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Before They Are Hanged

The First Law: Book Two

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Before They Are Hanged

Written by: Joe Abercrombie
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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'As brilliant as its predecessor' SF REVU

Bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It's bloody and dangerous and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that's 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, preparations are made to make the Gurkish pay for every inch of land ... but a plot is festering to hand the city to its beseigers without a fight, and the previous Inquisitor of Dagoska vanished without trace. 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, to the army of Eaters in the South, to the invasion of Shanka from the North - but only if it can be found, and only if its power can be controlled ...©2007 Joe Abercrombie Epic Fantasy Fiction War
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What the critics say

Highly recommended - a funny, finely-wrought, terrifically energetic work of high fantasy. Seek it out (Joe Hill)
Before They Are Hanged is an excellent sequel from an author writing compelling, character-driven, adult fantasy, for readers who want to be entertained as well as challenged
In my opinion, Joe Abercrombie possesses all the qualities that made David Eddings such a powerhouse during the 80s and 90s. Before They Are Hanged is a satisfying sequel which should establish Joe Abercrombie as one of the bright new voices of the genre.
Before They Are Hanged grabs you and drags you along.
Dark, deeply ironic and full of character gems that will appeal to your cynical side, Before They Are Hanged is as brilliant as its predecessor.
We're right there in the heads of these dudes, thanks to the author's style of showcasing their thoughts. His knowing turn of phrase means that situations often appear ironic, with peripheral characters verging on the Dickensian. This follow-up is crammed with unexpected betrayals, murders and liaisons, often catching us off guard.
"Put together a terrific cast of characters ... add in magic, war, plots within plots and you have a positive feast for the ears." 20 August 2010 (Kati Nicholl)

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Amazing story brought to life by a top notch performance. All 3 books are worth a read. I bought extra credits because I didn’t want to wait for my monthly credit to come.

Amazing performance

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The performance is out of this world.... absolutely phenomenal. I love all of the characters every single one of them is incredibly well developed and I am Eager to get to book 3.

Dark and gritty but enthralling

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a friend reccomended this book to me and jm so glad I listened to the series.

great series so far

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I couldn't turn this book off! I listened to it while driving, cooking, in the shower....
Great story, can't wait for the next one, and Steven Pacey is a smooth and lively reader.

Second verse even better than the first!

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This is a well told sword and board fantasy. The reader has an entertaining style and flair.

Wonderfully written

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