Half a King

Shattered Sea, Book 1

By: Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by: John Keating

Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

Yarvi, second son of the feared King Uthrik and the ruthless Queen Laithlin of Gettland, was born with a useless hand, and cannot hold a shield, or make fast a knot, or pull an oar, or do any of the things expected from a man. Left an outcast, he's surrendered his birthright and been given a woman's place as apprentice to Mother Gundring, Gettland's Minister, training to be an adviser, diplomat, healer and translator.

But when his father and brother are murdered by Grom-gil-Gorm, King of neighboring Vansterland, Yarvi is forced to take the Black Chair and become king himself - or half a king, at least - swear an oath of vengeance against the killers of his father, and lead a raid against the Vanstermen. Betrayed, left for dead, and enslaved on a rotting trading galley, Yarvi will need all his Minister's wit and cunning to escape, and all his diplomacy and knowledge to keep a rag-tag band of other slaves together on a month long trek across the frozen wastes of the utmost north. Among them are Sumael, the ship's single-minded navigator, Rulf, an ex-raide, Jaud, an ex-baker, and Nothing, a mad old man with a mysterious past and an almost magical skill with a sword. And their owner, the brutal Captain Shadikshirram, will be dogging their heels at every step. Father Peace may be the patron god of Ministers, but to reclaim the Black Chair, Yarvi will have to strike a deal with Mother War, and once you've invited the mother of crows to be your guest, there can be no telling whose blood will be spilled.

©2014 Joe Abercrombie (P)2014 Recorded Books

Oh, Joe. What happened?

I was, up until listening to this, a huge fan of Joe Abercrombie. I've listened to everything I could find on Audible he had written and found all of it first rate. The lowest rating I've ever given his work was 4 stars. Then, I listened to this and was keenly disappointed. Abercrombie is, in my opinion, the best fantasy writer on the block, bar none. He was never trite, never seemed to rely on gimmicks, never appeared to cater to current fads or political correctness. And always wrote with a sly wit. With this book, instead of listening to his muse, he seemed to be listening to some PR person from the publisher who told him how to write for the pop audience by using all the tinny devices so many "fantasy" authors employ to attract an audience brought up on "graphic novels" and superhero movies. Nor was there much wit, if any, demonstrated in the writing. Although this novel disappointed me badly, perhaps I am too harsh. Some of the problem for me definitely lies with the narrator, John Keating, who I do not care to listen to. I don't think that he is a bad narrator. I just find his voice wheedling and unpleasant. Many listeners do not share my opinion and that is fine. It is just a personal preference or matter of personal taste in narrators. I have already bought the other two books in the series and, will comment on them, if either is something that reads more like the Joe Abercrombie I used to like.

Good all round,

Not Joes best book but still well worth the read. Great ending and great characters.

A different sort of Abercrombie

I personally found the narrator problematic only in the beginning, unlike many here. He was flat and all his characters sounded the same. This improved markedly starting in Part 2. The story itself was fantastic. As is typical of Abercrombie, the characters were richly detailed and beautifully nuanced. Everything did not wrap up as I'd hoped, but Abercrombie remained true to his characters and world.

Great from start to finish

Masterfully woven story with great action and plenty of intrigue. I'm only disappointed that it ended so quickly. I'd love to see more in this series.

Thoroughly enjoyable, great story, great charactes

I eagerly devoured this book from the first page. wonderful characters you can see, feel, and smell, and a fun story with just a bit of edge. also, the narration is excellent.

Joe Abercrombie never disappoints

Another cast of cast of characters to care about, and another improbqble and flawed anti-hero to root for

not as great as the adult series

I listened this as a stop-gap while waiting on more of my favorite characters from Aberceombies other series. It was solid, but when you are used to the raw reality of, say, Logan Ninefingers, this feels like a step in the wrong direction.

Very good story, love this author’s work

I’ve read or listened to almost all of this author’s other material, I’m just starting this last series. I wish I had more. Most all JA’s works have twists and turns and a little humor too. Narrator is not S. Pacey (as in other JA stories) but I enjoyed listening. Remember the intended audience (YA) so it isn’t as bloodthirsty, and had no sex scenes. I found that did NOT detract from the plot. I would buy it (and listen to it) again. Enjoy!

Awesome Story - Horrible Nattator

This book I can is really really good. The narrator was really not so good.

More Young Adult Titles Need To Be This Good

Quick review:
Characters were all very interesting.

Pacing seemed a slightly sluggish in some portions and then a little too fast in others. Just barely noticeable, but mainly because I am listening to the audiobook while on the move.

Plot was great, and when you thought you had it all figured out there were still a few twists towards the end. Not just weird twists that threw out everything that happened prior but interesting events that hook you for the sequel without taking away from this book.

Will reccomend to my nieces and nephews who are in middleschool. Abercrombie did a great job.