Ed. Note: Every fifth week the Mad Historian reviews a work of fiction, usually from a series of science-fiction or fantasy novels. Even a Mad Historian needs a break from reality!
Martin, George R.R. A
Clash of Kings. New York: Bantam Spectra, 1999. 1032 ppg.
In his
sequel to the best selling Game of
Thrones, Martin continues the Song of Ice and Fire. Five kings vie for the
Iron Throne and plunge the continent into a brawling civil war that wrecks the
kingdom. Daenarys Targaryen searches for safety for her followers as well as a
means to take back her father’s kingdom with her three dragons. The Night’s
Watch seeks to find what is occurring beyond the Wall as Winter comes closer to
the land. Chaos reigns as kings clash.
In many
ways, this sequel builds and expands the world Martin has constructed. More
characters are introduced and of course, more people die. Martin continues to
kill off main characters with glee along with thousands of others as armies
fight for control of areas. Duplicity is the name of the game for many as
changing sides is explored by weaker houses jockeying for favor. All of the
details collide in a literary orgy of mayhem. Martin’s world is definitely not
for the weak of heart.
For me,
this book was the one that sold me on the series. I had been watching the TV
series, but following the characters of Tyrion and Arya in the book hooked me.
Those two have to survive by their wits as they lack the physical strength and
political power to dominate others. In many ways they are the two best
characters in the series. The fact that they survive all five of the books
published as of yet also gives them some credibility as survivors. They also
seem to be the characters that experience the most personal growth. I will say
Jaimie Lannister seems to as well although not in this volume.
Whereas the
first volume of the series set the stage and introduced the characters, Clash of Kings is the book that explores
the early months of war when uncertainty dominated the landscape. This is the
book that hooks most readers for the long haul. It is definitely not high
fantasy, but grounded in reality albeit with dragons and magic. Additional characters introduced in this volume such as Tywin Lannister and Bronn really add color to the series. I think the best characters in the series are the ones that play minor roles. Martin takes pains to make them seem real as opposed to featureless literary props that show up and die in the appropriate spots. It gives the series depth and adds a high degree of color to the pages. (Bronn is my favorite character in the TV show).
If
anything, this book has even more adult content in it. Blood drips from every
page. Profane men stalk the pages taking what they want from helpless men,
women, and children. Rape is a common occurrence which has alienated some
readers, but is in keeping with historical events in our own world. Martin is
definitely not writing Young Adult fantasy here. Instead, his work tends to
echo events of our own past which should make readers inquire as to just how
romantic our past was. Chivalry did not exist for the most part and it is in
scant supply in Martin’s world.
Martin’s style of
writing continues to be a main driving force. His TV background is very evident
with the short POV chapters and I really think that is a major reason why the
series has been so successful. I do think the book is a bit long, but then
again it definitely delivers a powerful punch. He could easily have written 500
more pages, but then that would have slowed down the storyline and dragged out
the events beyond a comfortable point. In any event, Martin delivers an
outstanding entry to the series. Fans will not be disappointed with the
results.
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