alliances make the story incredibly tense. Each character has their own ambitions and struggles, and it’s fascinating to see how they navigate the chaos of war. Some of the best moments come from the battle of wits between the major players, where a single conversation can be as deadly as a sword fight.
A Clash of Kings is the second book of the amazing A Song of Ice and Fire saga. A Clas of Kings continues the story, which began in A Game of Thrones. This book is a masterpiece of modern fantasy. The story becomes more interesting and darker all the time and it's almost impossible to stop reading before you've reached the last page. If you enjoyed reading A Game of Thrones, you should read this book. I'm sure that you'll love it.