Before They Are Hanged/Last Argument of Kings

[Lara Amber]

Anyone else continue the next two books after The Blade Itself? I'm partway through Before They Are Hanged and will read Last Argument of Kings next.

I'm enjoying how the characters are fleshing out and seeing how they view each other as they actually get to spend some time together.

[Brad Theado]

I enjoyed it. I am working on the Heroes now which occurs after the trilogy.

Not to be too spoilery but I hated the ending.

[Brandon]

I read the trilogy a few months ago and really enjoyed it. I didn't like the ending that much but it fit with the style of the books. I would recommend them in a heartbeat.

[[deleted user]]

I've read all three and the two standalones that follow. I enjoyed all of them.

Come across anything you want to discuss, I'll join in :)

[Brad]

I am going to move this thread to "What else are you reading?" It's just not taking off yet. If it picks up I will move it back.

[Alan]

Saxon - Your comments are so far off the track I can't begin to think of a response. Try sitting down to write something other people might want to read, and maybe you'll get it.

[Brad]

Did I miss something? Who's Saxon?

[Alan]

Saxon thinks authors shouldn't be allowed to promote their books on Goodreads because he resents have to pay for the things he reads.

[Brad]

Okay, but who is Saxon and why are we discussing it here? Was there a comment that has already been deleted?

[Alan]

Sorry - I guess my initial comment got posted under the wrong discussion. My fault.

[Brad]

No sweat. I was confused is all. Do you mind directing me to the right place, Alan? I would like to take part in your discussion.

[Brad]

It's okay. I found it.

[Colin]

Abercombie is worth reading just for his characterisations. I haven't read Heroes yet, but his other titles have been enjoyable.

[Lara Amber]

I finished the series and in reflection I don't think I will be reading more works by Joe Abercrombie.

If this world actually existed, I know I wouldn't want to live there. It wasn't the level of violence displayed in the book, it was the lack of finer emotions. There wasn't one familial or romantic relationship in the bunch that wasn't horribly messed up and scarred. No one seemed to have any genuine connection to any family members. The "romantic" relationships we are introduced to really boil down to "I'm bored, you're here, want to screw?" and the references to past loves are so fleeting they aren't even believable. Ninefingers had a wife and kids? Really? Then how come in his thoughts he never once refers to them by name? I know I don't wander around thinking about "my husband and son". He doesn't even seem to ever think about them with love and longing, just a vague sense of regret. Did anyone in the book have a dad that wasn't a right bastard? I ended the series not liking anyone.

Then there was the storyline itself. It wasn't hard for me guess what was coming. The second the duel contest was fixed and Bayaz mentioned kings to Jezal it was obvious where we were headed. Gee a wizard and a young future king? I'm surprised they didn't stop in a tavern called 'The Sword and Stone". I think Burr had a neon countdown clock over his head and it was a given that Glotka would end up with Ardee.

The writing did get repetitive over three volumes. It could have done with some harsh editing.