Book #2 of 5 in A Song of Ice and FireStatus: Ongoing

A Clash Of Kings

Quick Answer

Read "A Clash Of Kings" as the 2nd book in the A Song of Ice and Fire sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Sequence Warning

⚠️ Do NOT read before "A Game Of Thrones" (Book 1)

❓ Can I skip this book?

❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: As the 2nd installment, this volume is critical for following the central narrative progression and plot development.

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2003784 pp

In this thrilling sequel to *A Game of Thrones*, George R. R. Martin has created a work of unsurpassed vision, power, and imagination. *A Clash of Kings* transports us to a world of revelry and revenge, wizardry and warfare unlike any we have ever experienced. ***A Clash of Kings*** A comet the color of blood and flame cuts across the sky. Two great leaders—Lord Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon—who hold sway over an age of enforced peace are dead, victims of royal treachery. Now, from the ancient citadel of Dragonstone to the forbidding shores of Winterfell, chaos reigns. Six factions struggle for control of a divided land and the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms, preparing to stake their claims through tempest, turmoil, and war. It is a tale in which brother plots against brother and the dead rise to walk in the night. Here a princess masquerades as an orphan boy; a knight of the mind prepares a poison for a treacherous sorceress; and wild men descend from the Mountains of the Moon to ravage the countryside. Against a backdrop of incest and fratricide, alchemy and murder, victory may go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel...and the coldest hearts. For when kings clash, the whole land trembles. Preceded by: [***A Game of Thrones***][1] Followed by: [***A Storm of Swords***][2] ([Source][3]) [1]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257943W [2]: https://openlibrary.org/works/OL257914W [3]: https://georgerrmartin.com/grrm_book/a-clash-of-kings-a-song-of-ice-and-fire-book-two/

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A Storm Of Swords

Book #3 of 5 in Series

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Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

high Confidence

Why this order?

Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for A Song of Ice and Fire conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading A Clash Of Kings?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read A Clash Of Kings before A Game Of Thrones?

No. We recommend reading A Game Of Thrones first. A Clash Of Kings is the 2th book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.