A Clash of Kings picks up the story where A Game of Thrones leaves off. Time is out of joint. The summer of peace and plenty, ten years long, is drawing to a close, and the harsh winter approaches. The Seven Kingdoms are plagued by civil war, the Night's Watch mounts a reconnaissance force north of the Wall, and in the distant east, Daenerys Targaryen continues her quest to return to the Seven Kingdoms and claim her birthright.