Book Review :: Half A War by Joe Abercrombie

Half a War by Joe Abercrombie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Slightly less entertaining than the second book in the series, half a world, which, I think, is the most entertaining book of the trilogy.

What I liked about this trilogy was that it looked into a new direction with YA fiction, and what I didn't like was that an author like Joe Abercrombie had to hold back his hand in terms of sex, violence, and general fuckery that is a part of his books. I guess the man needed a change of pace so that whatever is coming from him next is amped to 11.

All said and done, one of the tropes in this book was better done by mark lawrence in his broken empire trilogy. I mean, come the fuck on :D, you'll know it when you read it. Perhaps it has to do something with the fact that lawrence is more of a science guy in real life, so he is better able to describe those things.

I'd really like to see an author death match between joe's characters and some of lawrence's. Because Jorg is one evil motherfucker and only Glokta can reach that kind of evil fuckedupness from abercrombie's work. But this review isn't about Broken Empire, it's about Shattered Sea books.

Yeah, you can give these a shot if you're looking for filler reading material between something like, say, Malazan series. Cuz, fuck, damn, Malazan is a heavyweight, and that would be a sheer understatement.

I don't know what I want to read next. Suggestions welcome.


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Book Review: Half The World

Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a good read even if you've not read the first book. Some old characters are there, lot of new characters are there, the battles are there, the fast talking, sharp-tongued father yarvi is there, but what's really missing is the world-weary point of view of Abercrombie that's all over in everything else he writes.

Yes, this YA, it can't have all the glorious sex and violence but this is also Joe holding back all the good stuff that makes his books the gut-punches that they are. Despite that, the undercurrents of classic Abercrombie are there. The pitched battles, the violence (albeit held back), the word wrangling, the situations, the accidents, the moments when you go fuck yeah!, this book is quite a ride.

What else, really looking forward to Half A War now just so Joe can get back to writing about the first law world.

What I'd find really interesting if Abercrombie did a Richard K. Morgan and wrote some balls out cyberpunk Sci-Fi.

Now THAT'S something I'd put my money on.


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Book Review : Half A King : Joe Abercrombie

Damn, I wrote a long review but goodreads ate that and it didn't publish.

So, i'll write a short review.

Read this book.

It makes a strong case for the next two books. Not the classic Joe Abercrombie blood, guts and swear words fest, but the book is good in its own skin.

ta

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That was the good reads review of Half A King. Now this is the blogger review.

The book is excellent, if you're looking for a journey in both physical as well as metaphorical sense. We see the lead Yarvi grow from just a youth who has been burdened with responsibility to a youth who knows how to shoulder the weight that has been thrown on his back.

Abercrombie spins a good story, with characters that are memorable and it really sets the stage for the next two books. The surprises in the story do take you by surprise and there are ample.

There is a range of emotions going through the book that is just excellent. All I'd say here is that get this book and prepare yourself for the next two. 

Finished Reading Last Argument of Kings

The saga comes to an end in book three of First Law. A fulfilling end. Joe ties all the threads pretty nicely and still leaves some yarn hanging for readers who have come to feel so close to the characters. I read the three books pretty fast, as I've mentioned in the last two posts. Because the books are meant to be read fast, you WANT to turn the pages and find out what happens next. 

The stories of all the characters wrap up nicely. I wanna talk about them, but that's for you to find out. You can find spoilers elsewhere on the net ;) Whatever happens to Logen Ninefingers, Black Dow, Dogman, Ferro, Jezel, Bayaz, and Glokta is unexpected and satisfying to a great degree. I've read few books which manager to induce such sense of gratification after the last page is turned.

I read some shitty books last year, that were a waste of my time, but this year seems to be shaping up nicely. I'm almost done with reading Heroes by Abercrombie and I really don't know what to pick up next.

If you have any suggestions, please do leave them in comments!

Finished Reading Before They Are Hanged

I think this is the fastest I've ever read any book. Which says a lot about the quality of writing of the book and my interest in it. The motley crew of people from the last book are on a journey in this book. Bayaz, Logen Ninefingers, Jezal, Ferro, Quai, and Brother Longfoot. They are looking for something called "The Seed" which is located at the "End of the World", which is a place. So far so good. The character of Superior Glokta takes a strong boost in this book. He bribes, swindles, and cheats his way through a town under siege and of course, we get introduced to one of my favorite characters created by Joe Abercrombie, Nicomo Cosca. Cosca is a bastard, and he is my favorite bastard. His is one character that is developed fully in "Best Served Cold" and its a joy reading about him.

All said, the book is very fast, very fun and very recommended. Be sure to read "The Blade Itself" before starting this one and keep "The Argument Of Kings" handy once you finish this one.

Cheers!

Just Finished Reading The Blade Itself

Lot has been said about The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie. I was bit late on the scene, but as they say, better late than never. I really enjoyed reading  The Blade Itself. The book is a fast read. It's violent. The characters are created with extreme attention to detail. There are backstories that will be explored in coming books and there is, in all, too much to handle. This is an amazing read and anyone who likes reading good books should check this out, whether you like epic fantasy or not. A good book is a good book and this book is one of those.

Logen Ninefingers, Inquisitor Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar and First of the Magi Bayaz. Great characters, great execution, superbly told.