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Cover of A Clash of Kings

Epic fantasy

A Clash of Kings

by George R. R. Martin

4.4 out of 5, from 3,326 ratings from Hardcover readers

With the realm splitting under rival claimants, five kings fight for the crown while a boy-king's mother schemes in the capital. The Starks are scattered and an exiled queen tries to raise power in the east.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
1998
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
761
Format
Book 2 of 5 in A Song of Ice and Fire
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you finished the first book and want its war-and-intrigue story to widen across more characters.

Skip this if you haven't read the first book, as it picks up without any recap.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Violence
  • Death
  • War
  • Torture
  • Sexual assault

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Gore
  • Physical abuse
  • Child death
  • Military
  • Murder
  • Emotional abuse

Quick answers about A Clash of Kings

What is A Clash of Kings about?
With the realm splitting under rival claimants, five kings fight for the crown while a boy-king's mother schemes in the capital. The Starks are scattered and an exiled queen tries to raise power in the east.
Who should read A Clash of Kings?
Read it if you finished the first book and want its war-and-intrigue story to widen across more characters. Skip it if you haven't read the first book, as it picks up without any recap.
How long and how fast is A Clash of Kings?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 761 pages, first published in 1998.
Does A Clash of Kings have content warnings?
Content we flag: Violence, Death, War, Torture, Sexual assault.
Can I borrow A Clash of Kings for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Clash of Kings; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after A Clash of Kings?
Readers who liked it often move on to A Game of Thrones, The Black Company, Tigana.

Where to get it

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