[Book Review] Half a King

Half a King / Joe Abercrombie

Yarvi was never intended to take his father's throne.  Crippled from birth he is disdained by family and society, for how can one without two good hands to hold shield and axe be a true man, let alone a king?  Instead he finds his calling in wisdom and the ministry, at least until his father and brothers are killed at war leaving him to ascend the throne under his uncle's guidance.  But betrayal lies in store for Yarvi, starting a chain of hardships honing Yarvi into a man who could be king, and a man for whom hard decisions will rest on his shoulders.

There are no magical princesses or gifts of good fortune in the gritty world of Half a King.  There is desperation, betrayal, and more determination than anything resembling hope.  You will also find plotting, ambition, cruelty, and kindness.

The story is incredibly engaging and always keeps a few cards close to the chest.  Half a King is not light reading but engrossing and enjoyable.

Advanced Reader Copy copy courtesy of NetGalley; differences may exist between uncorrected galley text and the final edition.

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