Opinions of "A Clash Of Kings"

[biodroid]

Tyrion is very witty and manipulative I thought. He kinda has both good and bad traits.

 

[TK-421]

Tyrion is very witty and manipulative I thought. He kinda has both good and bad traits.

That's why he's GRRM's favourite character (and mine as well).

 

[True Southron]

On a related note... seeing as this thread is about what to read and what not to read. I'm traveling to the US at the end of July. I will take the opportunity to buy ADWD, but since I'm there, I'd also like to buy other good fantasy books that might be up to (close at least) the standards of this series.

Since it has also been discussed on this thread: my preference would be something that is very well written with little to no magic... not interested in many races, all powerful wizards, dungeons-and-dragons-type heroes and spells, and stuff like that. More like Westeros w/o Dany and Melissandre... It could even be some very good historical novel with a medieval setting.

Any recommendations?

 

[Eulalia]

I really liked the C J Sansom murder mystery books set in Tudor England. There is lots of historical detail.

Ruled Britannia by Harry Turtledove is fun. It is set in England after they lost the war to the Spanish Armada. Shakespeare is the main character.

Can't think of something earlier off the top except the Name of the Rose.

 

[biodroid]

On a related note... seeing as this thread is about what to read and what not to read. I'm traveling to the US at the end of July. I will take the opportunity to buy ADWD, but since I'm there, I'd also like to buy other good fantasy books that might be up to (close at least) the standards of this series.

Since it has also been discussed on this thread: my preference would be something that is very well written with little to no magic... not interested in many races, all powerful wizards, dungeons-and-dragons-type heroes and spells, and stuff like that. More like Westeros w/o Dany and Melissandre... It could even be some very good historical novel with a medieval setting.

Any recommendations?

Joe Abercrombie - The First Law trilogy, brilliant stuff!!

 

[True Southron]

Joe Abercrombie - The First Law trilogy, brilliant stuff!!

Thanks biodroid. I've looked it up in Amazon and judging from the reviews I think it's what I'm looking for (even praised by GRRM). Are these books that one can be sure to find at any decent non-specialized bookstore (eg Barnes and Noble)... or should I take precautions and have them shipped to my hotel?

 

[Hilarious Joke]

Thanks biodroid. I've looked it up in Amazon and judging from the reviews I think it's what I'm looking for (even praised by GRRM). Are these books that one can be sure to find at any decent non-specialized bookstore (eg Barnes and Noble)... or should I take precautions and have them shipped to my hotel?

Well I've been travelling for the last 8 weeks in the States (I'm at Boston airport right now actually - plane delayed) and I've had trouble finding Abercrombie's First Law trilogy from the B&N type bookstores.

Personally, I'd recommend Robin Hobbs' The Assassin's Apprentice. Very good characterisation, and none of the typical D&D style magic.

 

[viZion]

I bought the entire First Law series in a Barnes and Noble one at a time as I finished them. They shouldn't be too hard to find. I think they are awesome. I've read all of Joe Abercrombie's books and they haven't disappointed me yet. GRRM endorses Joe Abercrombie pretty heavily, too. Very recently, Joe Abercrombie did a live interview of GRRM (I believe it was right after he announced ADWD's release date). You can find the video around here somewhere. I'm sure there's a thread on it.

Ah, here it is:
http://www.sffchronicles.co.uk/forum/531725-joe-abercrombie-interviews-george-r-r-martin.html

 

[Hilarious Joke]

I was assuming Barnes and Noble had a similar range to Borders and Books-a-Million. Is that an unfair assumption?! I might have to go and find out!

 

[biodroid]

Thanks biodroid. I've looked it up in Amazon and judging from the reviews I think it's what I'm looking for (even praised by GRRM). Are these books that one can be sure to find at any decent non-specialized bookstore (eg Barnes and Noble)... or should I take precautions and have them shipped to my hotel?

I don't know B&N but I am sure Amazon has them in stock, they come in nice covers as well almost collectible looking IMO.

 

[thaddeus6th]

That's true, biodroid. I got the hardback for The Heroes after paperbacks for the other four books. I think the paperbacks are better, although the hardback would probably edge it when it comes to burglar-killing. Not that I assess books based on how useful they'd be for slaying intruders. That would be quite mad.

 

[Brian G Turner]

Just finished Abercrombie's First Law series and quiet enjoyed them, too.

 

[True Southron]

Abercrombie it is, then. And through Amazon, given that I only have one day to search for the books. Thank you very much!

 

[Orionis]

Read ACOK, take a short break and then immediately begin ASOS. Rinse and repeat for AFFC.

Best series I'ver ever read. If you time it correctly you'll be ready for ADWD

I started the books last November....enjoyed GoT so much I immediately did a reread so I could master the cast of characters...and then I moved on to ACoK...it was good within a day or so SoS was in my hands. SoS amazed, angered, thrilled and tortured me so that I had to give that one a reread too (to make sure I really read what I thought I had)...so after that one I took a break mid April, enjoyed the tv show.

Now I have about 500 pages left in AFFC and 6 days to do it! I must say my timing has been impeccable. I've played the wait and wait and wait some more game with other series, so I don't envy those who have had to do it with this one.

 

[Boaz]

Spoiler Alert for Macbeth! Also, SPOILER ALERT for AGOT and ACOK!!!!!

Orionis, I'm glad you're here and that you've timed this well.

Regarding opinions on A Clash of Kings... I know it and A Feast for Crows are generally cited as the least favorite of the series. But we need to remember that these are in no way meant to be stand alone books. That'd be like saying the fourth act of The Tragedy of Macbeth stunk to high heaven. It may not be the most interesting part of the story, but it is integral. In Act I, Macbeth and Banquo visit the witches. In Act II, Mabeth and his wife assassinate Duncan. In Act III, Macbeth continues his reign of terror by murdering Banquo. And in ACT V, Malcolm travel via Birnam Wood to Dunsinane Castle and Macduff slays Macbeth. But the action stalls in Act IV. No one dies, if I recall correctly... it's just Macbeth and Lady Macbeth musing over their fates and Malcolm gathering support. But Act IV is part of the story, just like ACOK.

GRRM's story is longer and has a larger cast than Macbeth. ACOK is meant to remain in context as the second part of a seven part story.

For me, ACOK has many high points. First, Tyrion really shines as the lead character. He is given the reins of the government and he performs well. He strengthens the capital's defenses. He forges an alliance with the Tyrells. He begins the painful process of trying to rebuild the national economy and the national treasury during a civil war. He is also faced with the impossible task of disiplining a teenage brat who is led to believe in an absolute monarchy by his avaricious and medlesome mother, the Queen Regent. For the most part, he successfully navigates the treacherous nature of court life. He also personally leads troops into battle. He also attempts to find a normal life, i.e. love and contentment, to balance out the insanity he's forced to deal with.

Second, we get a glimpse beyond. Beyond the Wall through Jon's eyes. Beyond the Dothraki Sea through Dany's eyes. Beyond reality to the past and future in the House of the Undying. Beyond the rich and famous to the poor and disenfranchised through Arya's eyes. Beyond Stark and Lannister into Houses Baratheon and Greyjoy through Davos', Theon's and Catelyn's eyes. Beyond the natural to the supernatural through the power of R'hllor.

Third, Martin continues to deftly manage character development while holding dramatic tension. Joffrey, Gregor, his men, Pyat Pree, and Craster are the monsters. Sansa, Arya, Bran, Jon, and Robb begin to grow up. Jorah, Jaqen, Davos, and Sandor are severely tested as to their levels of commitment. Middlefinger, Varys, Tywin, Shae, Bronn, Pycelle, Quaithe, and even Arstan lurk as influential players of unknown intentions. We really begin to know the three noble warriors; Brienne, Brynden, and Qhorin. We get introduced to Ygritte, Tormund, and Mance.

And through all the character introductions and developments, the war rages. The Battle of the Blackwater remains the biggest and most descriptive fight of the series. This is the culmination of Tyrion's personal trial. Sure, he had criminal trials in AGOT and ASOS, but this was the trial of his real abilities... and he gave it everything he had.

Fourth, the civil war between Stark and Lannister expands into two rebellions (Stark and Greyjoy) and three civil wars (Joffrey v. Stannis, Joffrey v. Renly, Stannis v. Renly) collectively called the War of the Five Kings. Even in death, Robert inspires loathing from both characters and from readers. How epic can epic get? How can the Iron Throne simultaneously put down two rebellions and win two civil wars and still prepare for a the upcoming invasion by the Targaryens? I almost felt sorry for Tywin Lannister.... almost.

Fifth and finally, ACOK made me yearn for the days of Eddard Stark as Hand and to root for his sons. After thirty plus years of reading fantasy, I'm sick of teenage boys as saviors. Really sick. But Eddard needed avenging... Joffrey, Cersei, Jaime, Tywin, Ilyn, Varys, Littlefinger.... someone had to pay. I'd rather have Robb become a savior than to let Joffrey escape justice. And this made me want to see another good, just and merciful man governing the realm... like Eddard.

 

[Koopa]

I've just started reading Brian Anderson mistborn series.
I'm halfway trhough the first book and liking it so far.
Though i'm fearing for an utter cliché ending. It reminds me a bit off the black magician trilogy of canavan. Only better.