Before They Are Hanged cover art

Before They Are Hanged

The First Law: Book Two

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Before They Are Hanged

By: Joe Abercrombie
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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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 War

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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 trilogy is probably the best piece of fantasy writing I've listened to in years. Joe Abercrombie's writing stiyle is such that you can't wait to find out what the next twist is going to be. The descriptions of the more gruesome elements of the story are so good I winced more than once. This coupled with the underlying humour moved this from a standard quest story into a whole genre. Steven Pacey's narration is perfectly paced with each of the main characters voices being distinctly different.

Superb follow up

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What a huge step up in every respect from book 1
Great character development, great fight scenes, great humour. Can't wait for the final installment.

Book 2 of The first law trilogy

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and slightly annoying 'say one thing about 9 fingers' refrain. still getting the next one :-)

Good, but could do without annoying navigator

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This is a trilogy where the books can't really stand on their own.
Thanks to a perfectly matching reading performance I am just now working my way through this world for a second time as I've gotten through both the original trilogy, the spin-off novels and the short stories.
Gritty, lifelike characters with just a bit of the overnatural thrown in to keep too much realism at bay.

Read book 1 first

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very much so.

What about Steven Pacey’s performance did you like?

What can I say Steven Pacey is brilliant and really makes the great characters in the book seem real. It is a must read and I want more.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

King of Kings

Any additional comments?

Just buy it.

Superb narration and great characters

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