A Song of Ice and Fire: A Clash of Kings

Sensing the uncertainty in the realms, lords are naming themselves kings left and right and raising armies to claim the crown from Joffrey. Both of deceased Robert's brothers see themselves suitable, and even some ship lord in the west thinks he should join the fray. And beyond the Wall, the wildlings are gathering under the lead of Mance Rayder to march south. A Clash of Kings is aptly named.

Then there's Daenerys Targaryen -- somewhere off the map -- who still doesn't have anything but the baby dragons and a few funny horse people. Yet she thinks she can somehow conquer the Seven Kingdoms. I doubt the dragons grow fast enough to be any good. Unless there's a time leap in the next books. Following Dany's doings isn't all that interesting.

Nor any of the viewpoint characters really. Or rather, since none of them are not quite in control of the situation and it feels things can go dire very fast for each of them, I find it hard to choose a favorite character. They are all so helpless; the Stark kids are... well, kids, and Theon Greyjoy isn't much better. Tyrion is a smart one but he is surrounded by equally smart and dangerous people. Davos Seaworth is quite likable but as he serves the fool that is Stannis Baratheon, his fate looks pretty grim as well.

There are no heroes in Song of Ice and Fire, it is not a story of good and evil. It's just a story. I feel like I were some sort of neutral historian, following how events unfold in realtime and taking no sides. I think I prefer the heroic and epic vibe of The Wheel of Time. And I think I shall read couple books of that for a change, before continuing with A Storm of Swords.

Also, wolf dreams? Where have I met those before... oh right, Perrin Aybara, in The Wheel of Time.