4.5/5 stars

I had really high expectations for this book after enjoying the first one as much as I did. Although it wasn't as good as the first, I found myself liking this book for different reasons than A Game of Thrones.

In the first book I really liked the story, but didn't like the characters personalities as much. In A Clash of Kings, the characters were my favorite part of the book and made up for my small disappointment in the story. This one contained lots of build up to the very end of the story, and I read the last 3/4th of the book so much faster than the rest.

My favorite POV characters in this one were Sansa and Arya. I loved how Sansa grew up and changed throughout her time at Kings Landing, becoming a much more loveable character. Arya's chapters were filled with so much action and I admire her strength.

Out of the other characters, I came to like Tyrion by the end. His chapters were filled with such witty lines that made me smile during all of the intense scenes. Also, where was Dany throughout this book?! I think there were only about four chapters from her POV. That made me a little upset as she was one of my favorite characters from the last book, but I enjoyed her chapters nonetheless.

Overall, I liked this book but I felt it fell a little flat in the story department. Still, I came to love the characters so much more and I hope this new love for them will continue throughout the rest of the books! A Storm of Swords here I come!