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Synopsis
The second novel in the wildly popular First Law Trilogy from New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie. Superior Glokta has a problem. How do you defend a city surrounded by enemies and riddled with traitors, when your allies can by no means be trusted, and your predecessor vanished without a trace? It's enough to make a torturer want to run—if he could even walk without a stick. Northmen have spilled over the border of Angland and are spreading fire and death across the frozen country. Crown Prince Ladisla is poised to drive them back and win undying glory. There is only one problem—he commands the worst-armed, worst-trained, worst-led army in the world. And Bayaz, the First of the Magi, is leading a party of bold adventurers on a perilous mission through the ruins of the past. The most hated woman in the South, the most feared man in the North, and the most selfish boy in the Union make a strange alliance, but a deadly one. They might even stand a chance of saving mankind from the Eaters—if they didn't hate each other quite so much. Ancient secrets will be uncovered. Bloody battles will be won and lost. Bitter enemies will be forgiven—but not before they are hanged. First Law Trilogy The Blade Itself Before They Are Hanged Last Argument of Kings For more from Joe Abercrombie, check out: Novels in the First Law world Best Served Cold The Heroes Red Country
Before they are hanged: content & age rating
Intended for adult readers (18+).
This grimdark fantasy contains graphic violence, torture, strong language throughout, and morally complex characters making brutal choices. The tone is dark and nihilistic with explicit depictions of war's consequences.
What to know going in
This book has graphic violence, moderate sexual content, and strong language. Content notes include torture, graphic violence, gore, emotional abuse, and murder (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Adult readers who love dark, morally complex fantasy with unflinching portrayals of violence and political intrigue will be gripped by these brutal character journeys.