#so west and glokta observing the slaughter of a bunch of poor and abused people was a depressing slog

[lairn]

Book 6/24: Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie Rating: 3.5/5

The series continues! I don’t think I have a lot new to say about the second installment, as stylistically it’s similar to the first. The balance issues from The Blade Itself are absent, which is good. The mystery of the first book is also absent, since part two answers most of those world building questions but does not add many new ones. That sense of mystery was a big motivator for me during the first book, so while I appreciate getting answers, this read felt slower. Again, there’s a sense of putting some of the pieces in place for later in the story (the Bayaz crew’s whole journey) but Abercrombie helps pass the time for these characters with some fun adventure sequences.

The political intrigue remains my favorite element, which means looking forward to Glokta chapters most. It took a while, but I was glad to see Ardee again. I think she and Glokta will make an appalling and interesting team. Still not many women in general and one of them gets fridged, but Ferro leads in a healthy share of the chapters.

I find myself enjoying these books but not enamored by them. But simultaneously I’m so impatient to start the third book. I think Abercrombie instills confidence in me that the overall experience of reading all three will be rewarding.