BOOK BRIEF

Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)

Joe Abercrombie
Guide cover placeholder

Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Joe Abercrombie

Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

441

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Circle Of The World • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie follows a diverse group of characters in their struggles across a war-torn land. Key figures navigate political machinations, confront personal challenges, and embark on dangerous quests, all while the threat of conflict looms large. The story is the second installment in Abercrombie's The First Law series.

Gritty

Suspenseful

Dark

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.5

200,765 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

In Before They Are Hanged, Joe Abercrombie adeptly balances dark humor, complex characters, and intense action. Many reviewers praised its gritty realism and engaging plot twists. However, some criticized its pacing and dense world-building. Overall, it stands as a strong, character-driven addition to the fantasy genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Before They Are Hanged (The First Law, #2)?

Fans of gritty, character-driven fantasy with morally complex heroes will relish Joe Abercrombie's Before They Are Hanged. Comparable to George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, this book is perfect for readers who appreciate dark humor, intricate plots, and intense, unpredictable conflicts.

4.5

200,765 ratings

89%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

441

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

The Circle Of The World • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!