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A review by selfmythologies
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
4.0
Finally finished! These books are always a journey. took me 5 days to read only the second part, and I didn't even do much else!
My opinion stayed the same for this second book: I love this series for its huge complex world, for its vivid decriptions, but mostly for the merciless way it raises the big questions for each character. No one ever has it easy in Martin's books - every action has a consequence, nothing is ever simple or black and white.
Here in A Clash of Kings, in this conflict of succession, a lot revolves around questions of loyalty. And I love the consistency in all decisions having an impact, sometimes a deadly one. People always make fun of GRRM for killing off so many characters, but really, that is only because his stories are so realistic - for the world they are set in. Why would someone have any more chance of survival just because they are a main character? Realistically, they wouldn't. And in ASOIAF, they don't.
There is nothing I love more than having sympathy with one character, and in the next time supporting their opponent. Or both, or neither. As a reader, I'm constantly evaluating my own loyalties as well. And it isn't easy, because in a way everyone can be understood, all these characters with different backstories, wishes, misconceptions, all of them in different shades of grey.
My favorite POV is probably Tyrion's (because of all the scheming and politics in King's Landing), but also Bran's (he is my favorite character besides Jaime, I'd say). I also love how magic isn't a big thing that everyone knows about in this world, but it's sort of mysterious and ancient and only slowly finds the way into the main storylines.
And by the way, it's kind of impressive that even with the size and dimensions of the story itself, (which I imagine is a lot to focus on already??), the writing still manages to be beautiful, and just...good. One of my favorite parts is in Catelyn's POV: "I am a creature of grief and dust and bitter longings."
I'm taking a little break before delving into A Storm of Swords - after all, the waiting for Winds of Winter will be less devastating the later I finish ;) - but I'm already looking forward to return to the world of ice and fire.
My opinion stayed the same for this second book: I love this series for its huge complex world, for its vivid decriptions, but mostly for the merciless way it raises the big questions for each character. No one ever has it easy in Martin's books - every action has a consequence, nothing is ever simple or black and white.
Here in A Clash of Kings, in this conflict of succession, a lot revolves around questions of loyalty. And I love the consistency in all decisions having an impact, sometimes a deadly one. People always make fun of GRRM for killing off so many characters, but really, that is only because his stories are so realistic - for the world they are set in. Why would someone have any more chance of survival just because they are a main character? Realistically, they wouldn't. And in ASOIAF, they don't.
There is nothing I love more than having sympathy with one character, and in the next time supporting their opponent. Or both, or neither. As a reader, I'm constantly evaluating my own loyalties as well. And it isn't easy, because in a way everyone can be understood, all these characters with different backstories, wishes, misconceptions, all of them in different shades of grey.
My favorite POV is probably Tyrion's (because of all the scheming and politics in King's Landing), but also Bran's (he is my favorite character besides Jaime, I'd say). I also love how magic isn't a big thing that everyone knows about in this world, but it's sort of mysterious and ancient and only slowly finds the way into the main storylines.
And by the way, it's kind of impressive that even with the size and dimensions of the story itself, (which I imagine is a lot to focus on already??), the writing still manages to be beautiful, and just...good. One of my favorite parts is in Catelyn's POV: "I am a creature of grief and dust and bitter longings."
I'm taking a little break before delving into A Storm of Swords - after all, the waiting for Winds of Winter will be less devastating the later I finish ;) - but I'm already looking forward to return to the world of ice and fire.