A review by josiah17
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie

adventurous challenging dark tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The first half of this book was a bit difficult to get into. I think that's partially due to me burning myself out a bit the past few days with reading. But I LOVE the second half of this book. And now that I've finished, I can look back at the first half and appreciate it more.

The character work is downright phenomenal. I just love spending time in the heads of these characters, and Abercrombie makes it so easy to feel engrossed with his accessibile and fluid prose. 

The plot felt like it meandered a little more than the first book, as this still feels like a setup book for the culmination of everything in the third and final book. But just as I can look back and appreciate first book after finishing, I can do the same for the plot and understand that this is building up to something that will most definitely be extraordinary. 

I can't wait to read the third book!
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