About A Clash of Kings
A Clash of Kings is the second epic fantasy novel in George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, and a masterclass in political complexity and narrative consequence. Following the cataclysmic death of King Robert Baratheon, the Seven Kingdoms fracture into open conflict as five claimants wage war for the Iron Throne. Stannis Baratheon, Renly Baratheon, Robb Stark, Joffrey Lannister, and Balon Greyjoy each raise banners and march armies, turning Westeros into a killing field. Meanwhile, Arya Stark survives in disguise on the road south, Sansa endures captivity in King's Landing, and Daenerys Targaryen crosses the parched Red Waste with three living dragons and a dying khalasar. Beyond the Wall, Jon Snow rides with the Night's Watch into true darkness. Martin's genius lies in his refusal to sanctify anyone—heroes fail, villains show glimpses of humanity, and the cost of war is measured in human suffering at every level of society. The introduction of Stannis and Melisandre adds a chilling supernatural dimension, while the Battle of the Blackwater stands as one of the great set pieces in fantasy literature. Essential for any reader of epic fantasy.
Tropes & Themes
Readers Also Enjoyed
This page contains affiliate links. Learn more.