Before They Are Hanged

The First Law: Book Two

By: Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It's bloody and dangerous, and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is unprepared for the slaughter that's coming. Lacking experience, training, and in some cases even weapons, the army is scarcely equipped to repel Bethod's scouts, let alone his elite forces.

In the heat-ravaged south, the Gurkish are massing to assault the city of Dagoska, defended by Inquisitor Glokta. The city is braced for the inevitable defeat and massacre to come... but a plot is festering to hand the city to its besiegers without a fight, and the previous Inquisitor of Dagoska vanished without trace. Threatened from within and without the city, Glokta needs answers, and he needs them soon.

And to the east, a small band of malefactors travel to the edge of the world to reclaim a device from history - a Seed, hidden for generations - with tremendous destructive potential. A device which could put a end to war, to the army of Eaters in the South, to the invasion of Shanka from the North - but only if it can be found, and only if its power can be controlled.

©2007 Joe Abercrombie (P)2010 Orion Publishing Group Limited

Even better than the first

This is one of my favorite book series. Gritty, fascinating intrigue and exquisitely written violence. Steven Pacey is a marvelous voice actor and the best I've heard so far. He really immerses you in the world. If you like dark fantasy, insurrection, military strategy/tactics, political intrigue, a fresh take on the hero's journey, action that would make the writers of 300 jealous or if you were a fan of The Blade Itself you should buy this one immediately.

Exceptional

Phenomenal story, outstanding performance. Do not miss this! This series is far exceeding my expectations, I am enraptured and don't want it to end!

excellent

can't wait to hear the Last book of the trilogy some serious development happened and now to conclude the story.

Hard Fantasy

What did you love best about Before They Are Hanged?

The characters, who while they first seem like fantasy cliches, are fully developed and have their own motives and intentions.

What did you like best about this story?

The scope of the series spans continents and kingdoms, yet focuses on a small group within to flesh out the story.

Which character – as performed by Steven Pacey – was your favorite?

Glokta! To get the reader to cheer for such a seemingly despicable character requires a deft talent, and Abercrombie pulls it off. Pacey's characterization of Glokta was painfully creepy.

Any additional comments?

This is the hard stuff, and I like it. Abercrombie gets how life in such a time/place would be and doesn't flinch to express it.

Amazing

Loved it start to finish. Glokta, Logen, Byaz, Luthar, The dogman and blackdow, incredible characters.

Suspenseful, Thrilling, Cunning, a Masterpiece

If you are not familiar with Joe Abercrombie but consider yourself a fan of Epic Fantasy, you may just have stumbled upon your new favorite author. While Before They Are Hanged is the second installment in the First Law Trilogy, it stands on its own as a complete novel. Abercrombie masterfully ties together multiple character POVs, moving back and forth from one to the other without creating confusion. The narration is second to none.

Abercrombie and Pacey create a masterpiece

I have been an audible listener for years now, I have heard great stories with great narrators and horrible stories and awful narrators. I would just like to say that this story ranks among the greatest I have heard, it is for sure in the same league as Wheel of Time, Name of the Wind, Mistborn, you name it. However the narrator really brings this book to the next level. I used to think that Kramer was the best narrator, but after listening to the performance Steven Pacey gives I can honestly say he the best narrator I have heard so far.

One of the best...

Great story. . great narrator. . characters to love.. believable fantasy. .. hoping for a happy ending, but not expecting one..

Interesting story development

Narrator did a phenomenal job with voices, moods and story pace.

Story can be slow at times, but overall good story development.

Great 2nd book !!!

I love this author and narrator. The author deliveries a great story and the narrator really deliveries the characters and makes you feel the action .