Book Review: Half the World by Joe Abercrombie

Absolutely loved this book. It's a traditional epic fantasy that has everything that I love about this genre: a harrowing journey, a love story, great battles, betrayal and intrigue.
Although I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I liked this one even more.

Plus - can I just say that this book's cover is a winner!

The story is told from the points of view of Thorn and Brand - two warriors who join Yarvi on a journey across half a world to find allies against the ruthless High King. Whereas, the first tale was entirely from Yarvi's point of view, this one is told from two very different perspectives. Thorn and Brand are both skilled young warriors, but she is touched by Mother War, and he by Father Peace. Together, they join Yarvi on a quest that brings them close, while at the same time testing both their limits.

This novel is fast-paced, beautifully written and has some unforgettable characters. Once again, the Viking-inspired fantasy world is vividly brought to life, as is grit, struggle and hardship. What Abercrombie does beautifully is to weave big themes (courage, love, destiny - just to name a few) with the harsh realities of life in a warrior-dominated culture.

If you enjoy traditional epic fantasy, powerfully told, then you will love the Shattered Sea series.
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Book Review: Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

A great epic fantasy read about revenge and courage. This is a gripping coming of age story, which is refreshingly free of fantasy stereotype - but with all the elements that fans of this genre will love. 


It's a fast-paced, exciting epic fantasy adventure that had me captured from the first page.

“The fool strikes. The wise man smiles, and watches, and learns. Then strikes.”
 
Prince Yarvi never wanted to be king, but after a twist of fate puts him on the throne, he must forge a new path for himself. Untested, crippled, and with a self-esteem in the gutter, Yarvi knows he's a poor choice for king. However, when his new life is torn from him, and he has all the trappings of privilege stripped away - Yarvi embarks on a quest for revenge. If he survives it, he will be a changed man.

I loved this story - Yarvi is a flawed character and one that's easy to relate to. The action is swift and the gritty, Viking-age inspired fantasy world is memorable. Abercrombie's characterisation is excellent, with a clever blending of the lines between good and evil. 

I'm now reading the sequel in the Shattered Sea series: Half the World, which I'm loving as much as the first book. Review will be coming soon - watch this space!
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Five reasons why I write epic fantasy

Epic fantasy has been a lifelong passion. It started reading fairy tales as a child and moved on to fantasy novels as soon as I had an attention-span long enough to make it through a full-length book! I've tried my hand at writing in other genres but always return to this one. Why?

Here are some reasons why epic fantasy will always be my favourite genre to write in:

1. Epic fantasy is pure adventure - you embark on a journey when you read an epic fantasy, and it's even better when you write one! You get to create a new world and fill it with details purely from your own imagination - great fun!
2. Epic fantasy deals with big issues - courage versus cowardice, good versus evil, fate versus self-determination, plus love, friendship, brotherhood, and a raft of other fascinating themes belong to this genre. As a writer, you get to explore these freely - and there's no better backdrop then an epic fantasy tale.
3. Epic fantasy is constantly reinventing itself - although it might seem as though this genre is based on well-worn tropes, I love taking the stereotypes and twisting them into something fresh. Think of Game of Thrones - it's definitely epic fantasy, but at the same time unique enough to gain mass popularity. This genre never goes out of fashion.
4.  Epic fantasy has a quest - there's something romantic and timeless about a quest. Whether it's to find some magical talisman, destroy something dangerous or save the world from destruction - a quest gives an epic fantasy tale a great sense of urgency and purpose. Readers love it when something massive is at stake!
5. Epic fantasy explores our humanity - it may be set in another world, but epic fantasy at its best explores what it means to be human. Characters are usually uprooted from their old life and thrown into an adventure that will change them forever - most of us will never get the opportunity to experience something so powerful, but our characters will!

Do you write epic fantasy? If so, share some of the reasons you love this genre below!

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