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4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
For how popular book 1 was in shocked this one hasn’t had more popularity, much better than the blade itself
TL;DR:
The fun continues! I adore Logen Ninefingers. So much complexity with these characters. So much curiosity for what's to come. Love the "well life sucks sometimes, what are ya gonna do" mentality. Love the dark humor.
The fun continues! I adore Logen Ninefingers. So much complexity with these characters. So much curiosity for what's to come. Love the "well life sucks sometimes, what are ya gonna do" mentality. Love the dark humor.
- Glokta and his whole "do as I'm told... mostly..." thing
- Logen is a kid at heart
- Jezal growing as a person??
- Ferro being so stubborn/obstinate while simultaneously wanting to be nicer to Logen
- West being a good, wise guy who also has a bit of rage toward women YIKES
- all the various contradictions that live within each character
- LOL AT THE ENDING
- "I love this pool!"
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"Before They Are Hanged" by Joe Abercrombie is an incredible book that improves on the first one in the series. The story is more focused, with three main plotlines, and it's fascinating how every character is flawed in their own way. The world feels dark, gritty, and very real. Abercrombie has truly excelled with this book.
The book explores Bayaz and his crew's journey to retrieve the "seed," Glokta defending a city from invaders, and a battle between King Bethod and the Union soldiers. The characters are deeply complex and go through significant growth. Glokta, for example, shows unexpected kindness despite the risks, and Captain West makes a shocking decision to protect a girl. These moments add depth to their characters.
Character development is outstanding. You find yourself rooting for the same characters from the first book and some new ones. Glokta stands out, evolving into a more complex figure beyond his role as a tortured torturer. Jezal and Logen remain compelling, though Ferro and Bayaz were less engaging for me this time.
The pacing is slower, allowing you to appreciate the characters' growth and enjoy the world-building. That being said, it kept me interested throughout. If you prefer fast-paced reads, this might not be for you, but if you enjoy deep, character-driven stories, you'll find it rewarding.
Overall, "Before They Are Hanged" is a solid sequel that avoids the typical second-book slump. I'm excited to read the third book.
The book explores Bayaz and his crew's journey to retrieve the "seed," Glokta defending a city from invaders, and a battle between King Bethod and the Union soldiers. The characters are deeply complex and go through significant growth. Glokta, for example, shows unexpected kindness despite the risks, and Captain West makes a shocking decision to protect a girl. These moments add depth to their characters.
Character development is outstanding. You find yourself rooting for the same characters from the first book and some new ones. Glokta stands out, evolving into a more complex figure beyond his role as a tortured torturer. Jezal and Logen remain compelling, though Ferro and Bayaz were less engaging for me this time.
The pacing is slower, allowing you to appreciate the characters' growth and enjoy the world-building. That being said, it kept me interested throughout. If you prefer fast-paced reads, this might not be for you, but if you enjoy deep, character-driven stories, you'll find it rewarding.
Overall, "Before They Are Hanged" is a solid sequel that avoids the typical second-book slump. I'm excited to read the third book.
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia
Entertaining. 3.5 stars. Guess you'd call this "dark" fantasy. I enjoy the multiple plots. You know it will all come together in the third book of the trilogy. Why not simply write one book?
Answer: $$$$
Answer: $$$$