Book Review & Giveaway: Half A King by Joe Abercrombie
Jess McGlynnJuly 11, 2014
Half A King by Joe Abercrombie
As part of my relaxing summer plans I had made the decision not to read any heavy duty books and instead to stick to light contemporary fiction. That was, of course, until I was asked to review Half A King.
Half A King is Joe Abercrombie’s first foray into the world of Young Adult fiction with this book being aimed 15 years plus.
Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea itself. And he must do it all with only one good hand. Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.
But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi’s path may end as it began – in twists, and traps and tragedy…
My Other Half has read some of Joe Abercrombie’s other works but this was my first experience. I’m a fan of YA fiction anyway but having read the book I think it is easily suitable for adults as well. I really enjoyed reading it.
It’s very much a coming of age story, the protagonist Yarvi has everything and then some stacked against his progression in the world. When his father and brother are murdered he must abandon his dreams of stepping away from his royal life to become a minister and take the throne. However through a series of betrayals he loses his newly acquired throne and swears a vow to regain it, whatever the cost. He finds himself amongst a ragtag band of misfits and together they must overcome the odds.
At times, the story is very bleak. I’m not sure there is actually anything which goes right for Yarvi but somehow Abercrombie manages to write it in a way that you don’t feel like putting the book down and walking away. You continue to root for Yarvi and to see his life become all that he wants it to be. I think it helps that the story is quite snappy and short. It is action-packed so you keep on turning the pages; there aren’t any parts of the book which leave you wondering when you are going to get to the end which helps with this particular style of writing I think.
I read this book in two days; from the very first paragraph I was utterly hooked. It is full of twists and turns that you absolutely don’t see coming, the very last reveal on the final two pages of the book made me gasp out loud. I was so absorbed in the pace of the story that I had completely overlooked some major facts which would have lead me to guess the twist and I love that. Predictable books are so boring!
This is the first of a new series and I can’t wait to read the rest when they come out. I thought it was amazing which is why I’m excited to be able to offer one copy of the book to one of my readers. Even if you’ve never read Joe Abercrombie before I would really recommend this book. It definitely gets a rare 5 stars from me.
To enter, simply complete the rafflecopter below. The giveaway will end on Friday 8 August.
Good luck!
Disclaimer: I was sent a copy of the book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Comments
Richard Randall
July 11, 2014 at 11:14
A thinker.
maci234
July 11, 2014 at 11:49
a bit of both
Kathy D
July 11, 2014 at 12:01
Thinker every time
clairdownham
July 11, 2014 at 12:34
keen thinker thankyou
Keith Hunt
July 11, 2014 at 13:24
A thinker with a cup of tea.
Tracey Peach
July 11, 2014 at 13:42
Keen Thinker xxx
Christopher Packer
July 11, 2014 at 14:11
Thinker
Sandra Lane
July 11, 2014 at 15:30
I'm a lover not a fighter so it's a keen thinker for me.
Andrew Bailey
July 11, 2014 at 17:42
A keen thinker that leads from front as a warrior
laura stewart
July 11, 2014 at 19:15
Thinker:)
Corinne Peat
July 12, 2014 at 06:25
A keen thinker would get me into less trouble I think.
ann clements
July 12, 2014 at 09:00
A keen thinker
Debbie Patrick
July 12, 2014 at 09:23
a keen thinker
Dawn Chapman
July 12, 2014 at 20:26
Keen Thinker
Mummy on a Budget
July 12, 2014 at 20:54
Think I'd be a keen thinker!
Holly Nelson
July 13, 2014 at 01:00
Wow, 5 stars! Ok, this is going on my to read on goodreads!
lynn heath
July 13, 2014 at 10:37
I'd be a warrior – out there fighting for whats mine!
rebecca beesley
July 14, 2014 at 22:24
a thinker i guess but if that had said wOrrier – then that would definitely be me!
chantelle hazelden
July 15, 2014 at 06:43
well now I need to know what happens in the end!!! thanks for linking up with #ReadWithMe I have pinned and tweeted this post x
Honey
July 15, 2014 at 08:27
Great review! I also reviewed this book. I really enjoyed it too. #ReadWithMe
Honey
July 15, 2014 at 08:28
A keen thinker!
Scott Fallon
July 15, 2014 at 12:26
keen thinker
Michelle Ferguson
July 16, 2014 at 19:35
A keen thinker
AgentAllan
July 19, 2014 at 02:13
warrior
sbroadley
July 19, 2014 at 11:43
I'm definitely a thinker – I run away from violence
Harriet
July 19, 2014 at 16:49
A keen thinker
Hannah Ingham
July 31, 2014 at 14:27
Keen thinker!
Michelle Banks
August 1, 2014 at 19:23
a keen thinker x
Kay Panayi
August 2, 2014 at 20:21
A warrior
Simon Harrington
August 3, 2014 at 20:29
Thinker
Claire Thomson Little
August 4, 2014 at 01:31
a warrior 🙂
Sarahann
August 4, 2014 at 10:19
A keen thinker x
Justine Meyer
August 4, 2014 at 12:19
a keen thinker
Heather
August 4, 2014 at 14:38
I think a keen thinker so I could get myself out of the fighting situation!
Tammy Tudor
August 4, 2014 at 19:54
keen thinker 🙂
Bhavesh Mistry
August 4, 2014 at 20:33
A keen thinker!
Sheri Darby
August 4, 2014 at 21:18
A thinker, I think
Caroline Blaza
August 4, 2014 at 21:44
A keen thinker
Katherine Coldicott
August 5, 2014 at 09:44
Thinker
Stephen Little
August 5, 2014 at 17:38
Keen Thinker
Jo Glasspool
August 5, 2014 at 23:39
A thinker xx
michelle muirhead
August 6, 2014 at 03:21
A keen thinker
cristalfiona
August 6, 2014 at 06:47
A thinker
Clare Scanlan
August 6, 2014 at 07:14
A Thinker
Rory Campion
August 6, 2014 at 08:21
A Warrior
zoe bryan
August 6, 2014 at 12:26
Warrior
Paul Witney
August 6, 2014 at 13:03
Keen thinker
Liz Ferguson
August 6, 2014 at 14:37
a keen thinker
Chris Fletcher
August 6, 2014 at 18:46
keen thinker!
Viv C
August 6, 2014 at 19:23
thinker
PamGregory
August 6, 2014 at 20:00
A warrior
Heather Scoggins
August 6, 2014 at 20:30
A thinker
Angela L Paull
August 6, 2014 at 20:33
Keen thinker 🙂
Barbara Handley
August 6, 2014 at 23:13
Keen thinker
Mimicat
August 6, 2014 at 23:28
A keen thinker.
Pretenna
August 7, 2014 at 00:17
A keen thinker
snarepuss
August 7, 2014 at 06:17
keen thinker 🙂
Stephanie Burchatt
August 7, 2014 at 09:33
Keen Thinker
jamesholyland
August 7, 2014 at 12:36
A keen thinker
Helen Warrener
August 7, 2014 at 15:22
i would like to be Keen Thinker
DAWN TOTTON
August 7, 2014 at 21:59
A keen thinker.
Happy Homebird
August 7, 2014 at 22:15
A warrior.
(sam fernley)