The First Law: SPOILER TALK - Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie

[@TOM-os9rk]

I love Jezal's POV scenes. Always find them very funny, in particular when he observes Bayaz losing his cool. Brilliantly done.

[@imhim9989]

One thing I love about glokta is the fact that he seems loyal to the few people that actually treat him like a human being (Ardee and Collem) which I think gives a lot of insight to his self loathing nature and how he almost has more confidence in himself as a person as he forms these more human relationships throughout the book

[@micah7492]

My guy, you have GOT to listen to the audio books. Stephen Pacey does a phenomenal job with the narration. Actually gives me goosebumps and tears my eye from time to time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Audiobooks is something I just can't focus on, but perhaps since I know this story inside and out now I could put them on without the fear of missing key details.

[@micah7492]

@@mikesbookreviews I understand that, I cant just sit down and listen to an audiobook, either. Luckily, I work 10 hour shifts and no one bothers me at work so I can listen to books all day :)

[@Slayereyez]

Stephen pacey is the goat of narrators.

[@turtleanton6539]

He is supergood

[@simonedwards9450]

I’m going to start the audiobooks in the next couple of weeks. I can’t wait

[@xl4712]

Longfoot being a Claptrap type of character is a perfect 😂

[@joronah8650]

"Fellowship of the Seed" I liked the sound of that haha. Many thanks for this excellent review. I finished this book last May and somehow got distracted and finished the whole Witcher saga instead of jumping straight to the third one. Now I'm about to continue on and this video helped refresh my memory big time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Always happy to help. Just don't call me Brother Longfoot.

[@jenniferritter7349]

Burst out laughing when you said "Congratulations Ferro" in response to her being a demon. Well said. Great review!

[@bloodynine9017]

Just finished book 2. Has everyone forgot about the whole superior Goyle and Vitari forcing the story of a “dog bite” over a human with missing body parts

[@Vexarax]

The inquisition is always lying. I'm almost finished book 2 and Glokta had to torture the ambassador of the emperor into admitting to murdering the prince even though he knows full well the guy is innocent and an Eater is the culprit. I don't think anyone cares at this point as long as the necessary outcome is reached :o

[@bloodynine9017]

@@Vexarax I’ve read every single Joe Abercrombie first law book you’ll enjoy them

[@rosseller2045]

Just finished this one, great review as always! Claptrap is perfect for longfoot lol. Im continually suspicious of Bayaz but I feel as if he generally has good intentions, I cant get a grip on him. Glotka's stuff continues to be fascinating!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heh. Can't wait to hear your thoughts after the ending.

[@michaelmoore8028]

You got me back into reading. Thank you for reminding me to get lost in new worlds. Seriously appreciate you and your videos.

[@QuirkyQuillify]

I started this series due to your recommendation and I am loving these books. I can't remember the last time I was so enthralled. I'm getting through a book a week and I can't wait to start the 3rd. I find Brother Longfoot really funny. He's just bragging all the time and no one pays any attention. I almost feel sorry for him if I weren't laughing so hard. West's character arch is definitely taking a dark turn. He started out as my favorite, but now I have mixed feelings. Furious is not a man I could root for, although I must admit Lattislaw's death had me smiling uncontrollablely. I think I had similar anger issues and that's why Furious scares me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If I have convinced even a dozen people to pick up this series, then these videos have succeeded in their goal. So happy you're enjoying them. I still don't understand why they don't get more recognition.

[@shosty575]

Ladisla

[@QuirkyQuillify]

@@shosty575 thanks! I listened to the audio book and had no idea how to spell the names lol

[@shosty575]

@@QuirkyQuillify 👍🙂

[@dcarman686]

The beauty of Mike's Reviews is he can brake it down and bring it to you from the inside. I cannot tell how much I love this highly recommended series from Mike's reviews. It is a truly an astonishing series. Currently I am 75% done with the second book Before They Are Hanged so I have to book mark this video at the half way mark. Nice going Mike.

[@mikesbookreviews]

So happy others have experienced this story now.

[@jimjohnson6944]

Argh these books are so good, they totally made me forget all about ASOIAF. Great review! Looking forward to watching the 3rd one

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yeah, there's a reason I want Joe to be the one to finish the ASOIAF books.

[@turtleanton6539]

Loved this one. Hyped for 3

[@jk7690]

Tony Hawk's reviewing my favorite book series, sweet

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha did I really look like that?

[@jk7690]

@@mikesbookreviews totally man, keep riding those verts and reviewing those books

[@bomtradym4027]

lol accurate

[@Ulmo90]

I enjoyed this book even more than the first one, we finally know a bit about the story and more about the world

[@deanryanmartin]

This is an outstanding sequel to a promising trilogy. Joe Abercrombie is golden!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Just wait for book 3.

[@deanryanmartin]

@@mikesbookreviews I am currently reading it like a madman.

[@turtleanton6539]

Simply fantastic

[@ZanyZoboomafoo]

JUST finished book 2....wow. This series is interfering with my Rage of Dragons progress 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@mikesbookreviews]

Book 3 is even better.

[@deanryanmartin]

This series is interfering with my Wheel of Time progress HAHAHA

[@rachmusic9873]

Dean Ryan Martin Me too brotherrr

[@dcarman686]

@@rachmusic9873 Me Three

[@areallyboredguy5825]

@@dcarman686 it’s alright sometimes you need a mod series break. I stopped on book 10 of wot read first law. The three standalone sand age of madness, gentlemen’s bastards and then came back and finished wot

[@thatsci-firogue]

Just finished reading it last night. Loved it. Quickly becoming one of my all time favourite series. Gonna start Last Argument soon.

[@MrFlamesFan12]

Just read the book, and my word I love this trilogy. Love what Joe does with character arcs, especially with Jezal and Glotka.

[@МаркоБојовић]

Your reviews are great! Looking forward to the third one. Just keep going!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thank you so much. Comments like this make taking the time to do these videos worth it, so I will certainly keep going.

[@patrickbarber2941]

Been loving your reviews for a few years now man!! Keep it up.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad you like them!

[@Ethan-42]

Lol, that brother longfoot/claptrap comparison was on point 💯

[@fogle429]

The Longfellow/Claptrap comparison is so spot on.

[@shosty575]

Hey Mike! Just finished it. Perfection!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Dig in, Bubba. LAOK is BANANAS.

[@heervora8667]

I FOUND YOU YUL! lol

[@heervora8667]

One year too late but ehh

[@kristen7623]

In the audiobook Brother Longfoot has an Indian Accent…haha!

[@tkczester]

Hi, thanks for recommendation of The First Law! I just finished 2nd book. Ending of "the seed escapade" reminded me of ending of Harry Potter 6 (obtaining the fake horcrux). I'm not a fan of fantasy genre. Nevertheless I liked most of the characters, I really liked the cynical and ruthless narration and I'm curious about the end of the story, which, like you and other people on the internet, are saying is unexpected and the third book overall is the best one in the trilogy. The thing I didn't like was the Bayaz's stories about the past, Juvens, Kanedias and Glustrod, legendary events. I know it's important for the lore and reader's understanding of the world, but I find stuff like this very boring. But that's just me with my aversion towards fantasy genre. I'm really glad that there's no dragons and the magic isn't that important here.

[@who_the_fuck_is_riley5813]

I'm working my way through the trilogy now and after finishing Before They Are Hanged Joe Abercrombie has solidified his place in my mind as one of my favorite authors. The build up of the Feared has me very excited to see how that turns out in Last Argument of Kings, Bayaz has me suspicious as ever, and the characterization of Malacus in this one makes me suspicious of him too. The gradual development of Logen bringing the group together was a joy to read, especially the parts between him and Jezal. Overall I thought the book was fantastic

[@Twistedstar0320]

Just my opinion but I think you should listen to some of the msgs here about the audio book. It's worth it just to hear Glokta's voice narrated. It's amazing, it's perfect. I'm currently reading and listening to the audio book while I drive. I can't stress enough how damn good the narrator is. He was born to narrate these books.

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

This book was incredible. I am so attached to these characters. SPOILERS: Dogman putting a blanket over Cathil, trying to keep her warm even though she is already dead, urgh ripped my heart out.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I sat up all night long; reading Red Country, and laughing out loud. Shy and Temple's trip down the mountain, with the gold filled wagon...Regarding Last Argument Of Kings, I ended up really liking the Dogman. He's a straight edge.

[@danielw8620]

Ok glad I can finally come here and listen to this review. Just finished the 2nd book. Am I the only one who was disappointed no one was ever hanged, literally the whole time I expected one of the main characters to get hanged or soon to be hanged and then maybe saved. Good book, interesting to see how it finishes up, probably finish book 3 by next week's end. I will say part of me is disappointed not that it is a bad book but every booktuber has hyped this book series up as the greatest series since sliced bread. As someone who doesn't read a ton of epic fantasy I think the main praise is that it is just "counter culture". They spend the whole second book seeking a mythical relic only for it to not be there, which compared to other epic fantasy just never happens, they always find the relic so I guess aspects like this is what has everyone clamoring over it. I still don't think that makes it a great book per say but it's good, i will have to see how it finished before I cast my final judgement. There are some good character arcs though seeing Jezal become humble, ferro learning to trust, Logan finding people worth fighting for and a purpose, West learning to respect the northman. So far though there is no overall happiness, the moral is "try your hardest and everything ends up meh..not the worst...not the best...but meh". Which I think is what everyone who reads alot of epic fantasy loves about it because epic fantasy usually ends in everyone being rich/prosperous, get's the girl, get's the castle, get's stronger. Here it seems like as time goes on people lose more of their self physical/wealth/spiritual in an abundance of ways. We will see how book 3 wraps everything up, looking forward to it. My expectations for book 3 (before reading it, just guessing): Glotka : responsible for the Prince's death since he wants vegence still on the Gurkish for leaving him a ruined man, Quai: is going to betray Bethaz (it was foreshadowed in start of book 2 when he put his hands around Bethaz kneck) the same way Bethaz betrayed his masters in search of power Bethaz: is going to be shown to be the bad guy that sparked the downfall of the magi and khalul the good guy who turned to being an eater after Bethaz was too strong initially for him or something like that Logan: going to die in battle fighting Bethod (had to edit this one), he is also probably going to go into a rage and kill one of our beloved characters at some point, maybe Ferro? Ferro: no idea tbh, really can't pinpoint her character arch in the final book other then she is going back to fight the Gurkish and will probably die there, maybe she kills Khalul Jezal: not sure on him either, he will probably try the family life with Ardee then go off to join Logan in some battle with Bethod where Logan dies but he gets to live and have kids with Ardee West: he will continue fighting and die in the final battle with Bethod Dogman and crew: Dogman dies while killing Feared, Shiver will replace him as leader of the crew

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I totally enjoyed before they are hanged about to request the 3 book in the series 😊🤗😀

[@briangallagher3106]

I should finish this book tmw but my god am I loving it! Incredible read!

[@briangallagher3106]

Best book in a very long time. Spoilers!!! That ending blew me away. The scale of the battles in this book are on par with helms deep. And the siege of Dagoska? Wow. I couldn’t put this book down, between yesterday and today I read 350 pages. I can’t wait to pick up Last argument but I have to take a break from reading for the rest of the day my head is spinning.

[@tonysoave]

Will you also be reading Sharp Ends? The First Law short story collection?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes, I meant to add that in there. I imagine I'll do it right after Red Country since it's so short. But certainly before A Little Hatred.

[@tonysoave]

@@mikesbookreviews Glad to hear. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@tonysoave Nothing Joe has written yet has disappointed me.

[@gunneratijuf8915]

I wasn’ t expecting the ending haha. But it was good. I liked the book

[@Journeyman2585]

As I was reading West's pov, I really thought Joe was planning to give Ladisla a little redemption arc at some point. I was way off lol.

[@gunneratijuf8915]

For a middle book it made you instantly want to go read the third book

[@connoriquada5429]

Holy shit Longfoot totally is claptrap 😂😂

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha right?

[@billyb840]

As uncomfortable as if dad slapped mom at the dinner table lol 😂😂

[@MrJordanworkman]

I always read longfoot with a claptrap voice too! Funny

[@farhad_s]

That Longfoot / Claptrap comparison will stick with me for a while

[@currangill430]

Okay I'm reading Longfoot in Claptrap's voice in my re-read lol.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It is inevitable.

[@currangill430]

@@mikesbookreviews Have you seen Cobra Kai? I read that in the voice of Kreese lol

[@doctordeladarius]

I'm not very far into Last Argument of Kings, so I may not have much of a valid opinion on the journey to the edge of the world. But, so far, it almost seems like the cliche "it's not about the destination, it's about the journey" situation. While I do believe the party intended on finding the Seed at the end of the journey, I also think the struggles on the journey and the ways the characters developed throughout the journey may ultimately have shaped the characters into who they need to be for the conclusion of this first trilogy. Does that make sense? I don't know, and personally I may not totally get my answer until i finish LAOK.

[@BrightMOON5]

Bayz frustration made me laugh lol

[@contextclues8414]

I literally thought of longfoot as claptrap too hahaha

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

very awesome second book

[@matguerra333]

Kinda weird you say that as The North boys traveled hundreds of miles and the goof troop traveled to the end of the world... I couldn't care less about Master Byaz btw. But I think His 2nd book, "The Trouble with Peace" from the other trilogy is in my top 3 books of ALL TIME.. My favorite part of this world is The North Man everytime. They are so dman funny. Especially w/Stephen Pacey doing it. The dude gives descendants similar dialects, unbelievable attention t detail.

[@remycris2108]

Spoiler here It relle upset me me with the way Cathil acted towards west. Ik she’s her own women and doesn’t owe anyone her love but banging the Dogman was so random for me and upsetting. Sure west had anger issues and whatnot but to me they were expected with what he had to deal with and control. He seemed to do everything for the good of his people and what was right or wrong. He got an unfair wrap to me. Idk but I could feel his anger when she said he was to angry for him. Like relle I’m doing all these good deeds and stressed the tf out and u can’t overlook my one character flaw god damn

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's all part of West's arc. We, as a people, have a tendency to think if we look down on one race/nationality that everyone that is like us feels the same. He never considers she's interested in Dogman because he thinks that like him, she must think they're subhuman. At least that's how I took it. West needed the wake up call he got in book #2 and it made him such a better character by book 3.

[@christpower5402]

Did you do the Shatteted Seas yet?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have not. I own them, but haven't tried them yet. I traditionally stay away from YA, but I figure Joe doing YA will be better than just about any other YA author out there.

[@noraeld5020]

I just finished this book and malacus has me really suspicious

[@mikesbookreviews]

🤐

[@kostaskermanidis8972]

I just finished the second book and I am also very VERY suspicious of malacus, I have a nagging feeling as if he is possessed or something I don't know, I am starting the third book today so I guess will see... Also bayaz, I am starting to feel that although he has good intentions he is gonna fuck thinks up (I am losing faith). can't wait to see what's gonna happen

[@simeonstan5843]

@@kostaskermanidis8972 Same here, Malacus seems to be acting weird and I am literally just waiting for him to turn his back on Bayaz. One more thing, I am 99% sure I know the reason Jezal is brought to this journey... I see many ppl being uncertain but I think its pretty obvious.

[@mrpolskija]

Furious!

[@lukasa6374]

Someone did blurb out that cosca appears in later books. Comonnnn man what happened to you assuring us there werent any spoilers for future books.... comon man i want to listen to your reviews but....

[@hithere9616]

Does Ardee play a role in this book?

[@pip5188]

For some reason I found the fellowship to be the least interesting out of all the plotlines. You’d think it would be the most interesting but Glotka and West’s stories were way more entertaining

[@imhim9989]

Agreed. Although I feel like that storyline will really take off in book 3 which I will be reading soon

[@Kksaeyi247]

I'm currently reading the second book. In all honesty, every time Bayaz speaks I get bored. The voice in the audio version doesn't do him any favours. And I always feel disconnected when I encounter a Glokta chapter. I understand his character, but after listening to him ponder why the hell he's even doing shit, I can't really find a lot of sympathy for him. Not that he's a less sympathetic or moral man, I'd say his actions seem improved on that front, but rather every chapter has turned into a chore and feels the same. Not sure why, but I hardly enjoy the scenes unless there's a fight which tends to be the opposite for all the other characters. I enjoy moments of character building or the clash of different dynamics. For Glokta chapters, there isn't a lot of that, or not enough when compared to the Bayaz group or the Northman group. It doesn't help that he seems to have the least motive behind his actions. I probably might get a grand revelation by the end that might change my mind, or the boredom made listen on auto and I missed something here or there. But after hearing him say "why, why do I do this?" For the upteenth time, you start to question it yourself and feel ashamed of him rather than for him. I have plenty of idea why literally every one else does the shit, the horrible shit they do - even the damn prince (the absolute trash bag of human filth he is). I can't say I hate him, I just don't find him as compelling as he used to be. Logan is best Boi though. And Ferro is the vicious raccoon one can only aspire to be.

[@ryanoneal8480]

I'm enjoying the series after finishing the first two books. The characters and story are good, but the prose and writing is so weak. I don't understand why Joe constantly reuses the same words over and over, get this man a thesaurus. If I see him use 'grimaced' one more time I'm gonna quit reading them.

[@bradleyheck7204]

Nicomo Casca is a wonderfully horrible character.

[@natebringer]

Spoiler Alert

[@mikesbookreviews]

natebringer Yes, when I first started this channel it was 100% spoilers.