Half a King by Joe Abercrombie

Rating: 4 / 5 stars

I didn’t know what to expect when I picked up my first novel by Abercrombie. And what aspect of this book is considered YA?! Just because the protagonist happens to be in that age range is not the defining criteria, because NEWSFLASH: Child kings are a dime a dozen, way back when. See Russia, France, China, Rome, Poland, England, Spain, Egypt...shall I go on? However, I was pleasantly surprised to find an engaging revenge plot, complete with a mashup of misfits as its supporting cast, and twists that I did not see coming. There were no typical YA love triangles, insta-love nonsense, or teenage angst. In other words, I really liked it.

I liked the subtle sarcasm in Nothing’s humor, the tell-it-like-it-is honesty of Rulf, and the steadfastness of Jaud. The evolution of Yarvi’s character was great to watch. His growth into a “deep-cunning man” is cleverly delicious. Abercrombie is known for his earlier dark fantasy series, the First Law trilogy, which I have not read since I tend to shy away from that sub-genre. But since Half a King was marketed as YA, I figured, how dark could it be?

I was not disappointed either way. It was not a HEA but nor was it skin-prickling darkness. It was a perfect blend of the realities of life with the sustaining hope of rooting for the underdog. Normally, I care not for political maneuvers and the everything-goes clawing for power. But this addicting page-turner had me waiting for Yarvi’s next move, like a chess match (which I don’t play). Abercrombie is just breaking all sorts of new ground for me.

I am waiting for the next installment, Half the World, to get into my hands. Please, please don’t let me down!