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  • Before They Are Hanged

  • The First Law: Book Two
  • By: Joe Abercrombie
  • Narrated by: Steven Pacey
  • Length: 22 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (7,072 ratings)

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Before They Are Hanged

By: Joe Abercrombie
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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Summary

Bitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It's bloody and dangerous, and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is unprepared for the slaughter that's coming. Lacking experience, training, and in some cases even weapons, the army is scarcely equipped to repel Bethod's scouts, let alone his elite forces.

In the heat-ravaged south, the Gurkish are massing to assault the city of Dagoska, defended by Inquisitor Glokta. The city is braced for the inevitable defeat and massacre to come... but a plot is festering to hand the city to its besiegers without a fight, and the previous Inquisitor of Dagoska vanished without trace. Threatened from within and without the city, Glokta needs answers, and he needs them soon.

And to the east, a small band of malefactors travel to the edge of the world to reclaim a device from history - a Seed, hidden for generations - with tremendous destructive potential. A device which could put a end to war, to the army of Eaters in the South, to the invasion of Shanka from the North - but only if it can be found, and only if its power can be controlled.

©2007 Joe Abercrombie (P)2010 Orion Publishing Group Limited
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What listeners say about Before They Are Hanged

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Say one thing for Abercrombie: say he should write

This book starts out as strong as the rest of the series and keeps the action flowing throughout. There is an over-arching feeling of frustration in this book and it really adds to the atmospheres created in the first two instalments. I think I enjoyed the book, though I can't shake the feeling of unease while reading it. Masterfully done yet again.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story and excellent narration.

I read this in paper format first but knew I'd really enjoy it again in audiobook form. The narration is excellent with clearly distinguished characters and good pacing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic story

Superbly narrated story. Kept me hooked from start to finish. Can't wait to listen to the final book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Superb narration and great characters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Very much so.

What about Steven Pacey’s performance did you like?

What can I say Steven Pacey is brilliant and really makes the great characters in the book seem real. It is a must read and I want more.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

King of Kings

Any additional comments?

Just buy it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Only one bad fact about this book....

this story is one one of the most gruesome and gripping books I have listen to in a long time, but for me that sets apart this book and the rest of the first world series is the narrator. He is phenomenal! to the point where I think he has mayb setting the bar too high for other narrators! be warned listening to Steven pacey will run you for other narrators!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

even better than book one

2nd time listening and thoroughly enjoyable second time round a perfect combination of great writing and superb reading. Steven and Joe form a perfect partnership from inquisitor Glochta to Nine fingers, Three trees, dogman, and Dow, to Colonel West every character perfectly narrated with the same accent. Can't wait to listen to the third and final part.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Luvin the series

Not like most other sci-go books or fantasy. Dialogue is great, realistic, funny!
Just get it. It’s worth it. Nuff said

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic

absolutely class. the music plays and I'm like noooooo. Next book plz.
narrated by a master...

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

enjoyable listen.

great follow up from the first book, a lot more action and suspense. as usual Steven Pacey voice is amazing to listen to. looking forward to the next boo to listen to in the series.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

easy listen

again interesting enough to shut up a busy mind. Shame the author didn't find another expression to grimaces. Very good narrator.

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