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vereadsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When I entered this world, I knew these characters were morally gray and weren't heroes in golden armor. I also knew that the tone of this type of book was much darker and heavier. What I didn't expect was to become attached to these characters.
The book is too slow and never seems to move forward in the story. It focuses heavily on the characters and their day-to-day adventures. Sometimes, it was tedious to read chapter after chapter that amounted to nothing. However, I found myself hooked and wanting to know more about them.
Joe Abercrombie's greatest strength is his characters. Each one has a distinct voice and perspective that sets them apart. The audiobook emphasizes these distinctions, highlighting the personality of each character.
The book introduces us to Logen, a northern man who falls off a cliff while fighting some half-man, half-animal creatures called Shanka, ultimately becoming separated from his group. Logen's reputation as bloodthirsty in battle precedes him, suggesting a dark past. However, we find a character who wants to leave that identity behind. By chance, he ends up with Bayaz, a bald man claiming to be the first of the Magi, and his apprentice on their journey to the Union.
In the Union, we meet Jezal, a young swordsman training for the Champion’s Tournament. Jezal is vain, selfish, and conceited. He believes himself superior to others because of his birthright. However, his beliefs conflict when he becomes involved with Ardee, someone from a lower caste who challenges him to see beyond his superficial ambitions.
We also have Inquisitor Glokta, a former swordsman captured and tortured during the war with the Gurkish. He's a bitter invalid who tortures anyone who might betray the crown. Glokta is cynical and self-pitying but very intelligent and witty, which makes him an enjoyable character to read.
Finally, we meet Ferro Maljinn, a former slave who hates those who enslaved her. Her thirst for revenge knows no limits, and she'll do anything to quench that thirst. Ferro is a skilled, fierce, and distrustful fighter. During the book, she has to trust in other characters. Her interactions with Logen are interesting, and they both share common traits.
The book introduces these characters, revealing almost nothing of the plot. I'm intrigued by what may come in the next installment.
The book is too slow and never seems to move forward in the story. It focuses heavily on the characters and their day-to-day adventures. Sometimes, it was tedious to read chapter after chapter that amounted to nothing. However, I found myself hooked and wanting to know more about them.
Joe Abercrombie's greatest strength is his characters. Each one has a distinct voice and perspective that sets them apart. The audiobook emphasizes these distinctions, highlighting the personality of each character.
The book introduces us to Logen, a northern man who falls off a cliff while fighting some half-man, half-animal creatures called Shanka, ultimately becoming separated from his group. Logen's reputation as bloodthirsty in battle precedes him, suggesting a dark past. However, we find a character who wants to leave that identity behind. By chance, he ends up with Bayaz, a bald man claiming to be the first of the Magi, and his apprentice on their journey to the Union.
In the Union, we meet Jezal, a young swordsman training for the Champion’s Tournament. Jezal is vain, selfish, and conceited. He believes himself superior to others because of his birthright. However, his beliefs conflict when he becomes involved with Ardee, someone from a lower caste who challenges him to see beyond his superficial ambitions.
We also have Inquisitor Glokta, a former swordsman captured and tortured during the war with the Gurkish. He's a bitter invalid who tortures anyone who might betray the crown. Glokta is cynical and self-pitying but very intelligent and witty, which makes him an enjoyable character to read.
Finally, we meet Ferro Maljinn, a former slave who hates those who enslaved her. Her thirst for revenge knows no limits, and she'll do anything to quench that thirst. Ferro is a skilled, fierce, and distrustful fighter. During the book, she has to trust in other characters. Her interactions with Logen are interesting, and they both share common traits.
The book introduces these characters, revealing almost nothing of the plot. I'm intrigued by what may come in the next installment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
sophieamreacher's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Amazingly complex world and characters. Definitely the start of a series with lots of information and setting the scene but I’m really excited to dive more into this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Police brutality, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism