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A review by clairebartholomew549
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book has a bit of a slow start with lots of table setting as the world expands to more characters and more locales, but picks up a ton in the second half. So many things happen in this book that are pivotal for the whole series, and it was fun to read this knowing what it all leads to. An interesting thing I noticed and a nice touch is that we never get any of the kings’ experiences - Stannis, Renly, Joffrey, and Robb - so we stay focused on the effect the game of thrones has on others. We get Dany’s perspective, but obviously she doesn’t have much power yet, and her story doesn’t really progress much. This book starts to show the devastating effect of the wars on everyone - it’s a bleak one, but endlessly readable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Pregnancy, and War