I enjoyed Half a King and found it extremely easy to read - I sped through it in just a few hours. It did hook me and I didn't want to put it down. 

Unfortunately ultimately it proved somewhat disappointing. The plot is interesting but every story element within it reminded me of another book - not in itself a bad thing, I don't actually demand originality, but in every case the book it reminded me of did that element better. The characters largely feel a bit flat, with many seeming to lack real motivation for their actions. There were hints of interesting worldbuilding but they weren't fully realised. 

Overall it isn't a bad book, I had a good time with it - I just expected more from an author as widely praised as Joe Abercrombie is. I'm glad I read it but I won't be continuing the series.