Half the World is a gripping and intense story of love, war, and politics, set in a fantasy world created by Joe Abercrombie. The second installment in the Shattered Sea trilogy, the novel continues to follow the journey of a group of characters introduced in the first book, Half a King.

The novel opens with the story of Thorn Bathu, a young girl who dreams of becoming a warrior, but is constantly reminded of her gender and the limitations that come with it. Despite this, she trains hard and proves her mettle to her teacher, Brand, who mentors her and encourages her to join the ranks of warriors in her village. However, when the village is attacked by the High King's soldiers, Thorn is forced to flee with the help of her friend, Brand. Together, they embark on a dangerous journey to seek vengeance, and to uncover the truth behind the motives of the High King.

Meanwhile, we meet another protagonist, a young scholar named Brand who is taken in by an aging warrior, Yarvi, after being banished from his home. Yarvi seeks to use Brand's intellect to gain political power, and recruits him to help him navigate the dangerous world of politics. As Brand becomes more involved in the political machinations of the ruling elite, he discovers that the fight for power is much more complex than he imagined.

As these two storylines unfold, the protagonists are thrown together in a series of life-threatening situations that test their loyalty and resolve. They must confront the harsh realities of war and politics, as well as their own personal demons, in order to become the heroes they never thought they could be.

The main focus of Half the World is the struggle for power between the different factions vying for control in the world, and the impact this has on the lives of ordinary people. The characters are flawed and multidimensional, and their motivations are often ambiguous, reflecting the murky nature of politics and war. Abercrombie's writing is characteristically gritty and brutal, with violence and betrayal a constant presence in the narrative.

One of the strengths of the novel is the dynamic between the two main characters, Thorn and Brand. Their relationship develops gradually, as they learn to respect and trust each other despite their differences. Thorn's physical prowess and impulsive nature are balanced by Brand's intellectualism and caution, creating a compelling and engaging pairing.

Ultimately, Half the World is a story about the journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. The characters must confront their fears and limitations, and learn to fight for themselves and those they love. The novel ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager to find out what happens to these complex and captivating characters in the final book of the trilogy.