Product Description

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 . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7120 in Books
• Published on: 2008-03-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 592 pages

Review
"Before They Are Hanged is an excellent sequel from an author writing compelling, character-driven, adult fantasy, for readers who want to be entertained as well as challenged." SFF WORLD "In my opinion, Joe Abercrombie possesses all the qualities that made David Eddings such a powerhouse during the 80s and 90s. Before They Are Hanged is a satisfying sequel which should establish Joe Abercrombie as one of the bright new voices of the genre. " FANTASY HOT LIST "Before They Are Hanged grabs you and drags you along." SFF SITE "Dark, deeply ironic and full of character gems that will appeal to your cynical side, Before They Are Hanged is as brilliant as its predecessor." -- John Berlyne SF REVU "We're right there in the heads of these dudes, thanks to the author's style of showcasing their thoughts. His knowing turn of phrase means that situations often appear ironic, with peripheral characters verging on the Dickensian. This follow-up is crammed with unexpected betrayals, murders and liaisons, often catching us off guard." -- Dave Bradley SFX

Review
"This grim and vivid sequel to 2007's "The Blade Itself" transcends its middle volume status, keeping the reader engaged with complicated plotting and intriguing character development. Abercrombie leavens the bloody action with moments of dark humor, developing a story suffused with a rich understanding of human darkness and light." (PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY Starred Review )

SFF SITE
"Before They Are Hanged grabs you and drags you along."

Customer Reviews

Better and Better
This the senond of the trillogy (?) is an improvement on the first which I found very enjoyable. He has created characters you feel empathy for and although slightly formulaic and repetative he nevertheless continues you on a roller coaster trip. I find it hard to put down- a good sign. He does use one phrase to an irritating extent (back to the mud!)otherwise this is good stuff. Keep it up.

Bitter, cynical and hugely enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed The Blade Itself, which breathed fresh and much needed life into the swords and sorcery genre, and so I plunged into this sequel with eager anticipation. Within a few pages I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. All the splendid characters are back - the pick of the bunch being Abercrombie's delightfully twisted (in every sense) anti-hero Glokta. Whilst Logan, Jezal, West, Ferro, Dogman, Ardee and all the rest are expertly depicted fully rounded characters, it is everyone's favourite torturer who steals the show once again with his cynical but also often profound and side-splittingly funny observations on human nature. Sometimes showing surprising kindness. Other times torturing without mercy and calmly letting an innocent man go to the gallows, Glokta is certainly a complex character and, for my money, is easily up there with the very best creations of the fantasy genre. As the plot separates into three main threads, we are treated to some remarkably vivid descriptions of combat, intrigue, sex, camp-fire cameraderie, comedy and, if you've ever wondered what it feels like to be hit in the face with a mace, you won't after reading this!

Wonderful stuff! Volume III is next on my reading list.

Series gets better.
I loved the first book, The Blade Itself, and Before They Are Hanged was even better! The storylines grow in pace and there are some suprising twists to them which I would never have seen coming at all (readers will probably know which twists I refer to when they come upon them!) and it is the way Abbercrombie handles these twists (much the same way as GRRM) that makes these books so good to read, no run of the mill fantasy that is very often churned out here!

The characters grow in development too which is good especially with the likes of dan Luthar and Ferro, Glokta and West (and his Nothmen allies) remain the best characters of the series however and it is these storylines that interest me the most. Minor characters are also dealt with to their best uses by Abercrombie, such as Cosca and Eider.

Once again I was very impressed by this novel and can't wait to get my hands on the third book.
5/5