Before They Are Hanged

A bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It is bloody and dangerous and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that is 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, but a plot is festering to hand the city to its beseigers without a fight. 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, but only if its power can be controlled.

“"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."”

This grim and vivid sequel to 2007's THE BLADE ITSELF transcends its middle volume status, keeping the reader engaged with complicated plotting and intriguing character development. Abercrombie leavens the bloody action with moments of dark humor, developing a story suffused with a rich understanding of human darkness and light. - Publishers Weekly Starred Review.

Joe Abercrombie is a freelance film editor living in London with his family.

A bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It is bloody and dangerous and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that is 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, but a plot is festering to hand the city to its beseigers without a fight. 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, but only if its power can be controlled.

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