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So, the series is complete with the final book Emperor of Thorns out, and I felt it so phenomenal it deserves its own thread.
This story is told first person by the protagonist and antihero Jorg Ancrath, who is about the evilest and sickest bastard there is, yet also a very likable and inspiring character.
I should say right off the bat, the series is only for those with strong stomachs, as there are such moments that... well, I don't want to spoil anything, however if this thread does get off the ground, I expect many a spoiler to be posted here, so be wary.
So for those who read it, what do you think? Let's discuss, shall we?
Here are some more in detail description of the book, which I personally would not recommend you reading, as that will take away from the effect of discovering these things as you read. These are not major spoilers, but still, read at your own care.
+ Show Spoiler +The book is based in medieval setting only from the first glance. Actually, it's a post-apocalyptic setting, a result of most interesting of things, and the remnants of our 21st (maybe 22nd) century are scattered all across the Broken Empire universe.
+ Show Spoiler +Jorg Ancrath is an incredibly unique opportunity as well as a delight to delve into a mind of a person such as him, see his reasoning, his impulses, his drives, and his purpose. You can't really expect anything less from someone who watched his mother and father die when he was 9, and whose father is a complete asshole. He is though clever to the point of genius, border lining insanity.
Note, that if you think this book is not for you solely based on the fact that the protagonist is seemingly an evil psychopath, I would suggest you still give it a go, as there is more to it than that. Much more. You might even enjoy it.
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I haven't read much fantasy lately, but after seeing your post and reading about these books I am going to check them out. So thanks!
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I may check it out. It sounds different from other fantasy. After I read A song of Fire and Ice (aka game of thrones) I grew bored of fantasy. But this series sounds interesting.
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Haven't even heard of it, but going to check it out now, sounds intriguing!
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So whats it about? What are the opposing sides etc? Whats the throne? Whats the name of the series? Thin OP tbh, cover looks cool tell me more. I read a cloudy synopsis saying something about the undead?
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Protag was too much of a scumbag for me to get into the novels.
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I just ordered the first of the books since I had nothing else to read anyway.
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On August 19 2013 04:35 Russano wrote: Protag was too much of a scumbag for me to get into the novels. I'm of the same opinion. I don't mind an anti-hero so long as it's balanced out with a POV character to "root" for. Got about half-way through book one before I gave up.
That said, if you can get past this series has garnered a lot of acclaim so if you can get past that sticking point, do check it out.
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I have added some more description of the series, so that it is more clear on what you are getting into.
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Interesting, this will be added to my check out list, but certainly won't find time for it anytime soon (Got 6½ unread Malazan books of the fallen waiting to be read :-)).
I hope ppl are exaggerating how much of a scumbag the protagonist is, otherwise I might just as well not red it. That would annoy me quite a deal!
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On August 19 2013 20:40 JKM wrote: Interesting, this will be added to my check out list, but certainly won't find time for it anytime soon (Got 6½ unread Malazan books of the fallen waiting to be read :-)).
I hope ppl are exaggerating how much of a scumbag the protagonist is, otherwise I might just as well not red it. That would annoy me quite a deal!
It's an exaggeration of a sort. He does bad things, but because you are in his head, it feels sort of justified. You understand him. Which is why it's so great.
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It sounds to me as if this series has the potential to grab me. I will check it out, thanks.
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I am about 20% into the first book and I am enjoying it a lot. I wish I had more time to read these days, I feel that if I had a full day to read I would probably read the book cover to cover. It's quite a page-turner so far.
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On August 22 2013 02:26 ziggurat wrote: I am about 20% into the first book and I am enjoying it a lot. I wish I had more time to read these days, I feel that if I had a full day to read I would probably read the book cover to cover. It's quite a page-turner so far.
Glad to hear it! Feel free to discuss whatever you might want to discuss about it.
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I had forgotten about this series. Never really heard anything of it when I noticed it in the store so I thought it was most likely meh. Though I did buy the first book after reading this thread. The Twilight Reign series by Tom Lloyd that I was previously reading just got way too feelgoody for me. I need more Joe Abercrombie soon
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Just finished the first book, started it this labor day weekend. All I can say is that it's GRIPPING and PSYCHOTIC. Not for every1 but an VERY entertaining read. Basically, Jorg is a cross between Joffrey and Arya from grm's Game of thrones, and that is why he's such a fascinating character. He's got all the sadistic evil urges joffrey does but also has experienced catastrophic tragedies like Arya has. While you detest his actions, you also sympathize with his goals and motivations. It also doesn't hurt that this was very well written and a fast read.
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On the scale of all 3 books, I have to say:
The first one is a good introduction to the story, as good as it is, but we're just talking within the scale of the series
The second one is a masterpiece, considering the writing style. There are some things that might initially seem unnecessary, but I assure you, they are very important, and factor in to the story later on.
The third one's quality is beyond me. It's the last book in the series, and it does not disappoint. Mark Lawrence wraps everything up perfectly, leaving no great loose ends. This book is gripping, and the ending is spectacular. I have not yet been satisfied by a single ending to the series, and this one breaks the streak.
I've got to say, The Broken Empire, at least for now, has surpassed A Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) for me. But it's more recent in my memory, so maybe that's why.
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I'll see, I'm usually picky about my fantasy. Usually annoyed by irrealisticly strong characters and lets save the world stories. Hope its neither and that the book is also more than just about the main character being a badass evil.
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Is this the series where the main character rapes 2 women in the opening pages of the first book? Because I couldn't read that for obvious reasons.
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Yeah, he does rape a farmer's daughter, not sure if it was 2 though. It isn't really graphic, and we only get to know this as he remembers it some hours later. But yes, I can understand why you wouldn't want to read that.
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