The theme in A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin is that of women and their struggle for power. Though it is set in a time that was dominated by men and their battles, behind the scenes it was often the women who did the plotting and scheming. This book illustrates that exquistely. Another theme is that of the prophecy surrounding R'hallor and the return of the lord of light. Everyone thinks that it is Stannis thanks to the propoganda of the red sorceress, but in reality, it is Daenerys Targaryen.