Oh man, this is one of the best spoiler-free breakdowns of The Broken Empire I've seen. Loved this series. The Broken Empire features a broken protagonist who I was absolutely rooting for despite his flaws.
I really enjoyed the Broken Empire, currently finishing off Red Queens War. I have to say I much prefer Jorg over Jalan, but that probably says more about me than the quality of the series.
Cool! I'll be starting Red Queen's War very soon. It would be hard to top Jorg as an interesting character, but I have a lot of confidence in Lawrence's writing, I'm excited to get into it. Thanks for commenting!
Its superb! I read 'prince of thorns' in two days. Reading the book I was stunned by some of the plot and action scenes.. which always went in a direction I was not expecting.
David Goosey Totally true! Lawrence is one of the best at surprising readers with the unexpected. That and his character work really make him stand out. Thanks for watching and commenting!
This is the absolute best non-spoiler review of the series I’ve seen. I finished the series a few days ago and find myself still thinking on it each day. In my opinion, this fantasy is a masterpiece.
Thank you! It’s tough to keep those spoilers out. Congratulations on finishing, and I completely agree with you about this trilogy being a masterpiece. I’m in the middle of Lawrence’s Red Queen’s War Trilogy now, and the quality is just as high, I think. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I’m glad to hear that! Just waiting on my RQW books to arrive, then I’ll be diving in! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
Thank you sir and for the finest brief review and articulation on this trilogy that I have seen to date. It really was a welcomed shift for me and I so enjoyed the challenge and the facets regarding amorality, violence and a post apocalyptic world. Look forward to more from this author.
END OF BROKEN EMPIRE SPOILERS: One thing that I didn´t like about the end of Emperor of Thorns was that some characters just kinda faded away. Katherine, for example, was a really interesting character in King of Thorns and she learned dream magic so she is going to play a big role in the final climax against the Dead King, right? No, all that she do was staying outside while the big climax happened inside the Emperor´s throne room and that was really disapointing. A character that I liked was Chella, but I want to know what happened to her after she murdered Jorg (she was probably killed by the people around her, but still I wish it was explained what happened to her). I also wish that we got more of Olidan Ancrath. He was one of the best characters of Prince of Thorns and that scene were he killed Justice in King of Thorns was great. The problem is that, in Emperor of Thorns, he was killed off page and that was disapointing as well. I´m not saying that the idea of Jorg not being able to kill his father is a bad idea though, I just wish we got a scene were the Dead King goes inside the Tall Castle and kills his father (Lawrence could easily make a scene like that through Chella´s prespective). That, in my opinion, would have added a lot more to the character of the Dead King who was a very flat and cliche villain until it was revealed that he was William, right in the end of Emperor of Thorns. Another character that kinda faded away was Flexer Brews, who was really interesting in King of Thorns and in the first half of Emperor of Thorns, but then in the end of the trilogy, just disappeared. I also wish I got more of Sageous, who was killed way too quickly at the end of King of Thorns (and he was, in my opinion, a way better villain than the Dead King, at least until it was revealed that he was William). I also wanted a bit more of Makin (his backstory and personallity were good, I just wish he had a bigger impact in the story), because he was there when all the important stuff happened in the trilogy, but he didn´t really do anything. But as you might have noticed already, I wish I had more of the Dead King. That twist at the end was good, but unfortunately, I wasn´t able to care about him until that twist (not to mention that we only got 2 scenes with him in the entire trilogy before the big climax). All of this said, I liked the end of Emperor of Thorns and I really liked the end that it gave to Jorg and William, but the other characters, especially Katherine and Olidan, just faded away or flat out disappeared. I think this happened because Lawrence made way too many characters to such a small trilogy, wich made that most of them didn´t have a satisfactory end to their character arc.
JP 1010 Well said! I must admit that I’ve thought the same of Katherine, whom I just saw in a cameo in Prince of Fools, by the way. I can’t argue against your assertion that Lawrence could have done more with Olidan and The Dead King either. I loved Makin (also just saw him in a cameo), but I was pretty satisfied with the amount of backstory for him. You’re, of course, right that the trilogy’s length precludes the development of most of these characters. I think Jorg really steals the show, and that’s how Lawrence wanted it. In a sense, the other characters exist to tell us how we, the readers, are “supposed” to think about Jorg. It’s his story, and they are supporting characters. Seen that way, the trilogy’s length makes more sense, I think. But you’re absolutely right: The other characters, who are vivid and interesting, don’t get nearly the same development. I’m more or less okay with that (except maybe in Katherine’s case) since I found Jorg a fascinating character, but I definitely see what you mean. Thanks for the awesome comments!
When I tell people about this series, I give them a warning. "You're going to hate the main character, he's a terrible person. But, you're going to want him to win because everyone else is worse." Lawrence's writing is so good that someone I hate I can still cheer for. And his series have only gotten better. Red Sister was my favorite book 2 years ago. I've probably already sent 10 copies of it to friends to get them hooked.
Lawrence became a top ten writer for me with The Broken Empire Trilogy. I’ve got one book left in Red Queen’s War, and I’ll pick up Red Sister after that. Smart writing, great characters, and plenty of action with plenty of thought to make it more compelling.
I watched this video on a whim about 10 months ago, and just recently whipped through the Broken Empire trilogy this week! I thoroughly loved it. Easily one of the best fantasy (sci-fi even?) stories I’ve ever read. Also idk how to pronounce Jorg, but I assumed it was like Borg but with a J
I’m glad you enjoyed The Broken Empire Trilogy! I also highly recommend the parallel trilogy in that world, The Red Queen’s War Trilogy. As for Jorg, I pronounce it like “Yorg,” but I don’t actually know if that’s correct. I’m sure it’s fine either way. Cheers!
Philip, I really appreciate your generosity with your intelligence, education, and perspective to deliver a comprehensive book review unlike many others. This review was the largest influence on my decision to try this series. I was apprehensive given the feedback and content warnings of others, but I opted to explore this perspective and see for myself. The narrative choice sounds similar in flavor to American Psycho (which I loved) and that book really changed the way I view superficial assessments I make of people, so we’ll see how this series goes. I just wanted to say thank you. Cheers!
Having just finished kingkiller 1 and 2, and then all the first law books I think I’ll give this series a try next. I love embarking on a new series, and the way you describe the books makes them sound unusual and interesting. You sir, have earned my sub. Thank you.
I've read The Broken empire and Red queens war, I haven't finished the third book in the broken empire, but I'm currently reading the third book in the RQW. I believe both series how phenomenal writing and great narrative. My personal favorite series. Highly recommend!
Spacey Dragon Well said! I’ve read and reviewed Prince of Fools, and I’m looking forward to reading The Liar’s Key soon. Lawrence’s writing has never failed to entertain and amaze me, and I plan to read all of his books. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'm surprised how much Jorg matured in the first two books. He's a brilliantly written antihero. Also love his dynamics with the Road Brothers
@@thatsci-firogue I feel similarly, and book three really does a lot with this development. Much of it happens through the flashbacks, which really give insights into Jorg’s character and development.
I just started reading Lawrence this year and he is already one of my favorite living authors. I completely agree with your take on Jorg. I started out hating the character and by the end he is one of my top 10 favorites of all time.
Jorg would be a strong candidate, I think, for least understood fantasy character, but, to be fair, a lot of how I feel about him rests on what happens near the end of the trilogy. All the best!
It's one of the grimmer modern fantasy stories but wonderfully written, so wonderfully that I put it in my top ten video (at number five). Lawrence is a gifted and smart writer, and he has a few other trilogies under his belt that I will certainly be reading. Thanks for watching!
Nik Hunter Thank you! I admit I’m having a lot of fun learning how to make these videos and meeting some generous, open-minded book lovers. I don’t consider myself well read in the horror genre, though of course the boundary between fantasy and horror is blurry or even artificial. One series that might blend the two is Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, which I’m going to be starting soon, beginning with The Gunslinger in a week or two. If you’re already familiar with it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for watching!
Since the two trilogies run parallel to each other, you could read Red Queen's War first. There will be cameos and Easter eggs in Red Queen's War that you'll miss, but you'll get them in retrospect after you read Broken Empire. It also might help you to understand Jorg a little better if you read Red Queen's War first, and Jorg tends to be a bit of a lightning rod, whereas Jalan is hard not to smile at. Either way, I hope you'll enjoy all the books!
I found this trilogy to be a solid 7.5-8 (don't think letter grades). I just finished Prince of Fools and though I enjoyed it better than Prince of Thorns, I know it will be difficult for this trilogy to get beaten by the Red Queen trilogy. I am excited to see him try!
I’ll also be interested to compare the two trilogies once I finish Red Queen’s War. So far, I’d say Red Queen’s War is more enjoyable, but Broken Earth affected me more deeply. I’ve loved everything by Lawrence that I’ve read, though.
I’ve heard the main character is so difficult to get behind in the first book. Kind of like a Joffrey. I’ve been interested in this series for a while but haven’t gotten into it just yet.
Joe's Review Journal No doubt Jorg Ancrath is a majorly disturbed person. However, whereas Joffrey in ASOIAF is stupid as well as cruel, Jorg is actually intelligent and way more interesting. He’s also not a bully, just a messed up person who will do anything for vengeance. Finally, he would make mincemeat of Joffrey if the two could somehow meet! Thanks for the comment!
Philip Chase oh, so I’m almost done with PoT and I agree. Joffrey has NO chance against Jorg. Lol idk where people get the comparison from. Jorg acts for a reason. Joffrey was just poorly fleshed out in relation to Jorg imo. I’ve actually come to think that the Jorg and Joffrey comparison is unfair to Jorg
Joe's Review Journal I totally agree. Joffrey serves his purpose, but he’s in no way as complex as Jorg. It’s awesome that you’ve tackled Prince of Thorns! If you’re making a video on it, I’m definitely watching!
Jorg is smart, quick witted and ruthless. He also has gained the respect of some of the nastiest dudes in the broken empire. Joffery is more of a spoiled brat who is ruthless and is also very easily manipulated by family members
I loove this trilogy, many people talk about how they cannot get behind Jorg and that the violence/harshness in the first book is juvenile. I would rather think that Jorg is a reflection of what happens is heavily traumatized and loses some of their humanity. In fact, if Jorg wasn't a piece of shit the story would seem meek. You simply have to realize that while Jorg himself is edgy, the story as a whole is not, you just need to give it time to show you that.
EhliART Well said, and I couldn’t agree more with you! This trilogy is in some ways an exploration of trauma, and in addition to being traumatized, Jorg happens to be brilliant and driven - and, as you say, a real piece of shit. It’s brilliant writing and full of the unexpected. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I avoid spoilers in the video. If you’re extremely sensitive to spoilers, though, I recommend watching after you read. Either way, I hope you enjoy Broken Empire, Max!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thanks for taking the time to let me know that. Greatly appreciate it. Always looking for good reviews. Checked out the vid and it's great. Subbed to your channel. Cheers 👌👌
I read Prince of Thorns earlier this year, and I could not find anything in Jorg to care about. I had a really hard time with his character. To me, it felt like a thirteen year old boy’s wildest fantasy. I just couldn’t get invested in his character. It’s really interesting to hear it from the perspective of someone who enjoys it. I think your point about Lawrence exploring what violence does to people is poignant for sure.
Thank you, and thanks for watching! Jorg does mature in the second and third books, but I certainly see your point. Since he’s really the main show, if you don’t like him, it would be a tough read!
Ali Kazmi That’s actually a tough question for me to answer. I’m going to say that the third book is the best because the stakes get higher, the intensity rises, and the ending of the trilogy took me by surprise. Each book is solid, though, and I find Lawrence’s writing to be brilliant throughout. I’ve just started the first book of his next trilogy, The Red Queen’s War, and I’m loving it so far.
Got through two chapters of Prince of Thorns and the mc started bragging about raping women and I quit. He was unlikable and I had no drive to keep going.
You’re not alone in your reaction. Jorg is a terrible human being. He does some horrible things in response to the horrible things done to him. He’s a villain. For me, though, sticking with his journey, as horrible as it was at times, made me feel as if I was gaining a window into a part of humanity I’d rather not acknowledge. And the hardest thing? I’m not entirely sure that Jorg is irredeemable. Broken Empire is not for everyone, though, and I have no argument with anyone who chooses not to read it.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Just couldn't get behind him. I like gray characters like the First Law characters are pretty all flawed characters but Jorg was just...a piece of shit. From what I know about him from what I've watched on youtube he doesn't really have any redeeming qualities. Take Logen for example, he's a monster but pretends he's not. He finally accepts that he is addicted to violence and runs off and probably goes Bloody Nine somewhere else. I can get behind people like Logen, Glokta, Jaime from ASOIAF and even Cersei. But I can't behind a murderous rapist as my POV who is BRAGGING about raping a farmer's daughter. Also from what I've also seen in Mike's review is that his supporting cast are all also pieces of shit. It just seems like the author is trying to out grim dark Joe Abercrombie but he's suffering from that fact that (imo) all the characters are unlikable and just...I don't know, just assholes I guess? In other words, I can't get behind a rapist. I just can't. I just know too many people who have been raped and in my own writing I take the Joe Abercrombie approach where it happens in the background or it's just heard. I just can't follow a guy who rapes and acts like it's fine. I just can't with the book I'm sure it's really good and I love grim dark settings but this is too dark and it felt like it edgy grim dark. But I only read two chapters before quitting.
@@currangill430 Totally understood. It’s really tough to know where that line is. For example, I like Glokta. He tortures people, some of whom he knows are innocent, mutilating them and killing them. Just as he asks, “Why do I do this?”, I ask myself, “Why do I like him?” And why do I hope for him? Is there some spark of humanity in there that I hope can be kindled, leading to his redemption? Maybe. All I know is that I find his character compelling, and I hold onto some hope for him - even root for him. I feel similarly about Jorg, but it’s cool that Jorg has crossed that line for you.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Because Abercrombie is really good at making characters and making them relatable. I think its because Glokta's inner monologue is what we think when we're talking to an incomptent boss but we know not to say what we're thinking 😆 Glokta like everyone apart from Ferro who I think is Joe's weakest link along with Tunny wants to be a better in either moral compass or status (Finree Dan Brock for the latter). I've only read the first few chapters like I said but Jorg is not relatable is just a garbage human with garbage friends. But even in the first few Glokta chapters you were already invested in him because humor and because we probably he's a cripple but then he is torturering people so... why do we read this?
Ha ha! Thanks! I used to lift weights in my twenties and thirties. Now that I’m almost 50, I do more stretching than lifting. When I was young, I took flexibility for granted, but I’ve realized how important it is to maintain it with age. Stay fit, my friend!
@@SB-rf2ye That’s kind of you to say! One thing I know for sure: I feel better about everything else in my life and I’m more productive by trying to take care of my body. Best wishes to you!
The world being a post-apocalyptic fantasy land was the biggest twist for me.
I love how that emerges, and I can remember taking a closer look at the map.
Oh man, this is one of the best spoiler-free breakdowns of The Broken Empire I've seen. Loved this series. The Broken Empire features a broken protagonist who I was absolutely rooting for despite his flaws.
Thank you! I definitely feel the same way about Jorg. One of my favorites in spite of some serious flaws. Thanks for watching!
“Flaws” is putting it incredibly lightly
He's an evil bastard, but he's somehow a *lovable* evil bastard.
I really enjoyed the Broken Empire, currently finishing off Red Queens War. I have to say I much prefer Jorg over Jalan, but that probably says more about me than the quality of the series.
Cool! I'll be starting Red Queen's War very soon. It would be hard to top Jorg as an interesting character, but I have a lot of confidence in Lawrence's writing, I'm excited to get into it. Thanks for commenting!
They're completely different characters
Its superb! I read 'prince of thorns' in two days. Reading the book I was stunned by some of the plot and action scenes.. which always went in a direction I was not expecting.
David Goosey Totally true! Lawrence is one of the best at surprising readers with the unexpected. That and his character work really make him stand out. Thanks for watching and commenting!
This is the absolute best non-spoiler review of the series I’ve seen. I finished the series a few days ago and find myself still thinking on it each day. In my opinion, this fantasy is a masterpiece.
Thank you! It’s tough to keep those spoilers out. Congratulations on finishing, and I completely agree with you about this trilogy being a masterpiece. I’m in the middle of Lawrence’s Red Queen’s War Trilogy now, and the quality is just as high, I think. Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I’m glad to hear that! Just waiting on my RQW books to arrive, then I’ll be diving in! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on it.
Thank you sir and for the finest brief review and articulation on this trilogy that I have seen to date. It really was a welcomed shift for me and I so enjoyed the challenge and the facets regarding amorality, violence and a post apocalyptic world. Look forward to more from this author.
I loved The Red Queen’s War Trilogy as well, both as its own story and for what it added to Broken Empire. Lawrence is a talented writer!
END OF BROKEN EMPIRE SPOILERS:
One thing that I didn´t like about the end of Emperor of Thorns was that some characters just kinda faded away. Katherine, for example, was a really interesting character in King of Thorns and she learned dream magic so she is going to play a big role in the final climax against the Dead King, right?
No, all that she do was staying outside while the big climax happened inside the Emperor´s throne room and that was really disapointing.
A character that I liked was Chella, but I want to know what happened to her after she murdered Jorg (she was probably killed by the people around her, but still I wish it was explained what happened to her).
I also wish that we got more of Olidan Ancrath. He was one of the best characters of Prince of Thorns and that scene were he killed Justice in King of Thorns was great. The problem is that, in Emperor of Thorns, he was killed off page and that was disapointing as well. I´m not saying that the idea of Jorg not being able to kill his father is a bad idea though, I just wish we got a scene were the Dead King goes inside the Tall Castle and kills his father (Lawrence could easily make a scene like that through Chella´s prespective). That, in my opinion, would have added a lot more to the character of the Dead King who was a very flat and cliche villain until it was revealed that he was William, right in the end of Emperor of Thorns.
Another character that kinda faded away was Flexer Brews, who was really interesting in King of Thorns and in the first half of Emperor of Thorns, but then in the end of the trilogy, just disappeared.
I also wish I got more of Sageous, who was killed way too quickly at the end of King of Thorns (and he was, in my opinion, a way better villain than the Dead King, at least until it was revealed that he was William).
I also wanted a bit more of Makin (his backstory and personallity were good, I just wish he had a bigger impact in the story), because he was there when all the important stuff happened in the trilogy, but he didn´t really do anything.
But as you might have noticed already, I wish I had more of the Dead King. That twist at the end was good, but unfortunately, I wasn´t able to care about him until that twist (not to mention that we only got 2 scenes with him in the entire trilogy before the big climax).
All of this said, I liked the end of Emperor of Thorns and I really liked the end that it gave to Jorg and William, but the other characters, especially Katherine and Olidan, just faded away or flat out disappeared. I think this happened because Lawrence made way too many characters to such a small trilogy, wich made that most of them didn´t have a satisfactory end to their character arc.
JP 1010 Well said! I must admit that I’ve thought the same of Katherine, whom I just saw in a cameo in Prince of Fools, by the way. I can’t argue against your assertion that Lawrence could have done more with Olidan and The Dead King either. I loved Makin (also just saw him in a cameo), but I was pretty satisfied with the amount of backstory for him. You’re, of course, right that the trilogy’s length precludes the development of most of these characters. I think Jorg really steals the show, and that’s how Lawrence wanted it. In a sense, the other characters exist to tell us how we, the readers, are “supposed” to think about Jorg. It’s his story, and they are supporting characters. Seen that way, the trilogy’s length makes more sense, I think. But you’re absolutely right: The other characters, who are vivid and interesting, don’t get nearly the same development. I’m more or less okay with that (except maybe in Katherine’s case) since I found Jorg a fascinating character, but I definitely see what you mean. Thanks for the awesome comments!
@@ElDeano09 Thanks... I guess
When I tell people about this series, I give them a warning. "You're going to hate the main character, he's a terrible person. But, you're going to want him to win because everyone else is worse." Lawrence's writing is so good that someone I hate I can still cheer for. And his series have only gotten better. Red Sister was my favorite book 2 years ago. I've probably already sent 10 copies of it to friends to get them hooked.
Lawrence became a top ten writer for me with The Broken Empire Trilogy. I’ve got one book left in Red Queen’s War, and I’ll pick up Red Sister after that. Smart writing, great characters, and plenty of action with plenty of thought to make it more compelling.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Red Sister: Ninja Nuns. That's how I sell that series. :)
@@seancain2216 Sounds awesome!
A lot the themes and characters in this trilogy reminded me of the Berserk manga. Both legendary dark fantasy series 🙏🏻
I’ll have to try Berserk someday! Thanks for watching!
This is Berserk if Griffith was the protagonist.
Hey Philip. Love your channel. Thanks for you valuable insight!
Thank you, Weston - I appreciate the kind words!
I watched this video on a whim about 10 months ago, and just recently whipped through the Broken Empire trilogy this week! I thoroughly loved it. Easily one of the best fantasy (sci-fi even?) stories I’ve ever read.
Also idk how to pronounce Jorg, but I assumed it was like Borg but with a J
I’m glad you enjoyed The Broken Empire Trilogy! I also highly recommend the parallel trilogy in that world, The Red Queen’s War Trilogy. As for Jorg, I pronounce it like “Yorg,” but I don’t actually know if that’s correct. I’m sure it’s fine either way. Cheers!
Jorg is the best main character I've ever read and "no overnight parking"
Jorg is one of the most compelling characters you can come across, for sure.
Philip, I really appreciate your generosity with your intelligence, education, and perspective to deliver a comprehensive book review unlike many others. This review was the largest influence on my decision to try this series. I was apprehensive given the feedback and content warnings of others, but I opted to explore this perspective and see for myself. The narrative choice sounds similar in flavor to American Psycho (which I loved) and that book really changed the way I view superficial assessments I make of people, so we’ll see how this series goes. I just wanted to say thank you. Cheers!
I hope you’ll get a lot from this trilogy, Rich!
You really should keep this going!
Thanks, Tyler! I'll do my best!
Having just finished kingkiller 1 and 2, and then all the first law books I think I’ll give this series a try next. I love embarking on a new series, and the way you describe the books makes them sound unusual and interesting. You sir, have earned my sub. Thank you.
Thank you, and I hope you’ll find Broken Empire a compelling read!
I've read The Broken empire and Red queens war, I haven't finished the third book in the broken empire, but I'm currently reading the third book in the RQW.
I believe both series how phenomenal writing and great narrative. My personal favorite series. Highly recommend!
Spacey Dragon Well said! I’ve read and reviewed Prince of Fools, and I’m looking forward to reading The Liar’s Key soon. Lawrence’s writing has never failed to entertain and amaze me, and I plan to read all of his books. Thanks for watching and commenting!
late to the video, but you've convinced me. time to read this trilogy
I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Finally have the whole trilogy and can't wait to read it.
Excellent! Happy reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on the books as you read them.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy finished the first book. Jorg certainly makes a strong first impression
@@thatsci-firogue That’s one way to put it!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy I'm surprised how much Jorg matured in the first two books. He's a brilliantly written antihero. Also love his dynamics with the Road Brothers
@@thatsci-firogue I feel similarly, and book three really does a lot with this development. Much of it happens through the flashbacks, which really give insights into Jorg’s character and development.
I just started reading Lawrence this year and he is already one of my favorite living authors. I completely agree with your take on Jorg. I started out hating the character and by the end he is one of my top 10 favorites of all time.
Jorg would be a strong candidate, I think, for least understood fantasy character, but, to be fair, a lot of how I feel about him rests on what happens near the end of the trilogy. All the best!
This is hopefully going to be my next read after I finish the Alien: Covenant novelization. Looking forward to it.
I hope you’ll enjoy it! I think Lawrence is a brilliant writer.
Might need to pick this up!
It's one of the grimmer modern fantasy stories but wonderfully written, so wonderfully that I put it in my top ten video (at number five). Lawrence is a gifted and smart writer, and he has a few other trilogies under his belt that I will certainly be reading. Thanks for watching!
You seem like you enjoy doing this. I'm going to subscribe! Got a horror book recommendations?
Nik Hunter Thank you! I admit I’m having a lot of fun learning how to make these videos and meeting some generous, open-minded book lovers. I don’t consider myself well read in the horror genre, though of course the boundary between fantasy and horror is blurry or even artificial. One series that might blend the two is Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, which I’m going to be starting soon, beginning with The Gunslinger in a week or two. If you’re already familiar with it, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for watching!
Red Kent is my favorite.
He’s an awesome character!
Might read this after I've read the Red Queen's War trilogy which I'm starting soon.
Since the two trilogies run parallel to each other, you could read Red Queen's War first. There will be cameos and Easter eggs in Red Queen's War that you'll miss, but you'll get them in retrospect after you read Broken Empire. It also might help you to understand Jorg a little better if you read Red Queen's War first, and Jorg tends to be a bit of a lightning rod, whereas Jalan is hard not to smile at. Either way, I hope you'll enjoy all the books!
I found this trilogy to be a solid 7.5-8 (don't think letter grades). I just finished Prince of Fools and though I enjoyed it better than Prince of Thorns, I know it will be difficult for this trilogy to get beaten by the Red Queen trilogy. I am excited to see him try!
I’ll also be interested to compare the two trilogies once I finish Red Queen’s War. So far, I’d say Red Queen’s War is more enjoyable, but Broken Earth affected me more deeply. I’ve loved everything by Lawrence that I’ve read, though.
Thank you thank you thank you for pronouncing his name correctly!
Davis Tyer I do my best!
Excellent review 😊
Thank you!
I’ve heard the main character is so difficult to get behind in the first book. Kind of like a Joffrey. I’ve been interested in this series for a while but haven’t gotten into it just yet.
Joe's Review Journal No doubt Jorg Ancrath is a majorly disturbed person. However, whereas Joffrey in ASOIAF is stupid as well as cruel, Jorg is actually intelligent and way more interesting. He’s also not a bully, just a messed up person who will do anything for vengeance. Finally, he would make mincemeat of Joffrey if the two could somehow meet! Thanks for the comment!
Philip Chase oh, so I’m almost done with PoT and I agree. Joffrey has NO chance against Jorg. Lol idk where people get the comparison from. Jorg acts for a reason.
Joffrey was just poorly fleshed out in relation to Jorg imo.
I’ve actually come to think that the Jorg and Joffrey comparison is unfair to Jorg
Joe's Review Journal I totally agree. Joffrey serves his purpose, but he’s in no way as complex as Jorg. It’s awesome that you’ve tackled Prince of Thorns! If you’re making a video on it, I’m definitely watching!
Jorg is smart, quick witted and ruthless. He also has gained the respect of some of the nastiest dudes in the broken empire.
Joffery is more of a spoiled brat who is ruthless and is also very easily manipulated by family members
Slowly Red Yes, totally different universe when it comes to intelligence! Jorg is brilliant.
I loove this trilogy, many people talk about how they cannot get behind Jorg and that the violence/harshness in the first book is juvenile. I would rather think that Jorg is a reflection of what happens is heavily traumatized and loses some of their humanity. In fact, if Jorg wasn't a piece of shit the story would seem meek. You simply have to realize that while Jorg himself is edgy, the story as a whole is not, you just need to give it time to show you that.
EhliART Well said, and I couldn’t agree more with you! This trilogy is in some ways an exploration of trauma, and in addition to being traumatized, Jorg happens to be brilliant and driven - and, as you say, a real piece of shit. It’s brilliant writing and full of the unexpected. Thanks for watching and commenting!
It is cool 😊🎉😊
I haven't read it yet but want to. Should I watch this video of will it ruin the book for me?
I avoid spoilers in the video. If you’re extremely sensitive to spoilers, though, I recommend watching after you read. Either way, I hope you enjoy Broken Empire, Max!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy thanks for taking the time to let me know that. Greatly appreciate it. Always looking for good reviews. Checked out the vid and it's great. Subbed to your channel. Cheers 👌👌
@@maxjensenjames9622 Much appreciated, Max!
I read Prince of Thorns earlier this year, and I could not find anything in Jorg to care about. I had a really hard time with his character. To me, it felt like a thirteen year old boy’s wildest fantasy. I just couldn’t get invested in his character.
It’s really interesting to hear it from the perspective of someone who enjoys it. I think your point about Lawrence exploring what violence does to people is poignant for sure.
Thank you, and thanks for watching! Jorg does mature in the second and third books, but I certainly see your point. Since he’s really the main show, if you don’t like him, it would be a tough read!
Trying again....people on the First Law group I follow on Facebook keeping talking about how First Lawer would love it if they are a First Law fan.
I hope you’ll get a lot out of it this time!
Which is the best out of the three?
Ali Kazmi That’s actually a tough question for me to answer. I’m going to say that the third book is the best because the stakes get higher, the intensity rises, and the ending of the trilogy took me by surprise. Each book is solid, though, and I find Lawrence’s writing to be brilliant throughout. I’ve just started the first book of his next trilogy, The Red Queen’s War, and I’m loving it so far.
Got through two chapters of Prince of Thorns and the mc started bragging about raping women and I quit. He was unlikable and I had no drive to keep going.
You’re not alone in your reaction. Jorg is a terrible human being. He does some horrible things in response to the horrible things done to him. He’s a villain. For me, though, sticking with his journey, as horrible as it was at times, made me feel as if I was gaining a window into a part of humanity I’d rather not acknowledge. And the hardest thing? I’m not entirely sure that Jorg is irredeemable. Broken Empire is not for everyone, though, and I have no argument with anyone who chooses not to read it.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Just couldn't get behind him. I like gray characters like the First Law characters are pretty all flawed characters but Jorg was just...a piece of shit. From what I know about him from what I've watched on youtube he doesn't really have any redeeming qualities.
Take Logen for example, he's a monster but pretends he's not. He finally accepts that he is addicted to violence and runs off and probably goes Bloody Nine somewhere else. I can get behind people like Logen, Glokta, Jaime from ASOIAF and even Cersei. But I can't behind a murderous rapist as my POV who is BRAGGING about raping a farmer's daughter.
Also from what I've also seen in Mike's review is that his supporting cast are all also pieces of shit. It just seems like the author is trying to out grim dark Joe Abercrombie but he's suffering from that fact that (imo) all the characters are unlikable and just...I don't know, just assholes I guess?
In other words, I can't get behind a rapist. I just can't. I just know too many people who have been raped and in my own writing I take the Joe Abercrombie approach where it happens in the background or it's just heard. I just can't follow a guy who rapes and acts like it's fine. I just can't with the book I'm sure it's really good and I love grim dark settings but this is too dark and it felt like it edgy grim dark. But I only read two chapters before quitting.
@@currangill430 Totally understood. It’s really tough to know where that line is. For example, I like Glokta. He tortures people, some of whom he knows are innocent, mutilating them and killing them. Just as he asks, “Why do I do this?”, I ask myself, “Why do I like him?” And why do I hope for him? Is there some spark of humanity in there that I hope can be kindled, leading to his redemption? Maybe. All I know is that I find his character compelling, and I hold onto some hope for him - even root for him. I feel similarly about Jorg, but it’s cool that Jorg has crossed that line for you.
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy Because Abercrombie is really good at making characters and making them relatable. I think its because Glokta's inner monologue is what we think when we're talking to an incomptent boss but we know not to say what we're thinking 😆
Glokta like everyone apart from Ferro who I think is Joe's weakest link along with Tunny wants to be a better in either moral compass or status (Finree Dan Brock for the latter).
I've only read the first few chapters like I said but Jorg is not relatable is just a garbage human with garbage friends. But even in the first few Glokta chapters you were already invested in him because humor and because we probably he's a cripple but then he is torturering people so... why do we read this?
@@currangill430 Exactly! And, yes, Abercrombie is brilliant at making us love his characters.
Bruh, you should lift weights. You look tall, and have a good frame. You would look like a Greek God, if you put in some work.
Ha ha! Thanks! I used to lift weights in my twenties and thirties. Now that I’m almost 50, I do more stretching than lifting. When I was young, I took flexibility for granted, but I’ve realized how important it is to maintain it with age. Stay fit, my friend!
@@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy that's amazing. You don't look 50. You look barely 35. I guess you did the work and got the rewards :)
@@SB-rf2ye That’s kind of you to say! One thing I know for sure: I feel better about everything else in my life and I’m more productive by trying to take care of my body. Best wishes to you!