We are still about a month or so away from Joe Abercrombie’s latest novel, Half a King, however the American publishers have decided they’re not going to make us wait any longer than we need to for a taste of book 2.
So, although Half the World doesn’t get published until January 2015, here’s the cover:
A few people have said ‘huh?’ upon laying their eyes on it, but it’ll make sense once you’ve read the first book. My review for the first book will be out closer to release but in case you are wondering it is just the kind of book you’d expect from Abercrombie just lighter, faster and with less sex/language. After remarking that sometimes Abercromie’s writing can leave you feeling that the World is an awful place and feeling a little bleak, Patrick Rothfuss wrote when relating Half A King to Joe’s other work that: ‘I got all the grit that I love in Abercrombie, and the craft, and the character. And the book was grim… but it never got so far as being bleak’ and I completely agree with him.
(A) Red Country is still my favourite Abercrombie book, but this is a VERY close second in terms of ‘experience’, but certainly first if we were to talk ‘enjoyment’. What I truly loved about this book was having an Abercrombie character you could support and cheer for (and not know deep down he is only one shade greyer than those surrounding him).
“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.”
Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.
The deceived will become the deceiver.
Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.
The betrayed will become the betrayer.
Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.
Will the usurped become the usurper?
But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds his path may end as it began—in twists, and traps, and tragedy.
To keep up with the latest news from Joe you can visit his website: www.joeabercrombie.com
Jennie Ivins