Born with a crippled hand, Yarvi is unable to fill the traditional male role of this warrior society, and has settled upon an academic and advisory career with the Ministry. The story follows the exploits of Prince Yarvi, second son of proud King Uthrik of Gettland. The map of the Shattered Sea tallies closely with that of the Baltic Sea, with the main kingdoms of the book - Gettland, Vansterland, Throvenland, and Skekenhouse - making up what is now Sweden and Denmark. The Northern Religion claims that God himself was split into 409 pieces, while in the south, they believe God is too powerful to be destroyed, and there is still only one God, but with may facets. Most people believe the remnants of present-day building and technology were left by 'the Elves' (actually present-day humans). After a cataclysm of some kind, society has regressed to a medieval-equivalent. SPOILER The trilogy is set in what is at first glance a Viking like epic fantasy world, but is slowly revealed to be a post-apocalyptic Scandinavia in the far future.

Will the usurped become the usurper? But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi finds his path may end as it began-in twists, and traps, and tragedy. Gathering a strange fellowship of the outcast and the lost, he finds they can do more to help him become the man he needs to be than any court of nobles could. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge. The deceived will become the deceiver. Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. And he must do it all with only one good hand. But first he must survive cruelty, chains, and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea. Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. The story deals with the coming of age of Yarvi, a not-so-well-loved prince of Gettland with a crippled hand.

Half a King is the first book of the Shattered Sea series, a trilogy written by British author Joe Abercrombie. I may be half a man, but I swore a whole oath. I swore an oath to avenge the death of my father.

The half drowned king trilogy