“A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin, the source material for hit HBO epic “Game of Thrones.” is hands down one of the best I’ve read and seen come to life. The second book “A Clash of Kings” picks right up where “A Game of Thrones” leaves off. Spoilers are going to be in this review, so if you haven’t finished reading or watching the first season, here’s a heads up.
Ned Stark is dead, Joffery is King and the Seven Realms are in disarray. Four kings and one queen claim the Iron throne. A red comet burns in the sky, and little do people know dragons have returned. Many houses are warred against each other, and the book is literally a clash of kings.
Sorcery and an undertone of magic are introduced to certain new and old characters. Betrayal and revenge are prominent on everyone’s minds, even those not playing the game of thrones. The wildlings are stirring behind the wall, and so are the Others — blue skinned zombies, basically.
“‘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.’”
The above quote sums up the whole book and season two.
Of course there are some things added and taken away from the television show. One being Robb Stark doesn’t marry until the third book, and it’s not to some rando chick but a high-born lady. They also incorporated scenes from the third book into the second season as well. These scenes include Brienne taking Jaime Lannister back to Kings Landing. For the most part, it’s almost word for word from the book.
It’s hard for me to rein in my fangirl when it comes to these books and the show as well. The new characters that are introduced in the second novel are amazing, on top of the already kick-ass characters from the first book. I could not have picked a better cast to play the roles, or a better screenwriter because the depiction of the book to the show is ridiculously incredible.
The books in this series are huge monsters, but they’re worth the read. I give it four and a half stars, and suggest everyone and their mom read it.
