Before They Are Hanged

War erupts across multiple fronts as the Union faces existential threats from all directions. While Superior Glokta attempts to defend a besieged city crawling with conspirators and surrounded by enemy forces, Crown Prince Ladisla leads a catastrophically ill-prepared army against invading Northmen. Meanwhile, the wizard Bayaz guides an unlikely band of adventurers through ancient ruins on a quest that could determine humanity's fate. These parallel storylines weave together a tale of political intrigue, military disasters, and dark magic, where every alliance comes with a price and trust proves more dangerous than betrayal.

Steven Pacey delivers a masterful performance that transforms Abercrombie's gritty fantasy into an immersive theatrical experience. His vocal characterizations bring distinct personality to each member of the large ensemble cast, from Glokta's sardonic internal monologue to the varying accents and speech patterns that distinguish different cultures and social classes. Pacey's timing enhances both the story's dark humor and its moments of brutal tension, while his measured pacing allows listeners to fully absorb the complex political maneuvering and character development that make this series exceptional.