Sean Barrs 's Reviews > Half a King

I remember how excited I was when this book came out. When it came through the letter box, I practically screamed like a little girl because the cover looked that awesome. I’d just read the First Law Trilogy and was eager to see what this would be like. When I began reading I was so shocked at the complete change in style, complexity and quality. Don’t get me wrong, I do like this book, but it was nowhere near as accomplished as his previous novels.

Predictable in the beginning



I’m still quite surprised how different these books are to what he previously wrote. They feel simple and quite predictable. This plot is fast paced and quite exciting, though the initial change in fortune for Prince Yarvi was so obviously going to happen. The treachery that came was blatantly going to occur, yet everyone seemed completely unaware. This is inconsistent, to an extent, because in this world this sort of thing happens every week. It’s nothing new, and should always be expected. So when a man who is characterised as being intelligent is duped so easily, it just feels a little wrong especially when the reader can spot it a mile off.

“If life has taught me one thing, it’s that there are no villains. Only people, doing their best.”

That being said though, Prince Yarvi is well written. Joe Abercrombie has a unique way of getting into the head of his characters and their psychology. Their thoughts feel real and their development is worked upon; it is no simple process. Indeed, Prince Yarvi develops through the tale gradually. He goes from a somewhat weak, yet intelligent, youngster without any mettle whatsoever into a hardened force. He becomes cunning and ruthless, but more importantly, in this world, he becomes a pragmatist. Firstly, though, he must endure slavery, being hunted and a battle he is doesn’t belong in. This really is a coming of age novel for Prince Yarvi.

It feels quite average, except for Nothing

Most of the side characters didn’t really stand out at. Some of them just weren’t interesting and were completely forgettable. However, one redeemed the bunch. The character Nothing was a complete mystery, and the revelation of who he was saved the book for me. It shocked me entirely, and actually gave me a reason to carry on reading this series. I think I’d have preferred this book a little more had there been a variety in the point of view characters; it would have made the story more dynamic and interesting.

“What is the world coming to when an honest man cannot burn corpses without suspicion?" asked Notning.”

Indeed, unlike other books, by the author, this is told from the perspective of just one character: Yarvi. On one hand, it’s was rewarding to see Yarvi grow, but on the other, he’s a little vanilla. I want to see the genius of San Dan Glokta and the wisdom of Ninefingers. Ok, I understand that the author has moved on and created a new, fresh, series and I like it, but I would like to read the series from the point of view of more smack in the mouth characters, at least in part. Perhaps Yarvi will be more resolute and enigmatic as time goes on. This series, at this point, desperately needs a stronger protagonist; this is a warrior’s world; it needs a warrior to tell the story.

This book is not as good as the First Law Trilogy or Best Served Cold, but it is better than Red Country and Heroes so, for me, sets the middle ground for the author. That may sound critical, though it must be noted that the middle ground for an Abercrombie book is still a worthy read.

The Shattered Sea
1.Half a King- An enjoyable three stars
2.Half the World- A fair three stars
3.Half a War- A good warmongering 3.5 stars.