The realm is coming apart at the seams when centuries long bloodsworn loyalties are broken in the name and quest for power among the rivalling nobles of the The Seven Kingdoms. After the death of Robert Baratheon, Joffrey takes the throne while he and his mother holds Sansa hostage. Meanwhile Robb Stark, also declared king leads a campaign to claim the north, in his quest to avenge his father's death and Joffrey's betrayal. Their world is in turmoil and the horrors of war once again roam the lands, starvation and mayhem, terror in the shadow of the clash of the two rivals for the Iron Throne.

Amazon.com Book Review

How does he do it? George R.R. Martin'ss high fantasy weaves a spell sufficient to seduce even those who vowed never to start a doorstopper fantasy series again (the first book--A Game of Thrones--runs over 700 pages). A Clash of Kings is longer and even more grim, but Martin continues to provide compelling characters in a vividly real world.

The Seven Kingdoms have come apart. Joffrey, Queen Cersei's sadistic son, ascends the Iron Throne following the death of Robert Baratheon, the Usurper, who won it in battle. Queen Cersei's family, the Lannisters, fight to hold it for him. Both the dour Stannis and the charismatic Renly Baratheon, Robert's brothers, also seek the throne. Robb Stark, declared King in the North, battles to avenge his father's execution and retrieve his sister from Joffrey's court. Daenerys, the exiled last heir of the former ruling family, nurtures three dragons and seeks a way home. Meanwhile the Night's Watch, sworn to protect the realm from dangers north of the Wall, dwindle in numbers, even as barbarian forces gather and beings out of legend stalk the Haunted Forest.

Sound complicated? It is, but fine writing makes this a thoroughly satisfying stew of dark magic, complex political intrigue, and horrific bloodshed. --Nona Vero --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.