Half a King

(Book #1 in the Shattered Sea series)

by Joe Abercrombie

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Paperback

$17.00

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New

$17.00

Book Overview: Half a King

“The Shattered Seas trilogy has worked its way into a very exclusive group of my favorite fantasy novels of all time.”–James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner

“A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go.”–George R. R. Martin

“I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath.”

Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. And he must do it all with only one good hand.

The deceived will become the deceiver.

Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.

The betrayed will become the betrayer.

Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could.

Will the usurped become the usurper?

But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds that his path may end as it began–in twists, and traps, and tragedy.

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Editorial Reviews

“A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page 1 and refused to let go.” –George R. R. Martin

“The Shattered Seas trilogy has worked its way into a very exclusive group of my favorite fantasy novels of all time. The pacing is perfect, the characters deep and true and real, the world rich and authentic, the plot full of twists and turns. Perhaps my favorite part is that no one is purely good or evil: Each and every character has layers upon layers that are a joy to discover. I tore through all three books and truly hope that someday Joe Abercrombie returns to this magnificent, captivating world.” –James Dashner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maze Runner

“Tremendously entertaining . . . lightning-fast and filled with a wonderful collection of rogues, villains and two-faced bastards . . . From the first chapter [Joe Abercrombie] wastes no time as the reader is swept up in a gripping tale of betrayal and revenge.” —SciFi Now

“Once this plot has its teeth in you, it will not let go. . . . Abercrombie’s masterful storytelling means that everything, from the characters that you come to love and despise, to the sprawling world that is explored, is enthralling.” —Fantasy Book Review

“Abercrombie’s Shattered Sea is a fantastic yet believable backdrop to Yarvi’s struggle, a vivid imaginary land.” –The Seattle Times

“Intriguing characters . . . nonstop action.” –Chicago Tribune

“Half a King is my favorite book by Joe Abercrombie so far, and that’s saying something.” –Patrick Rothfuss

“As in all Abercrombie’s books, friends turn out to be enemies, enemies turn out to be friends; the line between good and evil is murky indeed; and nothing goes quite as we expect. With eye-popping plot twists and rollicking good action, Half a King is definitely a full adventure.” –Rick Riordan

“Enthralling! An up-all-night read.” –Robin Hobb

“Polished and sharp, perhaps his most technically proficient novel yet . . . I dare you to read the first chapter and try not to turn the next page.” –Brent Weeks

“Half a King can be summed up in a single word: masterpiece. It’s a coming-of-age story. It’s a Viking saga. It’s a revenge tale and family drama and the return of the prodigal son. But most of all, it’s this: a short time alongside people as weak and blundering as we are and, in the midst of it all, as heroic. Far too short a time, as it turns out. What a wonderful book.” –Myke Cole

“Half a King is full of all the adventure I’ve come to expect from Abercrombie and a tenderness I never knew he had.” –Sam Sykes

About the Author

Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie is celebrated as one of the most prominent names in contemporary fantasy fiction, hailing from Lancaster, England. Predominantly known for his gritty and darkly humorous approach, Abercrombie skillfully weaves complex narratives that breathe life into compelling characters. With a degree in Psychology from Manchester University and a stint in the digital film industry, he applies his honed understanding of human nature and visual storytelling to his works, resulting in vivid and relatable worlds filled with immersive conflict.

Abercrombie debuted as an author with “The Blade Itself,” the first volume in the lauded First Law Trilogy. The series has since expanded to include standalone novels and short stories, with a total of over two million copies sold worldwide. Notably, his novel “Half a King” won the 2015 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book, showcasing the expansive range of his writing prowess. Each piece Abercrombie crafts remains critically acclaimed for its innovative blend of fantasy and realism, highlighting his ability to make readers question established notions about heroes, villains, and moral ambiguity.

Despite his painted worlds of ruthless battles and political intrigue, Abercrombie maintains a life far removed from his grim fantasy settings. Residing peacefully in Bath, England, with his wife and three children, Joe continues to create works that push the boundaries of fantasy literature. His influence in the genre remains significant, with fans and peers alike recognizing him as an unparalleled master in storytelling. The high regard for his work in the literary world proves his standing as a commanding figure in the contemporary fantasy scene.