Oh Holy Cow! I am soooo in love with this series!! George R.R. Martin has such a knack of keeping me on the edge of my seat. At the start of A Clash of Kings there are multiple kings in the realm, vying for the right to Iron Throne. The Stark children are spread out over the land all dealing with their own problems. Jon is searching for the enemy Mance Raider north of the wall. Arya is struggling to maker her way home without Queen Regent Cersei's men finding her. Bran must lord over Winterfell while King Robb marches against the Lannisters. Poor Sansa is still within King Joffrey's clutches. All the while the remaining Baratheon brothers both lay claim to the throne. The Dragon Queen searches for a new army. Tyrion plots against them all in the name of his family. Not to mention the new characters and threats that are introduced in the second installment of A Song of Ice and Fire.Treachery, treachery and more treachery. This is one dark and dreary book that will keep you guessing.