A Clash of Kings

A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2

By: George R.R. Martin

Narrated by: Roy Dotrice

Length: 37 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. And from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war.

It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles.

©1999 George R.R. Martin (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

Locus Award, 1999

"A truly epic fantasy.... The novel is notable particularly for the lived-in quality of its world, created through abundant detail...for the comparatively modest role of magic...and for its magnificent action-filled climax.... [Martin] provides a banquet for fantasy lovers with large appetites." (Publishers Weekly)

"Fans of epic fantasy should appreciate this lavishly detailed sequel to A Game of Thrones." (Library Journal)

"Dotrice's range of vocal tones, from gravelly and commanding to silkenly dangerous, creates a mood of insistence that holds the listener captive throughout the epic story." (AudioFile)

"Grabs hold and won't let go. It's brilliant." (Robert Jordan)

Great Story and Performance

Performance makes all the difference. Story is gripping can't wait to read/hear the next one.

Why did I wait so long?

Would you consider the audio edition of A Clash of Kings to be better than the print version?

For a series as complicated and rich as these, I listen and read the books at the same time. I miss the complexity of the details if I just listen to the book. Listening and reading allows me to fully appreciate works like A Song of Ice and Fire.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and the incredible vastness of the world he has created. I can't imagine what it's like to be inside the mind of Martin. He's a genius.

What does Roy Dotrice bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dotrice brings a lot of color into the hundreds of his voice characterizations. Sometimes the female characters make me wince but I'm happier if I just let go and allow him to take me along for the ride. I've listened to Books 1 and 2. He is perfect for the series.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Impossible. It takes me weeks to finish these books.

Any additional comments?

The immense size of these books made me hesitate years ago to start reading this series. I regret that decision. I could have already been on my second reading! This work is inspiring. When I grow up I want to be George R.R.Martin.

Good Stuff

Any additional comments?

Love it. Great narrator, too. The amount of detail in both the area and characters is amazing.

Great!

I really enjoyed this book just as much as the first one. you really feel like you are there.

Wish the chapters were named AND numbered

What did you love best about A Clash of Kings?

It would be immensely helpful to me if the chapters, of which there are dozens, had also the chapter NAME instead of just the number. If my mind wanders, it would be quicker to focus if the name of the character were visible. I had to make a cheat sheet to carry around.

WINTER IS COMING.

Such a fantastic, well written series. Can't wait to start the next book! I know I won't be disappointed!

Great story !

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, a great epic series, just when you think you've figured things out, you're thrown a curve !!

What three words best describe Roy Dotrice’s voice?

Great, but does he have to make each character sound like they're old and crippled.

Increasing intensity and savagery.

If you could sum up A Clash of Kings in three words, what would they be?

Flames of war.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Clash of Kings?

The events which took within place in Winterfell were far better, and worse than I would have imagined. A twist in the story which I was surprised to not see coming, well devised by R.R. Martin. Betrayal comes in all forms, and those who choose to betray should watch their own backs even closer.

What about Roy Dotrice’s performance did you like?

Roy Dotrice plays out each and every character in a convincing manner. Ninety nine percent of the time I forget I'm listening to one man speak so many voices. He is truly a talented voice actor. From grizzled old men to young maidens Roy can play them all.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No way. At over thirty three hours in length, I listened to this book while cleaning, while driving, while walking, and while laying in bed.

Any additional comments?

Don't jump into this world unless you plan on staying for a while!

slow as hell

still interesting to follow due to the narration. this book 2 is a shadow compared to book one. I did pick up in last quarter. I will try book 3 but it better get going sooner.

Satisfying in so many ways

Whatever genres you enjoy, fantasy, horror, epic, historical fiction, mythology, or romance you can find it in GRR Martin’s ASOIAF. You’ll also find those genres subverted. The characters and places we are introduced to in Game of Thrones are traumatized by the horrors inflicted both by sadistic characters such as Gregor, the Tickler, Vargo Hotte, and Geoffrey. And other traumas come to our beloved POV characters as a result of understandable responses to the traumas of war and conflict. Martin manages to show the growth of his POV characters and hints at the larger political conflict as war spreads through the Seven Kingdoms, never letting us forget that an even greater apocalyptic threat is coming. The performance of the reader his excellent, be it the variety of voices used for the characters as well as his ability to shift those voices to indicate internal dialogue. This is all together an excellent work.