[Hobbit]

(the conclusion to Bayaz/Logen/Jezal/Ferro's quest was a bit of an anticlimactic bummer)

Mentioned this before, Evil, in another Abercrombie place, but IMO really that was the point. It was set up like a typical quest, but unlike the typical, with characters who clearly hate each other and, in the end, DIDN'T do what would normally happen in a Fantasy quest style book.

Subversive, eh?

Mark

[KatG]

Once you get into Book 3, a lot of Book 2 becomes extremely relevant. Also, once you finish Book 3, you won't have to read anything with battle scenes for quite awhile cause there's like 600 of them in Book 3.

Wasn't the siege in Book 2 fun?

[MattNY]

Mentioned this before, Evil, in another Abercrombie place, but IMO really that was the point. It was set up like a typical quest, but unlike the typical, with characters who clearly hate each other and, in the end, DIDN'T do what would normally happen in a Fantasy quest style book.

Subversive, eh?

Mark

Agreed. In the grand scope of the series, the result of that trip was actually more satisfying than if they had been successful. I am glad you brought up the characters as well Mark, as their dynamics is something I enjoyed as well about that trip. Considering the dangers they faced, in a great many series, they all would have bonded and returned home best of friends. However, besides an alliance between Jezal and Logen, nothing quite turns out the way one would have thought.

Like Kat mentions, the trip itself also serves as a lead up for an important event in the beginning of Book 3. Even without the main goal being accomplished, it set the stage for something nearly as important in the grand scheme of things.

[Evil Agent]

Mentioned this before, Evil, in another Abercrombie place, but IMO really that was the point. It was set up like a typical quest, but unlike the typical, with characters who clearly hate each other and, in the end, DIDN'T do what would normally happen in a Fantasy quest style book.

Subversive, eh?

MarkI'm not saying I disliked the ending. It was definitely more interesting than the usual "Hooray, we found the magic item!"... but it left me scratching my head and wondering why I I just followed them on this long slog to the edge of the world. What was the point exactly?

I had heard that Joe likes to turn fantasy cliches upside down, but I hadn't realized this was an example of that. If that was the point, I guess I'm okay with it. But I don't like feeling like I just read something pointless, especially since I find less and less time these days for reading long fantasy novels. I don't think this journey was completely pointless though, as I think the character growth that occurred en route was important. Particularly with Jezal, but also with Ferro and Logen.

Anyways, my favourite part of the book was probably the Northmen (Dogman and Co.), followed by Glokta's work down in Dagoska. And I am definitely enjoying the series overall so far (especially the gritty and mature tone of Joe's writing), but if I'm not completely 100% blown away, it's probably because the plot still feels a little thin.

[Hobbit]

But I don't like feeling like I just read something pointless, especially since I find less and less time these days for reading long fantasy novels. I don't think this journey was completely pointless though, as I think the character growth that occurred en route was important. Particularly with Jezal, but also with Ferro and Logen. That's how I saw it: they all learned something along the way and we learned more: especially Jezal and I think also, but very subtly, Bayaz.

And links for Book 3, as Matt and Kat say.

Mark

[KatG]

it left me scratching my head and wondering why I I just followed them on this long slog to the edge of the world. What was the point exactly?

But that was my favorite part about it! But many things that happen in that trek are not pointless, as you'll see.

[Evil Agent]

Anyways, I'm about 70 pages into Book 3, and loving it. I realized why I like this series: the characters, plain and simple. I think Abercrombie is basically the anti-Bakker. Although I enjoyed Bakker's work, I hated every character (except for Achamian) to the point where I wished they'd just hurry up and die. With Abercrombie, I'm falling in love with every character despite their flaws!

I think Ferro is taking the lead as my current favourite. I just read a funny scene that had me laughing out loud in a coffee shop When Bayaz asks her to leave the room, and she takes her time, examining a painting, poking a chair, dragging her feet, then asking "Now?". She is just awesome, and I love how she gets under Bayaz's skin. I'm chuckling again right now just thinking about that scene.