A Song of Ice and Fire--A Clash of Kings

George R.R. Martin’s second book in his series, A Song of Ice and Fire—A Clash of Kings, was, as the first, outstanding. The book takes off just where Game of Thrones, the first book, leaves it—and shattered kingdom, divided by 5 warring kings. The seven kingdoms of Westeros fight amongst themselves as much greater threats close in. Throughout the book each chapter is tackled by the perspective of a main character, and through this, a very interesting plot unfolds in a unique way. You get to see the sides and stories of different characters across the land, and how each try to overcome their challenges along the way. Throughout the novel, Martin has the reader focusing in on the diplomatic and militant five kings that quarrel throughout the continent, while also reminding us of the true threats that strengthen by the day. In the north at the Wall, Mance Raydor has assembled a large army to challenge the Night’s Watch and break into the seven kingdoms, and from their wreak havoc on all of Westeros, and at the same time, the overthrown “heir” to the throne, Daenerys Targaryen travels with her three newly born dragons in hopes to strengthen her cause and reclaim the Iron Throne. The events that unfold are unique, realistic and often times deadly. This is truly not your typical fantasy book series. I highly recommend the, A Song of Ice and Fire series; it has sharp witty character interaction, a constantly developing and changing plot and an interesting take on how to tell a story through the eyes of such a variety of characters. -Jack H., class of 2012