Fantasy Book Club discussion

Who will be reading/discussing Half a King byJoe Abercrombie.

Let us know what you think of the book.

No spoilers in this thread. I will open a second thread for more in-depth discussion.

Yes, I am in for this monthly read.

Finished. Well written and an engaging story. Not as gritty as other Abercrombie, but still that same hint of darkness.

I'll be reading. Already started, actually, and my first thoughts are that it's beautifully written and the main character is instantly sympathetic. However, so far it's been unrelentingly depressing, which is reminding me why I didn't really like The Blade Itself! (Although I will admit that it's a good few years since I read that one, and I can't remember much about it.)

I'd read it in July. It was a good book but I've read Abercrombie's other books and they're just so much better than this one. I didn't liked the plot and character development in this book and these are the two of the biggest plus points in his adult fantasy books.

Finished it in 2 sittings. I don't think it's really much less gritty than his adult books. The descriptions of violence are a bit toned down, as is the language (though no less excellently written) and it has a tighter focus, but the events are just as cheery and rose-colored as his other books. And of course it wouldn't be YA without the coming of age story and the teenage angst that goes with it. All in all one of those YA books I would recommend, without reservation, to adults.

Kevin wrote: "Finished it in 2 sittings. I don't think it's really much less gritty than his adult books. The descriptions of violence are a bit toned down, as is the language (though no less excellently written..."

I think it was a good read but it just fades in comparison to his other books. I read it alongside Best Served Cold, another revenge story, and this book looked just so flat. Abercrombie has devoted so much time to each character and their parts that they played in the important events.

This is actually my first time reading an Abercrombie book and I loved it! The main character arc was great and some twists I never saw coming! I'd love any recommendations for other books by this author.

Most people will recommend to start with his First Law trilogy (The Blade Itself),it is chronologically the first story set in the world he does the most of his writing in (Half a King is actually the first he wrote not set in that world). If you're the sort of person who likes to get into things from the beginning that would be the place to start. They're great books, especially made so by the characters, which are the author's strength.

I think his stand-alone follow up books are the better reads however, and especially Best Served Cold, which is as Manju mentioned another revenge story and has probably the most in common with Half a King.

Great, thanks very much. I will look into both and see where I want to start.

Finished it... a little disappointed in truth.

I'd hoped for a little more

I enjoyed it, and it was my first Abercrombie book, too. It wasn't 5 stars, tell all your friends about it...but enjoyable and a quick read in a few nights. I'm hoping for more in the next book.

Kevin wrote: "Most people will recommend to start with his First Law trilogy (The Blade Itself),it is chronologically the first story set in the world he does the most of his writing in (Half a Kin..."

I think I will try out The Blade Itself first as the audio narrator has great reviews and I have credits to burn. Thanks for the recommendation.

Well the thing to remember is that even if it doesn't measure up to his other works, it is still a good read. Also I kind of wanted more of a closure on this book, or at least a little forshadowing for the next book, but it still works(for me at least).

I read it a couple months ago and really enjoyed it. Abercrombie has a great feel for characters and the book moved along at a nice clip.

Love ABercrombie so was looking forward to this book but had not realised it was YA so very disappointed with it. For anyone not familiar with his other work pls dont be put off as he is an awesome writer.

Tom wrote: "Love ABercrombie so was looking forward to this book but had not realised it was YA so very disappointed with it. For anyone not familiar with his other work pls dont be put off as he is an awesom..."

You don't have to worry about that: so far as I've seen across the internet most people disappointed in this book are fans of Abercrombie's earlier books, and even then there aren't that many. Most people seem to quite like it. :)

I can't see this being pegged as specifically YA. Where's the love triangle and teenage angst?! But I can understand if it feels YA to those who have read his other works. I have not and so didn't suspect it being targeted younger.

Heather wrote: "I can't see this being pegged as specifically YA. Where's the love triangle and teenage angst?! But I can understand if it feels YA to those who have read his other works. I have not and so didn't ..."

There was some teenage angst and a potential love triangle. They just didn't play out the way they usually do. That's because this is an Abercrombie book, one of the best current writers in fantasy, and he abhors tired clichés. :p

I just started it. It's off to a kind of funny start, in a dark humor sort of way. But that's really just the first couple of chapters. I'm enjoying it so far.

I'll see if I can download a sample from Barnes & Noble and if I like it (if it passes a probation, as I call it), I'll check library and bookstore.