Before They Are Hanged Book Review

Before they are hanged book



I really liked Joe Abercrombie’s first book of The First Law Trilogy. Now, I’ve read the second one, Before They Are Hanged, and it’s even better! Abercrombie doesn’t just meet my high hopes; he goes beyond them. The story is intense and fascinating, keeping me hooked from start to finish.


The book persists by tracing the varied and morally ambiguous characters first introduced in the initial book. Abercrombie excels in crafting intricate and captivating characters, each possessing unique motivations and imperfections. In Before They Are Hanged, these characters undergo further exploration as they undertake a journey leading them to uncharted and perilous territories. This narrative expansion allows readers to delve deeper into the complexities of the characters’ personalities, adding layers to their stories and unraveling new dimensions to their relationships and struggles. Abercrombie’s storytelling prowess shines as he weaves together the evolving narratives of these characters against the backdrop of fresh challenges and uncertainties.


In This book writer goes deeper into big ideas like power, ambition, and what happens when you make choices. The characters have to decide on tough things, and where they end up is sometimes surprising and sad. This makes the story more intense because the characters are dealing with the results of their actions and figuring out what these big ideas mean in their lives. It’s like a journey where each choice they make shapes their path, and sometimes it leads to things they didn’t see coming or didn’t want to happen. This adds a layer of complexity to the story and keeps readers hooked as they see how these themes play out in the characters’ lives.

This Book is slightly better because writer mixes dark humor and real-life toughness really well. The world he made is tough and doesn’t forgive easily. Just like The Blade Itself the characters have to deal with tricky politics, war, and being betrayed. The way the story moves is great, with lots of exciting action and suspense to keep you interested.

The humor in the story is a bit dark, which means it’s kind of funny in a serious way. It adds a unique flavor to the story, making it not just intense but also a bit amusing. This mix of serious stuff and humor makes the characters feel more real because, in real life, people often cope with tough situations by finding humor in them.

The world in the story is not an easy place. It’s full of challenges, and the characters have to figure out how to survive. There’s a lot of political drama, which means people are always trying to outsmart each other, and this adds an extra layer of excitement to the tale.

War is also a big part of the story, and the characters have to deal with the tough choices that come with it. Sometimes, they’re caught in the middle of battles, and other times, they have to decide who to trust when everything seems uncertain.

Betrayal is a key theme too. The characters can’t always rely on others, and sometimes the people they thought were friends turn out to be enemies. This keeps the story unpredictable, and you’re always wondering who’s going to do what next.

The pace of the story is just right. There’s enough happening to keep you hooked, with a good balance between action and moments where you’re waiting to see what will unfold. It’s like a rollercoaster of events, and that makes it a really enjoyable read.


Joe Abercrombie’s writing exhibits a keen command of language, marked by its precision and vivid imagery. His prose is incisive, adept at conjuring a detailed and immersive portrayal of the fictional world he crafts. The words on the page resonate with a descriptive potency that brings the settings and characters to life in the reader’s mind.

Furthermore, Abercrombie’s skill extends to the nuanced art of dialogue. His characters don’t merely speak; they engage in conversations that are finely tuned and distinct to each individual. The author masterfully captures the idiosyncrasies of each character’s voice, rendering their interactions authentic and compelling.

Before They Are Hanged is awesome and goes beyond what I expected after the first book. Joe Abercrombie is an amazing storyteller, and he makes the characters and the world so real. If you love dark fantasy, you’ve got to read this sequel. It’s the second part of The First Law trilogy, and it’s getting us ready for an epic ending. I can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters in the last book!

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