A Clash of Kings

Synopsis

HBO's hit series A GAME OF THRONES is based on George R R Martin's internationally bestselling series A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, the greatest fantasy epic of the modern age. A CLASH OF KINGS is the second volume in the series.

'Nobody does fantasy quite like Martin' Sunday Times

Throughout Westeros, the cold winds are rising.

From the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding lands of Winterfell, chaos reigns as pretenders to the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms stake their claims through tempest, turmoil and war.

As a prophecy of doom cuts across the sky - a comet the colour of blood and flame - five factions struggle for control of a divided land. Brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night.

Against a backdrop of incest, fratricide, alchemy and murder, the price of glory is measured in blood.

Summary

Chapter 1: Tyrion

* Tyrion Lannister arrives in King's Landing as the new Hand of the King.
* He encounters the disapproval of his sister, Cersei, and her children, Joffrey and Tommen.
* Tyrion learns that Joffrey is a cruel and sadistic king, and that Cersei is manipulative and ambitious.

Chapter 2: Bran

* Bran Stark continues to recover from his fall.
* He has vivid dreams of a three-eyed crow and a mysterious castle beyond the Wall.
* Bran discovers that he has the ability to warg into his direwolf, Summer.

Chapter 3: Daenerys

* Daenerys Targaryen and her followers sail across the Narrow Sea.
* They land in the city of Qarth, where she gains the support of the wealthy merchant prince, Xaro Xhoan Daxos.
* Daenerys's dragons continue to grow and become more powerful.

Chapter 4: Jon

* Jon Snow and the Night's Watch prepare for the arrival of the wildlings at the Wall.
* Jon is conflicted about his duty to the Night's Watch and his desire to protect the Starks.
* The wildlings, led by Mance Rayder, attack the Wall and break through its defenses.

Chapter 5: Arya

* Arya Stark continues to travel with the Night's Watch, disguised as a boy.
* She encounters Tywin Lannister, who tests her loyalty and intelligence.
* Arya discovers a hidden cache of Valyrian steel swords at Harrenhal.

Chapter 6: Tyrion

* Tyrion and his allies prepare for the Battle of the Blackwater, where they face off against Stannis Baratheon's invasion force.
* Tyrion uses his cunning and leadership skills to defeat Stannis's army, saving King's Landing from capture.
* Tyrion is gravely injured in the battle, but he survives and is hailed as a hero.

Chapter 7: Daenerys

* Daenerys's dragons are stolen by the warlocks of Qarth.
* She confronts the warlocks and demands her dragons back.
* Daenerys's allies betray her, and she is forced to flee the city on the back of Drogon, her largest dragon.

Chapter 8: Jon

* Jon Snow and the Night's Watch fight a desperate battle against the wildlings at the Battle of Castle Black.
* Jon is killed by his fellow Night's Watch brothers, but he is resurrected by Melisandre, the Red Priestess.
* Jon is proclaimed Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

Chapter 9: Bran

* Bran and his companions continue their journey north of the Wall.
* They encounter the Children of the Forest and learn about the true nature of the White Walkers.
* Bran is taken to the cave of the three-eyed crow, where he begins his training as a greenseer.