Before They Are Hanged: A Journey Into Chaos and Complexity
When I first stumbled upon Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie, I felt an immediate spark of curiosity. Having devoured its predecessor, The Blade Itself, I was ready to plunge back into Abercrombie’s darkly enthralling world—a place where honor is as elusive as a shadow, and every character embraces their shades of gray. Little did I know that this second installment would not only deepen my admiration for Abercrombie but also leave me breathless with anticipation for the final book in the trilogy.
Before They Are Hanged picks up right where The Blade Itself left off, weaving together the lives of its already rich cast. Each character continues their complex journey—navigating the treacherous terrain of power, betrayal, and resilience. The story unfolds across three distinct realms of the Circle of the World, showcasing Abercrombie’s knack for intricate world-building and character development. The pacing is impeccable; the narrative pulls you in with a slow burn that ignites into a blaze of action, conflict, and emotional turmoil, reminding us that the path to power is fraught with peril.
What truly stands out in this sequel is the evolution of our beloved characters. Glokta, the cynical torturer-turned-hero (if such a title even applies), remains my favorite—his dry humor and sharp wit make every chapter narrated from his perspective a sheer delight. As he succinctly puts it, “No cabe duda de que soy una figura trágica,” encapsulating his multifaceted existence and the irony of his position. His internal musings about honor, pain, and survival resonate deeply, adding layers to his character that make you both empathize with and question him.
Abercrombie’s writing style remains engagingly accessible yet richly textured, allowing us to connect with the narrative emotionally. The cleverly crafted dialogue and unforgettable one-liners, like “Ah, la flor y nata de la joven nobleza de la Unión,” provide both levity and depth, capturing the absurdity woven into the tragedy of the characters’ lives. Those moments where characters face monumental decisions—often leading to horrific consequences—serve to illustrate the brutal reality of their world.
The thematic exploration of loyalty, greed, and the human condition is masterfully interlaced with the action. Abercrombie does not shy away from depicting the darkness in his characters, portraying their struggles with integrity and morality in a brutal landscape where chances for redemption are slim. The world-themed chaos reveals the harsh truths of existence, culminating in moments that leave readers feeling both exhilarated and unsettled.
Before They Are Hanged is a captivating read that deftly builds upon the groundwork laid in the first book. It leads us forward, promising an explosive conclusion in the upcoming The Last Argument of Kings. For fans of grimdark fantasy, intricate characters, and unflinching moral dilemmas, this book is a must-read. As I closed the pages, I found myself both satisfied and yearning for more—a testament to Abercrombie’s unparalleled ability to craft a narrative that stays with you long after the last page is turned.
In the end, Abercrombie’s brilliance lies in his refusal to deliver neat endings. Instead, he invites us to ponder the complexities of human nature, leaving us at the edge of our seats, anticipating the next chapter of this harrowing journey. If you cherish a story that challenges notions of good and evil and leaves you contemplating your own moral compass, dive headfirst into Before They Are Hanged. You won’t regret it.
Discover more about Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2) on GoodReads >>