Review: Half the World

Half the World (Shattered Sea, #2)Half the World by Joe Abercrombie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received an ARC copy of this book from Good Reads in the First Reads giveaway program. I also received an eARC from NetGalley.

The middle book of a trilogy that doesn't have that middle book drag we often see. No, this was an improvement to the first book, and at the same time building for the climax in the third.

Say one thing about Joe Abercrombie, say the man can weave a good yarn. If any hesitate to pick up this Shattered Sea trilogy based on word that it's "YA" and toned down from his usual Lord Grimdark fare, hesitate no more! This works as YA, while at the same time doesn't feel like its trying to be YA. Abercrombie pulls no punches. There is plenty of grit and dirt and blood and wicked tough bastards and badass women to go around. This is a story where they're not afraid to blow snot right on the sand in front of Mother War and Father Peace and everyone else.

And that ending? Freakin' wow. I really hadn't plan to finish this book tonight. But oh, Abercrombie snuck up on me and smacked me upside the head with some WTF and oh shit moments, and I couldn't look away.

Damn, and now I want to read the third book. Like immediately.

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