Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
Series: Shattered Sea #2
Random House – Del Ray
Publication Date: February 17, 2015
Date Read: January 24, 2015
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5 Stars!
This book was simply amazing! I was completely enchanted by this story from the first page until the very last word. I was so excited to get my hands on an early copy of this book because I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Half a King. I had really high expectations when I started this book and I was a little fearful that this book wouldn’t be able to compare to the first book in the series. This book is just as awesome as the first in the series.
“Fools boast of what they will do. Heroes do it”
I believe that
this story is best experienced as the story is being read so I am not going to give any of the plot away in this review. Joe Abercrombie has created one of the most likable, fierce, and kick ass female characters that I have encountered. Thorn has been kissed by Mother War and is more a warrior than most men that hold that position. She fights for a chance to do what she feels in her blood but is met with resistance. After a few twists of fate, she finds herself serving Father Yarvi. Brand is another main character in this story who I loved Brand just as much as I loved Thorn. Brand is a quiet man who is willing to do the right thing despite what it may cost him.
“A fool doesn’t fear. A warrior stands in spite of his fear. You stood.”
The writing in this story was excellent. I felt for all of the characters. I experienced their anger, their fear, and their joy. I cheered for them when things went well and my heart broke a little when things didn’t go so well. The fact that I felt of these emotions while reading this story is really a credit to the author. I loved the world that this story is set in and some of the visual images that come to mind from this world are just amazing. The pacing of the story was perfect with enough building of characters between the action scenes. I even found myself being completely amused by some of the dialog between the characters. Everything is this book is perfectly balanced.
“Your trouble is you make everyone’s trouble your trouble.”
I do think that this book could be read as a stand alone novel as the story contained in this book is complete. On second thought though, the first book is absolutely incredible so I don’t know why anyone would want to skip it so I would recommend that readers read this story in order. Many of the characters from the first book are back in the sequel as fans of the series will be happy to note. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I think that everyone really should give this series a try – it really is that good. This is only the second book by Joe Abercrombie that I have read and both books have been amazing. I plan to read much more by this author in the future.
I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group via Net Galley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
I am glad you were able to love the continuation to this novel just as much as you liked the previous one! It seems like a series I should read so it has been added to the TBR!