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Title: A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin, John Howe ISBN: 1-892065-31-2 Publisher: Meisha Merlin Publishing Pub. Date: June, 2004 Format: Hardcover List Price(USD): $250.00 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.59 (496 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: There's good, and then there's...
Comment: I'll admit I picked up Game of Thrones basically because it had a quote from Robert Jordan on the cover, and I was desperate for a book to read. Good luck, I'd say. Martin's successfully created a fantasy world that at once seems as real as our own history and at the same time embraces the utterly fantastic. What he started with Game of Thrones has only improved with Clash of Kings. For an erstwhile fantasy novel, there's very little in the way of sorcery and fairies...which is not to say those aspects are not there. Clash of Kings features a significant increase in the role of the fantastic from Game of Thrones, but continues to let his enthralling characters and amazing ability to tell a story of politics within the scope of what almost feels like historical fiction. To me, most fantasy novels have an almost dreary lack of originality. Even such modern masterpieces as Guy Gavriel Kay's Fionavar Tapestry, Tad Williams' Memory, Sorrow and Thorn, and Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time are positively drenched in Tolkein and Arthurian archetypes. Martin has written a brilliant novel of conflict, human flaws, and strength, using the traditions of the fantasy genre, not to supply him with the basis for all his characters and his plot, but as a supporting aspect of a far grander theme. Bravo.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Strong Middle Book In A Great Series
Comment: First of all, I'd like to point out that my rating is four and a half stars. I _loved_ A Game of Thrones; in my opinion, it's one of the best fantasies written in a long time (for those interested, see my review of AGoT from January, 1999). ACoK is even darker than the already dark Game, but it carries on the story in a tight, well-paced direction. The plot thickens substantially, and the chapters specifically related to Tyrion Lannister (arguably the coolest character in the series) are incredibly well-written! The only gripe I have with George's second installment is the lack of closure. I certainly understand that this is a middle book in a six volume series, but it still ended a bit too abruptly for my taste. Still, it is a masterful addition to one of the best fantasy worlds created in a long time.
For those who have criticized Martin for the profanity and graphic violence portrayed in his novels, I will say his series is not for the squeamish or easily offended. For those who have tough hides, it's definitely worth your time. The profanity is not excessive. Many people swear; you can't avoid it. So some of George's characters use strong language too; however, this is realistic to their personalities! Martin doesn't use these words to shock, but to simply strengthen the realistic nature of some of his characters.
The violence is harsh, yes, but I think it is also necessary to the plot. The land of Westeros is _brutal_. Many of the central characters are _not_ nice people. Let's face it. A realistic world is not all fun and games. Bad things happen. Those who want happy endings should read Cinderella. Those who want a gritty, realistic fantasy should read George R.R. Martin.
One last comment I want to make is directed to George. I read one of your latest interviews in which you name Tyrion Lannister a villain. I beg to differ. Tyrion is the _hero_ of the series. Sure, he may be on the wrong side for the time being, but he is a just person. Give him the credit he's due. If nothing else, call him an anti-hero. In the end, I think the Imp will be the most remembered character of the series.
One last plug. I suggest all fans of Martin read his short story, "The Hedge Knight," which can be found in a fantasy compilation of short stories called _Legends_. It's set in the same world as AGoT, and its characters are some of my favorites. If you're reading this, George, write a prequel novel about Dunk and Egg! :-)
Rating: 5
Summary: At least as good as the first one
Comment: This book doesn't need a lengthy review: if you liked the first book, then buy this one, you'll like it exactly as much. The follow-up to the first book is so well-crafted and exactly in the tone of the first, that the two could well be two halves of one book.
The story progresses somewhat slowly in the first half, but at this point, the reader has come to know and care so much for the characters that this is not a problem; anyway, the finale more than makes up for it. The shining star of this book is definitely Tyrion, the ultimate anti-hero if I ever saw one, who manages to totally defeat the classification between hero and villain. I found myself wishing the next Tyrion chapter would come along, although all characters, in their own way, made me yearn for their next chapter.
Two new characters are given their own chapters in this novel, Theo and Davos. I found this somewhat irritating at first because I felt they did not contribute to the story, but both have a role to play in the story that makes it more than worthwhile to read their chapters through.
I look forward immensely to 'A Storm of Swords', after two such incredible novels.
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Title: A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 4) by George R. R. Martin ISBN: 0553801503 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 03 August, 2004 List Price(USD): $28.00 |
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Title: Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 055357339X Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 March, 1996 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: Crossroads of Twilight (Wheel of Time, Book 10) by Robert Jordan ISBN: 0812571339 Publisher: Tor Fantasy Pub. Date: 25 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $7.99 |
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Title: Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2) by Robin Hobb ISBN: 0553573411 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 February, 1997 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
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Title: New Spring (A Wheel of Time Prequel Novel) by Robert Jordan ISBN: 0765306298 Publisher: Tor Fantasy Pub. Date: 06 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $22.95 |
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