Hell

by Joe Abercrombie

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy, Fiction

19 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

Joe Abercrombie was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Manchester University, where he studied psychology. He moved into television production before taking up a career as a freelance film editor. During a break between jobs he began writing The Blade Itself in 2002, completing it in 2004. It was published by Gollancz in 2006 and was followed by two other books in The First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings. He currently lives and works in London with his wife and daughter. In early 2008 Joe Abercrombie was one of the contributors to the BBC Worlds of Fantasy series, alongside other contributors such as Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett and China Mieville.

Reviews

[Shreyas · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Hell' (First Law World #2.1) by Joe Abercrombie.


‘You have been a courageous leader and a true friend to the Union. You have earned a place in the Citadel.’
Kahdia gave a weary smile. ‘If I have earned any place it is here, in my temple, among my people. I am proud to take it.’
‘I knew you would say so. But I had to ask.’
Kahdia held out his hand. ‘It has been an honour.’
‘The honour is mine.’ The general started forward and embraced the priest. The Union man and the Dagoskan. The white-skinned and the dark. A strange sight. ‘I am sorry,’ he said, eyes shining with tears, ‘that I did not understand you until it was too late.’
‘It is never too late,’ said Kahdia.


Rating: 5/5.


Review:
Set during the events of the Gurkish Seige of Dagoska, the story is told from Temple's viewpoint. The harsh realities of war, the innocent casualties, and a feeling of abject helplessness are brilliantly portrayed in just a few paragraphs. We end up seeing the events that transpire towards the very end of the siege that was left out of the 'Before They Are Hanged' book. Haddish Kahdia's ultimate sacrifice to save the others stranded in the temple was perhaps one of the powerful moments in the entire series. The story might be very short, but it was a great addition to the First Law world.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This short story contained in Sharp Ends is a pretty gritty one that gives some backstory of Temple during the siege of Dagoska.

[Storm · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Sharp Ends. Set during the Gurkish Seige of Dagoska in Spring 576, detailed in Before They Are Hanged this story is told from Temple's point of view story. It makes no bones that even though war is hell, and things are terrible, there are always the exceptions - the heroes like Khadia, who are the light, in times of darkness. They should be revered, and remembered.