Available Formats
Hardback
Published: 31st October 2017
Paperback
Published: 1st May 2008
Hardback
Published: 15th November 2022
Before They Are Hanged: Book Two
By (Author) Joe Abercrombie
Orion Publishing Co
Gollancz
1st May 2008
13th March 2008
United Kingdom
Paperback
592
Width 128mm, Height 196mm, Spine 40mm
406g
A bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It is bloody and dangerous and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that is coming. Lacking experience, training and in some cases even weapons the army is scarcely equipped to repel Bethod's scouts, let alone the cream of his 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 beseigers without a fight. 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, but only if its power can be controlled."This grim and vivid sequel to 2007's "The Blade Itself" transcends its middle volume status, keeping the reader engaged with complicated plotting and intriguing character development. Abercrombie leavens the bloody action with moments of dark humor, developing a story suffused with a rich understanding of human darkness and light." -- PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY Starred Review
Joe Abercrombie is a freelance film editor living in London.