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Before They Are Hanged

The First Law: Book Two

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About this listen

 '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 ...©2007 Joe Abercrombie Epic Fantasy Fiction Thought-Provoking War

Critic reviews

Highly recommended - a funny, finely-wrought, terrifically energetic work of high fantasy. Seek it out (Joe Hill)
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
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.
Before They Are Hanged grabs you and drags you along.
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.
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.
"Put together a terrific cast of characters ... add in magic, war, plots within plots and you have a positive feast for the ears." 20 August 2010 (Kati Nicholl)
All stars
Most relevant
This second part of the trilogy is not the "mark time till the finale" filler usually found in fantasy trilogies. The characters are solid and the story makes turning off your mp3 player very hard.

These books are the reason I need more credits !!!

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I have already read all of abercrombie's novels and I liked them so much I decided to get the whole series on audio.
The story is as wonderful as I remember it but what makes this so good is Steven Pacey's narration, he is brilliant. As soon as he starts talking you know exactly who is speaking and his accents are wonderful. Quite simply Pacey is one of the best narrators working today I cannot compliment him enough.

The narration is a delight

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Joe Abercrombie's "The First Law" trilogy is really growing on me (I have not read the 3rd book yet).

The second book in the series picks up where the first left off, upping the tempo on our journey of intrigue and danger, developing the main characters further and thrusting them deeper into the vortex of events which will leave the world around them forever changed.

The book has elements of surprise, and its only when you reach the end the that thing do not quite turn out as you expected.

The description of the war is realistic and portrayed in all it's horror. Let's be honest, war is ugly and this is where the author shows his great story writing skills.

Steven Pacey's narration is one of the best. He is soft, he is scared, he is dangerous, he is a man of many distinctive voices.

I would recommend this book to any fantasy fan.

A good middle book to a well written trilogy.

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I discovered Joe Abercrombie from reading reviews on Audible and was glad I did. I wanted something fresh to read and not derivative of other authors. I found this here.



I did everything I could to find time to continue listening to this book. I offered to do the shopping, gardening and even pretended to go to bed early so could slip in the ear phones and lose myself in the characters and the world.



The book is not without faults - the expedition to edge of the world seems a pointless, if engaging, ramble - but they are few and greatly offset by the story and narration.



I would recommend this series to anyone interested in fantasy.

Brilliant continuation of The Blade Itself

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Amazing book, narrated by great voice actor, and follow up to one of the greatest heroic fantasies. And you need it so you can go to third book. Can't wait to continue.

There's no stopping now..

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