This is the second book in the series 'A Song Of Ice And Fire', the first of which I read over summer after watching the series on Sky Atlantic, which was amazing. This continues the story of the Starks after the death of their father Eddard, whose eldest legitimate son Robb is crowned 'King Of The North' upon his death. However, the current King is the late King 's son Joffrey Baratheon (who is not actually his true heir), and his brothers Renly and Stannis also lay a claim to the throne, and so a civil war breaks out across the land.
Robb's mother, Catelyn, tries to get the Baratheon brothers to form an alliance with the Starks, in order to defeat Joffrey and deliver the throne to its rightful owner, Stannis. However, both brothers are greedy and refuse. Renly is killed by a mysterious shadow, and whisperings of the supernatural begin to circulate.
Meanwhile Tyrion Lannister, the late King's brother, is named Hand of the King, and goes to King's Landing to advise his sister Cersei and her son Joffrey. He tries to rally together as many loyal subjects as possible and strengthens the castle in preparation for attack, which he suspects will arrive soon.
Bran Stark has recovered from his fall in the first book, but is still unable to walk, while Arya is on the run disguised as a boy. Sansa is held captive by Joffrey as his betrothed, and she is frequently beaten and mistreated. The Stark's bastard brother Jon is a man in the Night's Watch, and with his fellow men they are in search of his missing uncle. He is captured by wildlings near the end of the book, and betrays his partner (as he was told to do) in order to infiltrate their circle.
Daenerys Targaryen is on a quest for followers to help her back across the sea, with her three dragons. She is tricked and nearly loses her life in the House of the Undying, before she meets two men who turn out to be friends of her old ally Illyrio, and offer to help her to her homeland.
As you can see there are many storylines throughout the book, which is again split into chapters through the perspective of different characters; this time Arya, Sansa, Tyrion, Bran, Jon, Catelyn, Davos (a knight serving Stannis), Daenerys and Theon, the former ward of Eddard, who is trying to capture the throne for himself. This structure works as it separates each plot, making it easier to follow.
As before, the writing is very well structured, and the characters are all believable and easy to empathise with (or dislike!). The only negative I have is that at times, this seems like a bit of a stop-gap between the introductory book (Game Of Thrones) and when the action will start, but I suppose with a seven book series this is bound to happen now and again. I can't wait until next year when the second series of the television adaptation starts, so I can see this book on screen!
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