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A review by kba76
Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
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
4.25
This got off to a great start, then I lost focus on it a little. This is a shame, as the book takes us through what happens with the various characters and leaves us feeling more than a little sympathy for some not particularly appealing people.
Glokta finds himself in a deeply unpleasant situation, trying to gain order in a city surrounded by enemies. He’s certain someone is not to be trusted, but his reliance on the shadowy bank ties him to a rather uncomfortable situation. The warriors are doing their best to face the onslaught of the Northmen and Bayaz’s quest is fraught with danger.
At times this did feel like a step towards the real story. Not a filler book as such, but definitely not feeling as if anything was resolved. Each character is well-depicted, and Abercrombie is not afraid to show their flaws. Glokta seems to recognise the perils of his situation, but there are signs of a conscience as he investigates the very establishment he’s sworn to protect.
Glokta finds himself in a deeply unpleasant situation, trying to gain order in a city surrounded by enemies. He’s certain someone is not to be trusted, but his reliance on the shadowy bank ties him to a rather uncomfortable situation. The warriors are doing their best to face the onslaught of the Northmen and Bayaz’s quest is fraught with danger.
At times this did feel like a step towards the real story. Not a filler book as such, but definitely not feeling as if anything was resolved. Each character is well-depicted, and Abercrombie is not afraid to show their flaws. Glokta seems to recognise the perils of his situation, but there are signs of a conscience as he investigates the very establishment he’s sworn to protect.