Whoever said 'the devil is in the details' must have had George R. R. Martin in mind. It's no secret that the book series which spawned Game of Thrones is a lesson in dedication. At eight hundred plus pages, A Clash of Kings is no exception. But a more enthralling experience for a fantasy fan would be very difficult to find.

I think what is so compelling about this world, for me, is the fact that you never quite know who the victor is going to be. Traditionally, in all fiction, you read from the winning side. Whether it be first, second or third person, you follow the protagonist(s) from beginning to end, seeing their foes fall by the wayside along the journey. In this case there is none of that. Protagonists and antagonists are all subjective. We're treated to points of view from all manner of characters, their chapters humanising them. Hate the Lannisters? Reading Tyrion's chapter makes me less than sure. Revile Theon? Not after reading his chapter I don't. It's a whole bundle of moral ambiguity, and I love it.

The world being so rich and complex doesn't hurt either. Everything is very Tolkien in its level of detail. It gives the genre epic fantasy a whole new twist when it takes me several glances at a supplementary house chart in order to understand which house supports which ruler, and therefore gain context implied during the narrative. But I never found the complexity overwhelming. Instead it aided the immersion I yearn for in my fantasy choices, enjoying the experience all the more for it.

My favourite character? That's like asking someone their favourite song - there's always more than one. I'm all for girl power though, Sansa, Brienne, Asha, Arya, Danaerys - however Tyrion, Varys, Jacquen, Jorah, the Hound and Jaime also hold a special place in my heart. I think it's more about the whole than the individual. And Martin sure knows how to provide the whole.

Fantastic continuation of the series, going from strength to strength to leave me eager for more.