Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie Summary
Overview of Before They Are Hanged
In Abercrombie's dark fantasy masterpiece, characters face impossible choices while battling inner demons. Ranking 5th in the 2008 SF Site Readers Poll, this middle trilogy installment features what fans call "the most impressive character development" in fantasy literature. Will you survive the journey?
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Key takeaways
A World Where Mercy Comes at a Price
In a realm where death makes no distinction between kings and commoners, "Before They Are Hanged" unfolds with brutal honesty. The Dogman, a weathered scout with philosophical tendencies, surveys the aftermath of slaughter in Angland's misty valleys. Bodies of decorated captains lie face-down in mud beside common soldiers-all equal in death's eyes. "The Great Leveller," he calls it, death being the ultimate equalizer that strips away titles, wealth, and power. This harsh reality sets the tone for a narrative where survival demands uncomfortable alliances. The Dogman and his companions-the fearsome Black Dow, towering Tul Duru Thunderhead, silent Harding Grim, and their leader Rudd Threetrees-find themselves siding with their former enemies against King Bethod. When Dow questions this choice with his characteristic sneer, Threetrees simply responds, "Then I reckon we'll have to teach 'em." In this world, yesterday's enemy might be today's only hope for vengeance against a greater foe.
The Rotten Core of Power
Scars That Shape Us
Survival's Brutal Math
The Illusion of Control
The Monster Within
From Suffering to Strength
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"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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