Petrik's Reviews > Before They Are Hanged
Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)
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Petrik's review
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Oct 12, 2016
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Read 2 times. Last read August 6, 2019 to August 9, 2019.
Before They Are Hanged succeeds over The Blade Itself wonderfully.
I’ve mentioned in my review of The Blade Itself that although I highly enjoyed it, Abercrombie’s debut felt like more like a setup book; a necessary installment for the remaining two books in the trilogy to shine. Before They Are Hanged is where Abercrombie starts progressing the storyline and the third book is where he wraps things up explosively. On this reread, I’ve come to realize that The First Law trilogy can be defined as one gigantic volume divided into three; the conclusion of the first two books in the trilogy continues immediately in their respective sequel as if it’s a simple chapter change and there were no definite conclusive storylines until the end of Last Argument of Kings. This storytelling style makes binge-reading the trilogy such a great experience, and I love this book more than The Blade Itself.
Picture: Before They are Hanged by Alexander Preuss
Before They Are Hanged starts from where The Blade Itself left off. The narrative was told from six POV characters and the majority of the plot takes place in three different areas in the Circle of the World: the west, the north, and the south. The slow setup in The Blade Itself pays off magnificently here. Abercrombie once again tells a character-driven story that never loses each character’s distinctive voice and personality. Every perspective was immensely enjoyable to read. Although I can easily vouch that both Logen and Glokta are included in my favorite grimdark fantasy characters list, choosing which perspective I loved reading the most in this installment is an entirely different matter; the pacing and the progression of every storyline were utterly engaging. Before They Are Hanged was full of unpredictable twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat repeatedly. Loyalty, greed, unlikely friendship, money, responsibilities, and war were embedded tremendously into the narrative; I loved reading every single scene and discussion in this book that involved these themes.
The characterizations were, once again, my favorite part of the book. Abercrombie successfully used the foundation he established in the first book and developed his characters accordingly; revealing their backgrounds and making them more empathizing. Seeing these characters—both old and new—try their best in the direst of circumstances were intense, at times hilarious, and delightful. Logen, for example, is an extraordinarily powerful warrior but he’s also tired from encountering war and death in his path. Before They Are Hanged showed Logen doing his best to be good and kind; witnessing this supposedly savage barbarian do his utmost best in building friendships with the new people in his mission made me smile. However, the happiest surprise in this book to me was realizing how much I grew to care about Jezal and the side characters of the series. Practically all characters in this trilogy suffered, a LOT. Abercrombie isn’t afraid to maim or put his characters through intense suffering. Rest assured that none of the character’s pain was put there just for the sake of gore. One of the best striking example in how Abercrombie displayed his skill on this particular subject is by showing the deadly capability of hard life and war in changing people; for better or worse. The immense difficulties that the characters faced in their respective mission brought spectacular character developments to each one of them with splendid precision.
Say one thing for Abercrombie, say he knows how to repeat catchphrases at the right time to enhance memorable moments. Logen’s catchphrases like “Still Alive” and “You can’t have too many knives” or Glokta’s “Why do I do this?” may seem simple but they’re truly some of the most memorable phrases that made this series more unique and distinctive from other grimdark fantasy series. Plus, there’s Glokta. I immensely enjoyed reading Glokta’s perspective in Before They Are Hanged. He’s such a joy to read; the complexity of his character, the contrast between his spoken words and internal thoughts were hilarious, and I found myself always looking forward to his next chapter. The quantity and quality of the action scenes—both skirmishes and larger-scale battles—have also improved.
Picture: The Road to Victory by Alexander Preuss
The first book only showed glimpses of the world-building and lore of the series. This installment revealed some of the histories of the Circle of the World, mainly regarding The First Law, Juvens, Gulstrod, and Kanedias that explained and influenced Bayaz’s motivation in the series. The world-building was immersive and detailed but never went into world-building overkill level as some authors did. Jealousy, corruption, and revenge drove the histories of the world; despite the passage of time and the changes that come with it, it’s intriguing how things, somehow, haven’t changed at all. I believe that this is something that can be easily applied to our real-life history and current situation.
There’s no infamous middle-book syndrome here, Before They Are Hanged is an amazing sequel full of unpredictable plot progressions and incredibly well-realized character developments. I’m going to admit that some of the powerful pulse-pounding moments in the book during my first read was missing on my reread because I already know what will happen, but it doesn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book. Being back with these morally grey characters feels like a reunion with twisted friends, and I’m glad for it. Onwards to the next book, Last Argument of Kings, which, in my opinion, is the best book Abercrombie has ever written so far; it’s also one of my favorite grimdark novels at the moment.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
“We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged.”—Heinrich Heine
I’ve mentioned in my review of The Blade Itself that although I highly enjoyed it, Abercrombie’s debut felt like more like a setup book; a necessary installment for the remaining two books in the trilogy to shine. Before They Are Hanged is where Abercrombie starts progressing the storyline and the third book is where he wraps things up explosively. On this reread, I’ve come to realize that The First Law trilogy can be defined as one gigantic volume divided into three; the conclusion of the first two books in the trilogy continues immediately in their respective sequel as if it’s a simple chapter change and there were no definite conclusive storylines until the end of Last Argument of Kings. This storytelling style makes binge-reading the trilogy such a great experience, and I love this book more than The Blade Itself.
Picture: Before They are Hanged by Alexander Preuss
Before They Are Hanged starts from where The Blade Itself left off. The narrative was told from six POV characters and the majority of the plot takes place in three different areas in the Circle of the World: the west, the north, and the south. The slow setup in The Blade Itself pays off magnificently here. Abercrombie once again tells a character-driven story that never loses each character’s distinctive voice and personality. Every perspective was immensely enjoyable to read. Although I can easily vouch that both Logen and Glokta are included in my favorite grimdark fantasy characters list, choosing which perspective I loved reading the most in this installment is an entirely different matter; the pacing and the progression of every storyline were utterly engaging. Before They Are Hanged was full of unpredictable twists and turns that kept me at the edge of my seat repeatedly. Loyalty, greed, unlikely friendship, money, responsibilities, and war were embedded tremendously into the narrative; I loved reading every single scene and discussion in this book that involved these themes.
“Those with the least always lose the most in war.”
The characterizations were, once again, my favorite part of the book. Abercrombie successfully used the foundation he established in the first book and developed his characters accordingly; revealing their backgrounds and making them more empathizing. Seeing these characters—both old and new—try their best in the direst of circumstances were intense, at times hilarious, and delightful. Logen, for example, is an extraordinarily powerful warrior but he’s also tired from encountering war and death in his path. Before They Are Hanged showed Logen doing his best to be good and kind; witnessing this supposedly savage barbarian do his utmost best in building friendships with the new people in his mission made me smile. However, the happiest surprise in this book to me was realizing how much I grew to care about Jezal and the side characters of the series. Practically all characters in this trilogy suffered, a LOT. Abercrombie isn’t afraid to maim or put his characters through intense suffering. Rest assured that none of the character’s pain was put there just for the sake of gore. One of the best striking example in how Abercrombie displayed his skill on this particular subject is by showing the deadly capability of hard life and war in changing people; for better or worse. The immense difficulties that the characters faced in their respective mission brought spectacular character developments to each one of them with splendid precision.
“Anyone can face ease and success with confidence. It is the way we face trouble and misfortune that defines us.”
Say one thing for Abercrombie, say he knows how to repeat catchphrases at the right time to enhance memorable moments. Logen’s catchphrases like “Still Alive” and “You can’t have too many knives” or Glokta’s “Why do I do this?” may seem simple but they’re truly some of the most memorable phrases that made this series more unique and distinctive from other grimdark fantasy series. Plus, there’s Glokta. I immensely enjoyed reading Glokta’s perspective in Before They Are Hanged. He’s such a joy to read; the complexity of his character, the contrast between his spoken words and internal thoughts were hilarious, and I found myself always looking forward to his next chapter. The quantity and quality of the action scenes—both skirmishes and larger-scale battles—have also improved.
Picture: The Road to Victory by Alexander Preuss
The first book only showed glimpses of the world-building and lore of the series. This installment revealed some of the histories of the Circle of the World, mainly regarding The First Law, Juvens, Gulstrod, and Kanedias that explained and influenced Bayaz’s motivation in the series. The world-building was immersive and detailed but never went into world-building overkill level as some authors did. Jealousy, corruption, and revenge drove the histories of the world; despite the passage of time and the changes that come with it, it’s intriguing how things, somehow, haven’t changed at all. I believe that this is something that can be easily applied to our real-life history and current situation.
“One should learn the lessons of history. The mistakes of the past need only be made once. Unless there are no other choices.”
There’s no infamous middle-book syndrome here, Before They Are Hanged is an amazing sequel full of unpredictable plot progressions and incredibly well-realized character developments. I’m going to admit that some of the powerful pulse-pounding moments in the book during my first read was missing on my reread because I already know what will happen, but it doesn’t diminish my enjoyment of the book. Being back with these morally grey characters feels like a reunion with twisted friends, and I’m glad for it. Onwards to the next book, Last Argument of Kings, which, in my opinion, is the best book Abercrombie has ever written so far; it’s also one of my favorite grimdark novels at the moment.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
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Quotes Petrik Liked
“Anyone can face ease and success with confidence. It is the way we face trouble and misfortune that defines us.”
― Before They Are Hanged
― Before They Are Hanged
“One should learn the lessons of history. The mistakes of the past need only be made once. Unless there are no other choices. ~ Bayaz”
― Before They Are Hanged
― Before They Are Hanged
Reading Progress
September 8, 2016
– Shelved
October 9, 2016
–
Started Reading
October 12, 2016
–
Finished Reading
August 6, 2019
–
Started Reading
August 9, 2019
–
Finished Reading
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Ayla
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rated it 4 stars
Mar 12, 2018 02:47AM
Totally agree about how his writing just got better. & also loved seeing the characters growth. I still don’t like Bayaz though.
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Hey Petrik! I picked this series and so glad you liked it as well! I just finished the book myself and cannot agree more with your review! This story so far is shaping up to go into my favourites as well!
Ayla wrote: "Totally agree about how his writing just got better. & also loved seeing the characters growth. I still don’t like Bayaz though."
Oh my god I'm so sorry I just saw this. This is such an old review oh my god so embarrassing xD
Anyway, glad you found the writing improved! No one like Bayaz anyway... :P
Oh my god I'm so sorry I just saw this. This is such an old review oh my god so embarrassing xD
Anyway, glad you found the writing improved! No one like Bayaz anyway... :P
Suhail wrote: "Hey Petrik! I picked this series and so glad you liked it as well! I just finished the book myself and cannot agree more with your review! This story so far is shaping up to go into my favourites a..."
Hey, Suhail! I loved this series, it's one of my favorite series! I hope you'll keep on enjoying it! :)
Hey, Suhail! I loved this series, it's one of my favorite series! I hope you'll keep on enjoying it! :)
Kristen wrote: "One of my all-time favorite series! Glad you're enjoying it."
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? XD
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? XD
Geoff wrote: "My favourite book of all time!! This and promise of blood"
This was indeed super awesome. Can't wait to reread it, it's been two years!!!
This was indeed super awesome. Can't wait to reread it, it's been two years!!!
Petrik wrote: "Kristen wrote: "One of my all-time favorite series! Glad you're enjoying it."
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? XD"
Haha, no, I totally forgot 🤣
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? XD"
Haha, no, I totally forgot 🤣
Kristen wrote: "Petrik wrote: "Kristen wrote: "One of my all-time favorite series! Glad you're enjoying it."
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? ..."
Hahahaha oh well! Anyway, this was an old review! I look forward to rereading and updating it though!
You do know right that I talked to you about it when you're reading through Last Argument of Kings...? ..."
Hahahaha oh well! Anyway, this was an old review! I look forward to rereading and updating it though!
One of my favorite trilogies I read this year. Nevernight and Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff are my favorite this year.
J.J. wrote: "One of my favorite trilogies I read this year. Nevernight and Godsgrave by Jay Kristoff are my favorite this year."
Glad to hear that JJ. I heard a lot of great things about Nevernight trilogy as well, maybe I'll give it a go one day. :)
Glad to hear that JJ. I heard a lot of great things about Nevernight trilogy as well, maybe I'll give it a go one day. :)
I love this trilogy and the rest of Joe A. books. The First Law trilogy is everything you want in a grimdark fantasy. It dark, gory, hilarious and the characters are great. My favorite character is Inquisitor Glokta "They'll find my floating near the docks". His inner thoughts are dark, sarcastic and funny as hell, oh, and a clever too. The Bloody Nine, Logan Ninefingers is 2nd with his; whispers "I'm still alive" or "Back to the mud". Lol love this trilogy. The audio book is great too.
Peter wrote: "Excellent review Petrik. I loved this series and surprised that it hasn't made it to the screen."
Just saw this... Thank you, Peter! Yeah, I think this series would be super awesome as a TV series! Plus, it's finished too! :)
Just saw this... Thank you, Peter! Yeah, I think this series would be super awesome as a TV series! Plus, it's finished too! :)
Michael wrote: "This was a great trilogy and a great review, Petrik!"
Thank you, Michael! I completely agree! :)
Thank you, Michael! I completely agree! :)
J.J. wrote: "I love this trilogy and the rest of Joe A. books. The First Law trilogy is everything you want in a grimdark fantasy. It dark, gory, hilarious and the characters are great. My favorite character is..."
Well said. I'm on my reread at the moment because I have A Little Hatred in my possession ready to be read... I must say that I'm enjoying my reread of this series, it's certainly has been a while being back with these characters feels awesome! :)
Well said. I'm on my reread at the moment because I have A Little Hatred in my possession ready to be read... I must say that I'm enjoying my reread of this series, it's certainly has been a while being back with these characters feels awesome! :)
Oh man another amazing review that makes me want to start Abercrombie’s work so much 👌🏼 You’re forever my favorite reviewer Petrik !!!
Ambrine O. wrote: "Oh man another amazing review that makes me want to start Abercrombie’s work so much 👌🏼 You’re forever my favorite reviewer Petrik !!!"
Awww, thank you so much, Ambrine! Have a good time in Dubai! I hope you'll find some amazing books there :D
Awww, thank you so much, Ambrine! Have a good time in Dubai! I hope you'll find some amazing books there :D
Awesome book, awesome aAuthor!
Great Review Petrik, this is my favorite of the trilogy. Even with the multiple pov’s, this one feels like “Glokta’s Book.”
Dustin wrote: "Great Review Petrik, this is my favorite of the trilogy. Even with the multiple pov’s, this one feels like “Glokta’s Book.”"
Thanks, Dustin! I agree regarding that this book feels like "Glokta's Book." I also think that The Blade Itself feels like "Jezal's book" and Last Argument of Kings feels like "Logen's book" actually! :D
Thanks, Dustin! I agree regarding that this book feels like "Glokta's Book." I also think that The Blade Itself feels like "Jezal's book" and Last Argument of Kings feels like "Logen's book" actually! :D
BludStanes wrote: "Say one thing for Petrik, say he can write one helluva review."
Ah you're too kind. Thank you! :D
Ah you're too kind. Thank you! :D
I’m about 100 pages into Before They Are Hanged (first time reading this series) and I must say that I really agree with and love your review. Can’t wait to see what happens next as I keep turning the pages.
Christopher wrote: "I’m about 100 pages into Before They Are Hanged (first time reading this series) and I must say that I really agree with and live your review. Can’t wait to see what happens next as I keep turning ..."
Ah, I'm envious. That first-time experience reading this series is so damn good! Enjoy! :)
Ah, I'm envious. That first-time experience reading this series is so damn good! Enjoy! :)
Petrik wrote: "Christopher wrote: "I’m about 100 pages into Before They Are Hanged (first time reading this series) and I must say that I really agree with and live your review. Can’t wait to see what happens nex..."
Petrik, I'm almost done with Before They are Hanged. What a payoff it has been after the investment into the character development in The Blade Itself. The action is intense. The dialogue (and writing) is edgy and witty (oftentimes funny and other times intelligent without being preachy). The characters have grown through their experiences (I'm loving the maturity that Luther seems to be acquiring). I also love the developments in Colonel West's story (nothing is and no one is all good or all bad). Logen is just a fantastic character with a hint of multiple personality disorder (The Bloody Nine reminds me of a black out drunk only more like a Viking, berserker-type). And what can I say about Glotka? Just love the constant irony of his story and the way he goes about his business ("Why do I do this?"). There are so many "oh shit" moments and the bigger story is finally starting to take shape. Absolutely loving it!
Petrik, I'm almost done with Before They are Hanged. What a payoff it has been after the investment into the character development in The Blade Itself. The action is intense. The dialogue (and writing) is edgy and witty (oftentimes funny and other times intelligent without being preachy). The characters have grown through their experiences (I'm loving the maturity that Luther seems to be acquiring). I also love the developments in Colonel West's story (nothing is and no one is all good or all bad). Logen is just a fantastic character with a hint of multiple personality disorder (The Bloody Nine reminds me of a black out drunk only more like a Viking, berserker-type). And what can I say about Glotka? Just love the constant irony of his story and the way he goes about his business ("Why do I do this?"). There are so many "oh shit" moments and the bigger story is finally starting to take shape. Absolutely loving it!
Christopher wrote: "Petrik wrote: "Christopher wrote: "I’m about 100 pages into Before They Are Hanged (first time reading this series) and I must say that I really agree with and live your review. Can’t wait to see w..."
That's so great to hear. And guess what? The third book is even better! Imo anyway, but if not, Before They Are Hanged is many people's favorite book in the series. :)
That's so great to hear. And guess what? The third book is even better! Imo anyway, but if not, Before They Are Hanged is many people's favorite book in the series. :)
Abercrombie's sequels are always his best books of the bunch. Before They Are Hanged is no exception.
Joel wrote: "Abercrombie's sequels are always his best books of the bunch. Before They Are Hanged is no exception."
Totally agree! :)
Totally agree! :)
Francisco wrote: "I’m still halfway through it but in my opinion this book it’s far better than the first."
It certainly is, and imo the third book is the best! :)
It certainly is, and imo the third book is the best! :)
David wrote: "Hella great review! 👍🏻 I am LOVING this series!"
Thank you, David! The third book is my favorite! :)
Thank you, David! The third book is my favorite! :)
Aidan wrote: "These books are the Goat of fantasy and my favorite book series of all time so far"
They are awesome, some of my favorites, too! :)
They are awesome, some of my favorites, too! :)
Gosh darn it, Petrik! Your book reviews are so stinking good I get excited to read every book you review!! I can't keep up. I wanted to say thank you for being you...... Well most of me thanks you, my bloodshot eyes are angry with you for being overworked. Keep it up, you're amazing.
David wrote: "Gosh darn it, Petrik! Your book reviews are so stinking good I get excited to read every book you review!! I can't keep up. I wanted to say thank you for being you...... Well most of me thanks you,..."
Thank you so much, David! That's very kind of you. Don't worry about keeping up. They will be there for you to choose and read whenever you want! :D
Thank you so much, David! That's very kind of you. Don't worry about keeping up. They will be there for you to choose and read whenever you want! :D
Great review I love reading and u make it sound awesome if I hadn't of already read it I would definitely go read it Great job man
Johnathan Breeland wrote: "Great review I love reading and u make it sound awesome if I hadn't of already read it I would definitely go read it Great job man"
Thank you so much! The First Law is AWESOME! :D
Thank you so much! The First Law is AWESOME! :D