Before they were hanged

Author's name: Joe Abercrombie

How can you defend a city surrounded by enemies, teeming with traitors, where even your allies cannot be trusted, and where your predecessor vanished without a trace? This alone would make the torturer flee, if he could even walk without his crutch. President Gluckta must find the answers before the Gorgolian army knocks on the gates.

The Northerners surged across England's borders, spreading fire and death across the frozen land. Crown Prince Ladisla is poised to repel them and claim eternal glory. But there's one problem: he commands the world's worst-equipped, best-trained, and worst-led army. The First Magi, Piaz, leads a band of daring adventurers on a quest through the ruins of the past. The most hated woman in the South, the most feared man in the North, and the most self-absorbed young man in the Federation form an unlikely but deadly alliance. They might have a chance to save humanity from the Eaters, if only they didn't hate each other so much.

Ancient secrets will be revealed, and bloody battles will rage, with victors and vanquished. The most bitter enemies will be forgiven, but not before they are hanged.