A Clash of Kings

A Game of Thrones ends on a somewhat bleak but inspiring note- the man who we believed a protagonist is slain, the impossible happens when dragon eggs hatch- but then we start A Clash of Kings on an even bleaker note. We finally meet Stannis, who I have been disappointed but also intrigued by. We get two new POV characters, in an attempt to even out the bias of the narrative- someone had to replace Ned Stark's POV in King's Landing and we must see Stannis and his plans through the eyes of another POV. I must admit GRRM's avoidance of making the claimants to the Iron Throne (aside from Daenerys ofc) or to a throne at all, is ingenious. We judge the characters as if we were in their camp, not being privy to their inner thoughts and only being able to analyze their dialogue and actions.