Book Review: Half a King

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I read Abercrombie’s First Law series a few years ago, so I was quite eager to start reading this series. Book one did not disappoint me. Abercrombie has a way of making characters feel realistic; they are not doing something because they were told to do so by the author – they are doing it because they want to do it.

Half a King is the first book in the Shattered Sea series, and it follows the story of Yarvi; a prince with a disability living amongst a culture that praises battle prowess above all else. Naturally, Yarvi’s fighting skills are negligible and he is seen as a weakling unfit to rule over others. Unfortunately for Yarvi, through tragedy, he is made king. This ultimately leads to betrayal and starts off his journey of vengeance to reclaim all that he has lost.

The novel’s plot is solid, and the story has you hooked; how will Yarvi achieve his vengeance when he has nothing but the clothes on his back? This book is ideal for those who enjoy fantasy with war and battles in it, it also has Viking themes throughout the story.

If you want a realistic protagonist who has the odds stacked up against them, you cannot go wrong with Yarvi in Half a King by Joe Abercrombie.

Personal Teen Library Book Challenge – Book #1

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