A Clash of Kings by George R. R. Martin

Following the events of A Game of Thrones, the realm of Westeros is in turmoil. With multiple claimants to the Iron Throne, the Seven Kingdoms are engulfed in a civil war. King Robb Stark, declared King in the North, leads his forces against the Lannisters, while Stannis Baratheon, another claimant, prepares for his own invasion. At the same time, King Joffrey Baratheon, now on the throne, reigns with cruelty and faces growing dissent. The novel also follows Tyrion Lannister, who is appointed Hand of the King and uses his sharp wit and strategic mind to navigate the treacherous politics of King’s Landing. Meanwhile, Daenerys Targaryen continues her quest to reclaim the throne from across the Narrow Sea, gathering followers and dragons. The story interweaves battles, political maneuvering, and the personal struggles of various characters, setting the stage for future conflicts and revelations.