Before They Are Hanged: The First Law: Book Two: 2

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We all know what it is.’ Magister Eider was watching Glokta thoughtfully, one fingertip stroking her smooth cheek. Like a merchant who suddenly becomes aware that her supposedly ignorant customer has fleeced her, and not the other way around. ‘It seems Superior Glokta will be taking charge.’ I take pride in never being rude to anyone on this earth, which contains a great number of unbearable villains who set upon you to recount their sufferings and even recite their poems.” A high wall cut through the city before them, casting a long shadow over the squalid buildings of the slum. There was a wide pit in front, freshly dug and lined with sharpened stakes. A narrow bridge led across to a tall gate, set between looming towers. The heavy doors were open, but a dozen men stood before them: sweating Union soldiers in steel caps and studded leather coats, harsh sun glinting on their swords and spears. The First Law series is set in an epic fantasy world at war, reminiscent of early Renaissance-era Europe and the greater Mediterranean world. The world is on the verge of an Industrial Revolution. Long ago, the world was inhabited by both Demons and Humans. Then, hundreds, or thousands, of years ago, in the Old Time, a legendary half-Demon, half-Human with great magical powers, named Euz, banished the Demons from the world. Magic still exists, which relies on connections to the Other Side, where the Demons live. However, Euz left behind the First Law: "It is forbidden to touch the Other Side direct." This story has more action and violence than the first, concentrating on both the battles themselves as well as the politics behind them.

Some skilled craftsmen and so forth, still employed by the Guild of Spicers, but mostly servants who work in the Upper City and the Citadel. Many of the Union citizens who live here have native servants, some have several.’

A reference to the phrase "Revenge is a dish best served cold," which originated with the French diplomat Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord. [14] The Spicers take a cut of everything,’ muttered Harker, shoving impatiently through the chattering press.

Severard nodded, lanky hair swaying around his thin face. ‘Oh, I live to serve.’ I’m not sure what you live for, but I doubt it’s that. He sauntered off, whistling tunelessly, clattered across the plank, down the wharf and off between the dusty brown buildings beyond. We all hope that you will.’ She took Glokta’s elbow with an effortless confidence. ‘Please allow me to make the introductions.’ The woman who rose to greet Glokta as he entered did not seem out of place in the magnificent surroundings. Not in the slightest. So, here's me gushing about the things Before they are Hanged excels in. Which is to say, everything. As for that comedy I mentioned, the sardonic and intimate thoughts of the likes of Glokta and Logan will keep the corners of your mouth twitching throughout. However something like two thirds of the way through the book is possibly my favourite ever "romantic encounter" scene of all-time. They aren't something I often remark upon but this is genuinely something a touch remarkable. I'll say no more but you'll see what I mean when you get to it!

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Introduced as initially a side character in 'Before They are Hanged', Caul Shivers was a young Named Northman that originally sided with Bethod. Having heard that Dogman and his crew had Rudd Threetrees as their Chief, he and his two score of Carls join with them and the Union to fight against Bethod. He and many of the men under him seemed disillusioned by Bethod's campaign to regain Angland from the Union as well as his dealings with the Shanka and far flung Cinna troops. In the incurring battle, he helped fight against the Feared and subsequently was one of the supportive voices to make Dogman Chief of their band. Huh,’ sneered Harker. ‘The natives used to pray here in their thousands, poisoning the air with their damn chanting and superstition, until the rebellion was put down, of course.’