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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 Scary 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
the story itself isnt anything new but it is written very well. told even better.

a gripping tale.

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A fast moving, page-tuning, grimoire, full of action and surprise. It’s a fabulous follow-up to Abercrombie’s First Law Series. Am looking forward to immediately reading the next, “Lost Argument of Kings”.

Stars deducted for Steven Pacey’s utterly bizarre pronunciation of the word ‘GRIMACE’ … the usage of which becomes so more the noticeable (a whole lot more than you’d reasonably consider), when the narrator pronounces it, “GRIM-ace” (rhymes with:
Dim Face)!

This is my only issues with the book. For a Narrator as accomplished as Pacey, it seems inconceivable that he’s never heard the word, “grimace” pronounced correctly. (i.e. with the “a” as a “schwa” sound.)
Let’s see what the next book brings🤗

Before They Are Hanged

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Up there with the best narrators around.
Epic, engaging and viscerally written. Do yourself a favour and get the whole series

fantastically dark, draws you in

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This guy reading it is 40 characters at a time. He's so damn good. Nearly as good at reading and acting the story out than Joe is at writing them

Cant wait to get stuck into the 3rd book

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the reasing in this audio book is exceptional. breathes such depth into the story. i have read all Joe Abercrombies novels and hearing them while i paintwarhammer is exceptional. I never realised how much of the lore from Byaz i missed on my first reading.

Amazing such a great tale cant wait for the third.

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