Half the World by
Joe Abercrombie
Thorn dreams of
becoming a warrior but despite her fighting prowess she is ostracized by her
fellow trainees and given impossible challenges to prevent her from succeeding
by her instructors. After a deadly
accident during a training session Thorn is sentenced to death. Only one person, Brand a fellow young
warrior, pleads her case before the minister Father Yarvi. Thorn is spared from death but she is forced
to go on a treacherous journey with Father Yarvi in return for her life. Brand is not allowed to complete his warrior
training because of his betrayal in informing the minister about the injustice
against Thorn so he too joins the group journeying south to find allies in the
upcoming fight against the High King.
War is on the horizon and our heroes must journey half the world away
for support.
This is completely
a girl power book. Thorn is going against
all gender norms; she feels comfortable as a warrior but is totally lost when
she starts to develop feelings for her fellow man at arms Brand. Brand on the other hand is a good warrior,
but he just doesn’t like it. Thorn was
kissed by Mother War and Brand by Father Peace; will these two be able to make
allies in the south? Will they be able
to create a life together?
Fans of Game of
Thrones and other epic fantasy will enjoy this take on a world preparing for
war. There is action and a lot of world
building, but it just doesn’t seem as detailed as other fantasy books. I have to admit it is refreshing to enjoy a
great fantasy story in less than four hundred pages. Teens will enjoy this book as well since the
characters are older teens trying to fit in and find their places in this new
and changing world.
This is the sequel
to Half a King, but it isn’t really a
sequel, it’s just set in the same world.
Yes, you will know more about the world and some of the characters if
you read Half a King but you don’t
need to in order to completely enjoy this book.
I am eagerly awaiting the final book in the trilogy!
