They say the middle book of a trilogy could be a filler - you have the beginning and the end in your first and the third book respectively and the second one is there to "continues the story". There definitely is a kernel of truth to this generalization, but I have seen exceptions as well (case in point - the second book from the Remembrance of Earth's Past Trilogy). That being said, "Before They Are Hanged" unfortunately is not such an exception. IMO, it falls into the proverbial "middle book" fallacy. What works in its favor though (and hence the 4/5 rating from me), is the excellent characters and some of the sassiest character interactions in fantasy novels I have seen. The action sequences are painted superbly. The story arc of this book kind of feels flat. All in all, if you enjoyed the first book of the 'First law Trilogy', you'll enjoy this one, though not as much. For me, it's enough to keep me interested and go for the third book. I guess that's the main purpose of the middle books anyways! Monday, February 24, 2020
Book Review of "Before They Are Hanged - First Law Trilogy Book 2"
They say the middle book of a trilogy could be a filler - you have the beginning and the end in your first and the third book respectively and the second one is there to "continues the story". There definitely is a kernel of truth to this generalization, but I have seen exceptions as well (case in point - the second book from the Remembrance of Earth's Past Trilogy). That being said, "Before They Are Hanged" unfortunately is not such an exception. IMO, it falls into the proverbial "middle book" fallacy. What works in its favor though (and hence the 4/5 rating from me), is the excellent characters and some of the sassiest character interactions in fantasy novels I have seen. The action sequences are painted superbly. The story arc of this book kind of feels flat. All in all, if you enjoyed the first book of the 'First law Trilogy', you'll enjoy this one, though not as much. For me, it's enough to keep me interested and go for the third book. I guess that's the main purpose of the middle books anyways! 
Saturday, February 1, 2020
Book Review of "The Blade Itself - First Law Trilogy Book 1"
This one was an interesting read.
Positives:
1. Excellent characters and character interactions: With the exception of a one obviously villainous character, all others are beautifully construed with a mix of black and white. You love them and yet you hate their guts - actually pretty good for a fantasy novel. The dialogues are funny & sarcastic with just the right amount of profanity.
2. Vivid depiction of action sequences: simple man on man sword fights, fistfights & some magical fights throughout the book but they are painted vividly giving you a sense of urgency and actually having you second guess the results.
Negatives:
1. The overall story arc: The entire book feels like a buildup to something and then it ends. I am hoping the next two books in the trilogy don't feel this way.
2. Unnecessary gratuitous violence is some places: Reminds you of a Tarantino movie - probably a bit less of graphic violence could have had a bigger impact IMO.
Overall, fun & interesting. 4/5.
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