So so so great... People keep saying NOOO don't read it, you will be sucked in and then disappointed later, but I can't help myself. I do read books I love slower then normal as I don't want them to end, don't ask why, it's weird, but this one was definitely one of them.

(Warning: do not read this review if you have not read "A Game of Thrones" the first book in the Song of Fire and Ice series.)

This book was almost as good as the first one, though slightly different in execution. It slows down a bit in the middle, but is still very interesting and picks back up and is awesome towards the end, with a couple of the different plot lines becoming very intriguing.

There is more setup and dealing with politics in this book, but it may have just been more noticeable because of Martin's Tolkien-esque approach to battles -- describing them mostly after they happen or with someone who wasn't actually participating. The climactic battle in the book even mirrors the battle at the Gates of Mordor in "Return of the King" in terms of perspective and result. This style keeps the focus of the book on the characters (which he does a good job with), rather than the confusion and bloodshed of the battlefield, but makes these large action scenes flash by quickly, emphasizing everything else.

Picking up slightly after final events of "A Game of Thrones", George R.R. Martin's second novel in the Song of Ice and Fires series, "A Clash of Kings", continues to build story, pushing events toward a larger climax. Events in the east with Daenarys, at the Wall with Snow, and especially in the heartland of Westeros are all moved to the next level. Suffering no sequel blues, readers who loved the former will feast on this novel voraciously.

The title apt, "A Clash of Kings" is referred to internally in the novel as Westeros becomes a land of Four Kings. Houses Stark, Lannister, Baratheon (both Stannis and Renly,) and the quiet fifth king of the Iron Islands house Greyjoy, each vie for the iron throne at King's Landing. New characters introduced and viewpoints added, the plot expands to encompass the larger group at war. Favorites and the hated each being put through the wringer by Martin, once again nobody's fate is certain.

In focusing on the Stannis, Renly, and Greyjoy storylines, Martin simultaneously places new characters in the respective settings to witness events happening there. Theon Greyjoy, House Stark's the Stark ward in "A Game of Thrones", is a glass through which events on the Iron Islands are viewed. Davos Seaworth, the Onion Knight, is a soft and sympathetic character with an eye on things happening in Dragonsport. And Catelyn, through a twist in fate, becomes an unwilling spectator to the dramatic happenings in the regal Renly's camp as he prepares to march on King's Landing.

Along with the introduction of additional viewpoints, old ones return. House Stark continues to be well represented by Bran, Arya, Sansa, and Catelyn, as mentioned above. Across the sea, Daenerys continues gathering power and forces for a return to Westeros, her dragons growing each day. At the wall, Jon continues fighting to keep his place, things beyond the wall starting to take shape. Nothing lost in the break between novels, each returning character's story develops in surprising yet fitting turns. Martin continues to show he has a firm grip on the overall plot's direction.

My one complaint is that Daenerys' story has become very slow and its separation from the main events of the book are even more obvious. It is obvious that something will come of it in books three or four, but in this volume it is purely setup with no real payoff. The threat facing Jon Snow in the north seems like it would suffer from the same issues, but is presented in a much more urgent way and with characters that are intriguing.

It is a very strong sequel. Those who enjoyed "A Game of Thrones" will find few faults, the story picking up seamlessly where things left off. Characterization, which was the strong suit of the first novel, remains at the fore of Martin's storytelling, while the plot continues advancing in unpredictable yet realistic fashion. Likewise, the constant storytelling within' the story interweaving Westeros legend with current events continues; the happenings at the climax of "A Game of Thrones" play an important role in determining allegiance and opinion among the various factions left vying for power in the battle for the iron throne.

Strongly recommend this one to any fantasy reader.