Half the World

Narrator John Keating's bright, lively voice makes this story of a young female warrior who is caught up in political machinations sound crisp and almost cheery. The main character, Thorn, stands out from her fellows as a fighting woman and queen's champion. Keating gives her a distinct Suffolk accent--rounding the sound of "i'' into "oi"--which sets her apart. His depiction of political minister Father Yarvi sounds sly and smart, and unwilling warrior Brand is portrayed as good-natured and forthright. The queens and empresses come across as delicate yet powerful. This is a wonderful audiobook for listeners who enjoy a strong dose of politics with their fantasy, as in "Game of Thrones." G.D. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine

December 1, 2014
This splendid second installment in the Shattered Sea epic fantasy series (after Half a King) shifts focus from cunning Prince Yarvi—now Father Yarvi—to Thorn Bathu, an ordinary young woman who’s stubbornly determined to become a fighter. Thorn wants to follow in the footsteps of her father, a great warrior, but she must endure not only the pain of training but also prejudice from the master-at-arms. When Thorn’s sword breaks during her final test, it smashes her dreams—and turns her into a murderer. Father Yarvi steps in to save Thorn and give her a place on one of his ships, but soon she realizes she’s become a pawn in his deep, complicated political games. Abercrombie has a knack for building characters with pathos and wit. Both plot and setting are believable, and readers will easily immerse themselves in Thorn and Yarvi’s world. The fast-paced story draws readers along while setting up what promises to be an explosive final showdown. Agent: Robert Kirby, United Agents.

June 1, 2015

Thorn is a rarity in Gettland--a girl seeking to become a warrior. When she's accused of murder by her teacher after a death in the training square, her plans of serving in the king's raiders fall to ash. When Brand, a boy in her cohort, speaks up in her defense, his ambitions are similarly destroyed. Father Yarvi (the hero of the series' first book, Half a King), Gettland's cunning minister, takes the two youths under his wing as members of his crew on a diplomatic mission seeking allies for their small nation in a doomed rebellion against the High King who plots against them. Both protagonists must strive to become something more than tools or weapons in the hands of greater powers. This Norse-style series is somewhat less adult-oriented than most of Abercrombie's previous work but still has plenty of his trademark gory action and grim consequences. Narrator John Keating does a lively job with a fast-paced story, though his broad accent for Thorn's dialog may be a bit much for some American listeners. VERDICT Recommended for fans of Viking-style adventure, young heroes, and bloody tales of betrayal and revenge. ["This could just as easily be enjoyed by the adult fans who loved Abercrombie's 'First Blade' trilogy as by the teen audience to which it is also being promoted": LJ 1/15 review of the Del Rey: Ballantine hc.]--Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ. Lib., Atlanta

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