Before They Are Hanged: Book Two

Joe Abercrombie

Jun 2009 · The Blade Itself Book 2 · Hachette UK

About this eBook

'As brilliant as its predecessor' SF REVU

Bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It's bloody and dangerous and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that's coming. Lacking experience, training, and in some cases even weapons the army is scarcely equipped to repel Bethod's scouts, let alone the cream of his forces.

In the heat-ravaged south the Gurkish are massing to assault the city of Dagoska, defended by Inquisitor Glokta. The city is braced for the inevitable defeat and massacre to come, preparations are made to make the Gurkish pay for every inch of land ... but a plot is festering to hand the city to its beseigers without a fight, and the previous Inquisitor of Dagoska vanished without trace. Threatened from within and without the city, Glokta needs answers, and he needs them soon.

And to the east a small band of malefactors travel to the edge of the world to reclaim a device from history - a Seed, hidden for generations - with tremendous destructive potential. A device which could put a end to war, to the army of Eaters in the South, to the invasion of Shanka from the North - but only if it can be found, and only if its power can be controlled ...

Ratings and reviews

A good continuation of the series, with our "heroes" placed in some interesting scenarios. Most of them head off on a version of the hero's journey, while Glokta's dumped into an awkward international situation. It's formulaic mid-series stuff, but with just enough twists to keep you engaged. In hindsight, Glokta is once more the most interesting character with the most thought-provoking story, but it's nice to fall back on Logen & pals for some dumb-as-bricks action.

One of the best author's ever, this second of three, some amazing characters each with a unique personality, i really lost myself in these books for weeks, slowly devloping through the story in some amazing descriptive powers!! a must have book for your collection!

Come on, half as much more expensive than a real book? Effen' great trilogy, you will not be disappointed.

About the author

Joe Abercrombie was born in Lancaster, England, studied psychology at Manchester University, and worked as an editor of documentaries and live music before his first book, The Blade Itself, was published in 2006. Two further instalments of the First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings, followed, along with three standalone books set in the same world: Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country. He has also written the Shattered Sea trilogy for young adults, the Age of Madness trilogy for old adults, and Sharp Ends, a collection of short stories. He lives in Bath, England, with his wife and three children.