"A clash of kings" by George RR Martin: Review

“I will hurt you for this. I don't know how yet, but give me time. A day will come when you think yourself safe and happy, and suddenly your joy will turn to ashes in your mouth, and you'll know the debt is paid.”

I never thought I would start this series: huge books, lots of characters, are not my thing, but God I had to stop myself from reading the third book before finishing my thesis! If you haven’t read the first book of the “A song and Ice” series, you would probably find here some spoilers, so stop right here if you don’t want to be spoiled:D

This book starts right where the first book ended: Ed Stark was beheaded in front of his daughter Sansa, by the Lannisters, claiming that he’s a traitor. Following that, his son Rob stark is declared the king of the north, and is trying now to become the king of the seven kingdoms.

Joffrey is still the king of the seven kingdoms with the help of his cruel evil mother, Cercei Lannister, since Joffrey is still a boy. Both of them hold Sansa against her will, treating her cruelly. Her sister Arya is trying to get back to winterfell, and for that she’s posing as an orphan boy. Stannis and Renly Baratheon, Robert Baratheon’s two brothers, are trying to take the throne from Joffrey.

Daenarys, now that she’s the mother of dragons, claims that she’s the rightful queen of the seven kingdoms. She’ll try to take back the throne to whom it first belonged, the Targaryens.

With many men trying to take over the throne, a war is soon to be declared, a bloody cruel one.

“Power resides only where men believe it resides. [...] A shadow on the wall, yet shadows can kill. And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”

A beautiful masterpiece! These two books just made me want to watch the series, and dive into this fantastical world! It wasn’t a fast read, but I savoured each page. This book made me know more about the characters, and pick up my favourite and least favourite one. Let’s start with Arya, a force of nature, I just respect this character. She’s so fierce, and brave, she’s Arya freaking Stark.

Daenarys is also one of my favourite characters, she’s a boss, and the mother of dragons! But I think the highlight of this book is Tyrion Lannister. We get to know more about him, his story, and the moment that made me want to cry all of my tears is when he opposes Joffrey, and tries to protect Sansa. And George made me want to know more about Tyrion! But can we talk about Joffrey? I never hated a fictional character as I hated this one, he’s so atrocious!

Jon Snow wasn’t present a lot in this book, and I heard that he’s an interesting character, so I hope that the next book will talk more about him.

I can’t wait to read the third one, and dive again in this mesmerizing world!