The Fantasy Books

Half A King

by Abercrombie, Joe

Description

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.

About the Author

Abercrombie, Joe

Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author, known for his dark and gritty novels set in the fictional world of The First Law Trilogy. He has also written several standalone novels and a related trilogy, known as The Age of Madness.Abercrombie's writing style is known for its vivid characters, brutal violence, and cynical humor. His novels often subvert traditional fantasy tropes, featuring flawed protagonists and morally ambiguous characters. His stories explore themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition.The First Law Trilogy consists of three books: "The Blade Itself," "Before They Are Hanged," and "Last Argument of Kings." The trilogy has been praised for its compelling characters, gritty realism, and engaging storytelling. The Age of Madness trilogy continues to explore themes of power and politics, and features characters from the original trilogy.Abercrombie's work has won several awards, including the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the Locus Award for Best First Novel. He is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy, and his work has had a significant impact on the genre.

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