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aforestofbooks 's review for:
Half a King
by Joe Abercrombie
4.5/5 stars
"Death waits for us all."
Okay, this book took me on a whirlwind of a journey.
First of all...the writing. This book is written in such a unique way, I was left in awe. It's a mix between old fantasy, like LOTR, but with a hint of mythology. It actually reminded me in many ways of Circe by Madeline Miller. The whole book seems to be immersed in this history, that as the reader, you don't know much about, but as you turn the pages, you end up getting completely absorbed and enthralled. I really, really want to know more about the elves and the many gods that play a huge part in this story.
There were a few instances when I had to reread a sentence because I felt like it was missing a comma, and that the comma would have helped to clear up the confusion. But other than that, the writing is just really interesting and retrospective.
Also the dialogue is just GOLDEN. Literally the best banter I have read in a book! The sarcasm, the back-and-forth between the different characters made me laugh out loud. Also, a lot of these characters say things that immediately need to be quoted on t-shirts or at least should be memorialized because of how insightful, reflective, and relatable they are. Just life lessons all around while also trying to escape death. Fun stuff.
The characters really, really grew on me. I loved Yarvi's character growth and I also love how he didn't go from barely able to fight to chopping down men left and right. I felt like his growth was realistic, and his actions made sense. I love how clever he is and how he's always trying to use his words and mind to get out of a situation instead of the sword. Unlike Nothing, who is ICONIC and I love him. I also need more Sumael and Rulf. And I hope Nothing is spouting out quotable sentences for the rest of his life.
The ending of the book really shocked me. I was not expecting that reveal, though maybe I should have seen it coming if I had sat and thought about it. But it worked out for the better, and Yarvi, my son, is happier for it. That very end though...it all fit so well, but it was also so sad. But I was surprised, and I love being surprised.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
"Death waits for us all."
Okay, this book took me on a whirlwind of a journey.
First of all...the writing. This book is written in such a unique way, I was left in awe. It's a mix between old fantasy, like LOTR, but with a hint of mythology. It actually reminded me in many ways of Circe by Madeline Miller. The whole book seems to be immersed in this history, that as the reader, you don't know much about, but as you turn the pages, you end up getting completely absorbed and enthralled. I really, really want to know more about the elves and the many gods that play a huge part in this story.
There were a few instances when I had to reread a sentence because I felt like it was missing a comma, and that the comma would have helped to clear up the confusion. But other than that, the writing is just really interesting and retrospective.
Also the dialogue is just GOLDEN. Literally the best banter I have read in a book! The sarcasm, the back-and-forth between the different characters made me laugh out loud. Also, a lot of these characters say things that immediately need to be quoted on t-shirts or at least should be memorialized because of how insightful, reflective, and relatable they are. Just life lessons all around while also trying to escape death. Fun stuff.
The characters really, really grew on me. I loved Yarvi's character growth and I also love how he didn't go from barely able to fight to chopping down men left and right. I felt like his growth was realistic, and his actions made sense. I love how clever he is and how he's always trying to use his words and mind to get out of a situation instead of the sword. Unlike Nothing, who is ICONIC and I love him. I also need more Sumael and Rulf. And I hope Nothing is spouting out quotable sentences for the rest of his life.
The ending of the book really shocked me. I was not expecting that reveal, though maybe I should have seen it coming if I had sat and thought about it. But it worked out for the better, and Yarvi, my son, is happier for it. That very end though...it all fit so well, but it was also so sad. But I was surprised, and I love being surprised.
Really looking forward to reading the next book in the series!