Half A King

Reading a new Abercrombie book is just like going to a fancy restaurant, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, you relish every moment of the experience. Half a King is the author's first YA effort, and for the most part, it works. He takes his now-patented take on the fantasy genre (I call his version of grimdark 'aberdark') and trims it down a bit for a younger audience. There's less savagery, less sarcasm, less violence, but the feeling you come to expect from his writing is still there, strong as ever. The setting, loosely influenced by Scandinavian / Norse culture, is an interesting one and a good choice for a new world to start a new tale in.Overall, well worth reading. I don't feel it stands over the other great works that have come out this year by other authors AND it's a lesser work to his more adult storytelling (his best of which is The Heroes), but it's a book that's true to his form and an outstanding read.

Books in Shattered Sea Series (5)

Booklists having this book

Best Fantasy Books of 2014

These our our picks for the best fantasy books of 2014. 2014 was a phenomenal year for fantasy and there was a stack of highly anticipated book released by some of the biggest authors in the genre, including Brandon Sanderson,... Read more

Best Grimdark Fantasy Books

One of the more popular subgenres of Fantasy now (there’s debate as to whether it’s a legit subgenre or just an artistic category) but one can hardly argue its prevalence in the fantasy genre).What is Grimdark? Take what is good... Read more

Other books by Joe Abercrombie

The Blade Itself

Abercrombie's work has become synonymous with the growing sub-genre of grimdark fantasy Naturally there's a lot of crossover between grimdark fantasy (which subverts the tropes of traditional heroic fantasy) and... Read more

Before They Are Hanged

Last Arguments Of Kings

Best Served Cold

The Heroes

The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek, as Abercrombie himself describes it this way: "Three men. One battle. No heroes." It was designed to be a standalone novel, but is set... Read more

Red Country

The First Law

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny,... Read more

Before They Are Hanged

The Last Argument Of Kings

Best Served Cold

Monza Murcatto is out for blood. Known as the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Styria, she is betrayed by her employer and left for dead.... Read more

Half A King

If you don't know who Joe Abercrombie is, then shame on you. His other work is at the forefront of gritty fantasy (hint: you might spot him further down this... Read more

Half The World

Half A War

Half A King

Reading a new Abercrombie book is just like going to a fancy restaurant, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, you relish every moment of the experience. Half... Read more

The First Law Trilogy

One of the best fantasy book series period and one of the best audiobook performances to boot. This is one of those rare reading performances by a master narrator where... Read more

Sharp Ends

Half The World

Abercrombie kicked off his Shattered Sea series with the award-winning Half a King, but his second novel approaches true mastery. Half the World picks up many years after the first,... Read more

Half A War

Glow (The Plated Prisoner Series Book 4)

The Booktok hit: The Plated Prisoner Series continues in book 4. This dark adult fantasy romance is inspired by the myth of King Midas and the gold-touched woman who realizes...

What Lurks Between the Fates (Of Flesh & Bone Series Book 3)

Once, I’d chosen my mate instead of freedom.For weeks, we retraced our steps back to Mistfell and the lingering shadow of the Veil at the boundary between realms. Traveling through...

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror (Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers)

She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn’t expect her own to betray her.Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess–her soul, her freedom,...

He Who Fights with Monsters 4: A LitRPG Adventure (He Who Fights with Monsters, Book 4)

In the wake of an unexpected homecoming, Jason questions if there is still a place for him in the world he left behind.Forced to confront what he has become in...

What Lies Beyond the Veil (Of Flesh & Bone Series Book 1)

Once, we’d worshipped them as Gods.For nearly 400 years, the Veil has protected us from the Fae of Alfheimr. In their absence, our lives have shifted from decadence and sin...

Half A King

Books in Shattered Sea Series (5)

Booklists having this book

Other books by Joe Abercrombie

News