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danchibnall's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not going to write a long review of this one because there is still so much to think about. It was a great read, but just a smidge down on the scale from the first book. I just started reading the 3rd book, so perhaps I will come back and re-write something here when I finish the first five. I need to think of the books in the greater context.
A quick reminder for those of you who haven't read them, though: Martin is a great writer. This was a fun book to read. I felt like I was sitting down to have conversation with friends every time I opened the book.
A quick reminder for those of you who haven't read them, though: Martin is a great writer. This was a fun book to read. I felt like I was sitting down to have conversation with friends every time I opened the book.
cakegeek's review against another edition
5.0
Somehow even better than the first of the series! Looking forward to moving onto the rest
philrobichaud's review against another edition
4.0
Halfway true i wasn't sure if i loved George R.R. Martin or if i hated him - LOL ! A great sequel to A Game of Thrones - although knowing that no main character is safe does make for edgier reading.
The story is quite entertaining, most times i'm not sure which side of the battle i'm rooting for! Mr. Martin likes to show how there is no good or bad, only complex characters most of which flawed in some way. A lot of the story show how brutal and cruel people can be to get what they want or protect those they love.
Another way in which this series differs greatly from The Lord of the Rings, here the heroes often lose because they did the right thing and didn't betray their allegiances.
The story is quite entertaining, most times i'm not sure which side of the battle i'm rooting for! Mr. Martin likes to show how there is no good or bad, only complex characters most of which flawed in some way. A lot of the story show how brutal and cruel people can be to get what they want or protect those they love.
Another way in which this series differs greatly from The Lord of the Rings, here the heroes often lose because they did the right thing and didn't betray their allegiances.
doblyatmos's review against another edition
4.0
Bit of a slog at first (and my heart still sinks a little everytime I get a Bran chapter) but picks up midway through to a real page turner.
Noticeably different to the TV Series at points, but appreciate why they've changed it. Looking forward to tucking into the third.
Noticeably different to the TV Series at points, but appreciate why they've changed it. Looking forward to tucking into the third.
giuiawho's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
rosemarieshort's review against another edition
5.0
Whoever said 'the devil is in the details' must have had George R. R. Martin in mind. It's no secret that the book series which spawned Game of Thrones is a lesson in dedication. At eight hundred plus pages, A Clash of Kings is no exception. But a more enthralling experience for a fantasy fan would be very difficult to find.
I think what is so compelling about this world, for me, is the fact that you never quite know who the victor is going to be. Traditionally, in all fiction, you read from the winning side. Whether it be first, second or third person, you follow the protagonist(s) from beginning to end, seeing their foes fall by the wayside along the journey. In this case there is none of that. Protagonists and antagonists are all subjective. We're treated to points of view from all manner of characters, their chapters humanising them. Hate the Lannisters? Reading Tyrion's chapter makes me less than sure. Revile Theon? Not after reading his chapter I don't. It's a whole bundle of moral ambiguity, and I love it.
The world being so rich and complex doesn't hurt either. Everything is very Tolkien in its level of detail. It gives the genre epic fantasy a whole new twist when it takes me several glances at a supplementary house chart in order to understand which house supports which ruler, and therefore gain context implied during the narrative. But I never found the complexity overwhelming. Instead it aided the immersion I yearn for in my fantasy choices, enjoying the experience all the more for it.
My favourite character? That's like asking someone their favourite song - there's always more than one. I'm all for girl power though, Sansa, Brienne, Asha, Arya, Danaerys - however Tyrion, Varys, Jacquen, Jorah, the Hound and Jaime also hold a special place in my heart. I think it's more about the whole than the individual. And Martin sure knows how to provide the whole.
Fantastic continuation of the series, going from strength to strength to leave me eager for more.
I think what is so compelling about this world, for me, is the fact that you never quite know who the victor is going to be. Traditionally, in all fiction, you read from the winning side. Whether it be first, second or third person, you follow the protagonist(s) from beginning to end, seeing their foes fall by the wayside along the journey. In this case there is none of that. Protagonists and antagonists are all subjective. We're treated to points of view from all manner of characters, their chapters humanising them. Hate the Lannisters? Reading Tyrion's chapter makes me less than sure. Revile Theon? Not after reading his chapter I don't. It's a whole bundle of moral ambiguity, and I love it.
The world being so rich and complex doesn't hurt either. Everything is very Tolkien in its level of detail. It gives the genre epic fantasy a whole new twist when it takes me several glances at a supplementary house chart in order to understand which house supports which ruler, and therefore gain context implied during the narrative. But I never found the complexity overwhelming. Instead it aided the immersion I yearn for in my fantasy choices, enjoying the experience all the more for it.
My favourite character? That's like asking someone their favourite song - there's always more than one. I'm all for girl power though, Sansa, Brienne, Asha, Arya, Danaerys - however Tyrion, Varys, Jacquen, Jorah, the Hound and Jaime also hold a special place in my heart. I think it's more about the whole than the individual. And Martin sure knows how to provide the whole.
Fantastic continuation of the series, going from strength to strength to leave me eager for more.
beetree's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this, though perhaps not as much as "Game of Thrones". I found some of it a little ploddy, but the characters I found the most interesting got the most page time, so I was happy.
andytrafford's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
alethiometers's review against another edition
4.0
3.5! I found it much more enjoyable (well, you know! despite all the horrible things that happen!) the second time around because I wasn't anxious about where it was going. Some of my favs chapters are in the series are in this book. The ones that spring to mind are Sansa's chapters, especially her talks with Cersei and the Blackwater battle, Davos and Melisandre's shadow baby and even Tyrion, who I soured on later in the series. (Also, anything Catelyn.)
joss05's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0