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coooper's review
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Ableism, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Blood, Gore, Murder, Bullying, War, Incest, Death, Body shaming, and Torture
dunecello's review
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was my fault for not realizing this was a young adult book. I had multiple issues with characterization, too much telling instead of showing, a much too predictable twist, and more. The overall plot is a good one even if cliché. Still haven't written off Joe Abercrombie completely and I plan to read The Blade Itself so I hope that series is better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Slavery
Moderate: Violence
dani_reis's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, War, Violence, Slavery, and Injury/Injury detail
leic01's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, War, Trafficking, and Death of parent
Minor: Torture
pkrawr's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is full of blood and violence, be warned. It is also a marvel of wit and deep humanity. Characters are complex and unpredictable. A worthy read, but not an easy one. Reads like classical war poetry, like Beowulf or The Iliad, but with modern cadence. Highly recommended for those with an eye for beauty, but who would not turn away from the ugliness of the world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Violence, War, Physical abuse, Torture, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Animal death, Death of parent, Slavery, Body horror, Confinement, and Emotional abuse
disheveledwizard's review
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Slavery, Violence, Ableism, Death, and Trafficking
sophieamreacher's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Such an interesting and intricate young adult story full of grit, adventure, and betrayal. I loved the story and it’s arc, the Viking feel, and the moral arcs. Felt a little like a tamer version of the game of thrones vibes. Poetic writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Blood, Slavery, Trafficking, War, Grief, Body shaming, Excrement, Hate crime, Death, Violence, Vomit, Bullying, Confinement, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, and Murder
fireside_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, and Death of parent
kaziaroo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was a quick, easy read. The fantasy was very light but the world building was still interesting and the characters and their interactions were entertaining and endearing. The last chapter was amazingly satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Murder, Gore, Death, Ableism, Slavery, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Vomit, Excrement, Death of parent, and Grief
andra_mihaela_s's review
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
After collecting multiple Abercrombie books for several years, 2 days ago I decided to start my journey into the deep with "Half a King".
I don't understand why people saying his YA is less than his adult works(granted I haven't read those, but why should you compare different stories trying to say different things?).
"Half a King" is the first book in the "Shattered Sea" trilogy; following Yarvi- a crippled prince trying to take back his throne and have his revenge.
Firstly, I will say that Yarvi was exactly the protagonist I didn't know I needed : witty, easily shocked, a coward, always silent and observant, and most of all...someone with a dissability that robbed him of confidence through the horrible treatment from the ones around him.
Yarvi, and his deformed hand, is dear to my heart!
Alongside him, I grew to care about every member of the oarmates!(I especially love Rulf and Nothing!) Not only that, but, in my humble opinion, the author did a splendid job of constructing the characters of this book..from Nothing (man, I did not expect that!), Ankran(nice turn of events!),Shadikshirram, and Odem... to Sumael, Jaud,Laithlin,Mother Gundring and Grom-gil-Gorm!
It is more than clear that THIS author doesn't need hundreds of pages to give you a human and not a caricature.Everyone felt fully real with desires, expectations and goals in mind!
Up until now...my favorite character is Nothing, followed closely by Yarvi and Grom-gil-Gorm!(I don't know what that says about me...>..>)
The atmosphere was on point...we can feel the scandinavian ispiration for this story. For a first book, the lore and world building were just enough to get me more interested for future books, and just right to not transform the narration in exposition.
The fact that we can see which people take pride in what, the differences and similarities in religion, even racism!.. 0_0...with only dialogue and sparse menationing of practicies....again: 0_0
I LOVED THE TIME WE SPENT ON THE SOUTH WIND...weird coming from a "normal" person...but it is what it is...and I bet i'm not the only one!
I also enjoyed the strong men AND women...good/bad/grey and other colors! showcasing each a talent or skill.
The plot is straightforward but completely in sync with our crew's motivations! I beleive Yarvi is reflected in his journey from the point of view of finding purpose and self-understanding.There is no loose threads by the end(for a minute i was worried), but still we have an open window to the second arc! ^_^
I want to address the battle scene at the Screaming Gate...in my opinion this scene is the only one not smooth as water...it was a litle bit easier than other things Yarvi had to get through, and Jaud was used somewhat as an escape for a MC that, in normal circumstances, didn't have a way out in that scene.
With all this being said...I don't know if the 4.25 stars I will give this book are purely technical(because it deserves them) or have a little heart to them(after all it was exactly the book for my mood!)
P.S. I suspect Yarvi has little compassion and lots of indifference to everyone outside his circle...we can see that in numerous instances, and I must say that I quite like that! :)))) Not to mention clear signes of PTSD!!!
Content Worning: violent deaths, slavery.
I recommend this book to everyone wanting dissabiliy representation(i cannot speak on how good it is), high stakes, character growth and a read as close to grimdark without getting there.
Enjoy
I don't understand why people saying his YA is less than his adult works(granted I haven't read those, but why should you compare different stories trying to say different things?).
"Half a King" is the first book in the "Shattered Sea" trilogy; following Yarvi- a crippled prince trying to take back his throne and have his revenge.
Firstly, I will say that Yarvi was exactly the protagonist I didn't know I needed : witty, easily shocked, a coward, always silent and observant, and most of all...someone with a dissability that robbed him of confidence through the horrible treatment from the ones around him.
Yarvi, and his deformed hand, is dear to my heart!
Alongside him, I grew to care about every member of the oarmates!(I especially love Rulf and Nothing!) Not only that, but, in my humble opinion, the author did a splendid job of constructing the characters of this book..from Nothing (man, I did not expect that!), Ankran(nice turn of events!),Shadikshirram, and Odem... to Sumael, Jaud,Laithlin,Mother Gundring and Grom-gil-Gorm!
It is more than clear that THIS author doesn't need hundreds of pages to give you a human and not a caricature.Everyone felt fully real with desires, expectations and goals in mind!
Up until now...my favorite character is Nothing, followed closely by Yarvi and Grom-gil-Gorm!(I don't know what that says about me...>..>)
The atmosphere was on point...we can feel the scandinavian ispiration for this story. For a first book, the lore and world building were just enough to get me more interested for future books, and just right to not transform the narration in exposition.
The fact that we can see which people take pride in what, the differences and similarities in religion, even racism!.. 0_0...with only dialogue and sparse menationing of practicies....again: 0_0
I LOVED THE TIME WE SPENT ON THE SOUTH WIND...weird coming from a "normal" person...but it is what it is...and I bet i'm not the only one!
I also enjoyed the strong men AND women...good/bad/grey and other colors! showcasing each a talent or skill.
The plot is straightforward but completely in sync with our crew's motivations! I beleive Yarvi is reflected in his journey from the point of view of finding purpose and self-understanding.There is no loose threads by the end(for a minute i was worried), but still we have an open window to the second arc! ^_^
I want to address the battle scene at the Screaming Gate...in my opinion this scene is the only one not smooth as water...it was a litle bit easier than other things Yarvi had to get through, and Jaud was used somewhat as an escape for a MC that, in normal circumstances, didn't have a way out in that scene.
With all this being said...I don't know if the 4.25 stars I will give this book are purely technical(because it deserves them) or have a little heart to them(after all it was exactly the book for my mood!)
P.S. I suspect Yarvi has little compassion and lots of indifference to everyone outside his circle...we can see that in numerous instances, and I must say that I quite like that! :)))) Not to mention clear signes of PTSD!!!
Content Worning: violent deaths, slavery.
I recommend this book to everyone wanting dissabiliy representation(i cannot speak on how good it is), high stakes, character growth and a read as close to grimdark without getting there.
Enjoy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Violence and Death
Minor: Racism