A Clash of Kings continues from where Game of Thrones left off and starts to pick up speed. The story draws you in and the world of Martin gets all the more interesting. At the same time, though, some of the events are described at frenetic pace, and some characters are almost forgotten in this book. Developing multiple story lines is a balancing act, and occasionally it seems as if the balance is a bit off. No doubt things will straighten up in the next installation of the series.