A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin

The land is split into six factions after King Robert Baratheon's passing. The current king of the Iron Throne is Joffrey, Robert's supposedly eldest son. But rumors about his parentage spread doubts of his claims. They believe that Jofrey and his siblings are products of incest and have no right to the throne. The others vying for the title take center stage. Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Robb Stark, Daenerys Targaryen, and the Greyjoys all want a piece of the action.

Stannis and Renly are convinced each has a legitimate claim to the throne when rumors of incest spread. After the execution of Ned Stark, the North rose in rebellion and proclaimed Robb King of the North.Meanwhile, Ned's ward Theon decided it was ripe time to please his father by handing him Winterfell. Far away from King's Landing, Daenerys and her khalasar set out to find what the future has prepared for them. Thus begins her journey to power. Her challenge is to gather enough resources and people to her cause.

The story like the previous book is told from the point-of-view of several characters. Most of the names will be familiar to the reader.

Tyrion Lannister escaped the clutches of Catelyn Stark after he was accused of trying to murder Brandon. He's back at King's Landing to maintain a semblance of order after the mess made by his nephew Joffrey. Tyrion has a chance to redeem himself. He thinks his talents have been recognized when he was appointed as King's Hand. Now he has to protect himself and his interests to fulfill his duties.

Bran Stark has to be tough and wise when he is given the task as Lord of Winterfell. But he is just a boy and his brothers and his mother are far away. He doubts his capabilities and is unsure of being accepted by his subjects because of his condition.

Arya Stark has to survive and pretend she's a nobody until she's safe, but in a land plunged in chaos, staying alive will not be easy. She has always been strong and quick-witted for a little girl, but she will be tested greatly.

Sansa Stark's world of knights, ladies and adventure is shattered by betrayal and lies. The truth was there all along but she endured and pretended. However she has to keep playing the gullible young lady until she has a chance to escape.

Jon Snow joined the Night's Watch which set out to investigate and perhaps confront the threat beyond the Wall. They are outnumbered, inexperienced and they don't exactly know what they're up against. Jon's mettle will be tested when he has to choose once again between honor and duty and his heart's desire.

Catelyn wants to be at her younger children's side but her eldest needs her. More than even her wisdom as a mother is needed to try to stop the impending war and to find the best possible way to see the safety of Robb from the trouble she started.

Davos Seaworth is a loyal and honest friend and adviser of Stannis. He swears to do whatever it takes to protect Stannis from himself and his enemies, even those posing as allies like Melisandre.

This second installment of A Song of Ice and Fire series has the same pace as the first book. It's character-driven and full of tension and action from start to finish. As readers get to know the returning and new characters even more, the world in which the story is set expands with every history and information provided.

Use of magic is more evident with the introduction of Melisandre, yet the theme is still more about power struggle and politics. Like I mentioned in my previous review, if you're into vivid battle scenes involving magic and fantastical creatures, the book scarcely has any of that. Not yet at least. 

Despite the promise of large-scale battles, the only let-down in the book is the way the battle at King's Landing was delivered. The Battle at the Black Water was told from the first person perspective and so it was limited. It only confirmed what I already though of how the fights will be handled in the first book. It's a sad reminder that the next large-scale battles to come would be treated the same way. If you watch the television series, it might make up for the lack of a satisfying action scene in the book.

Still, for those who are contented with just the unforgettable characters, A Clash of Kings has not disappointed in that aspect. 

Rating: 7.5 out of 10