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The First Law
Two's Company
Lost in the wide and barren North, Javre, Lioness of Hoskopp, runs into Cracknut Whirrun on a bridge far too narrow for the expansive egos of either. With the King of the Northmen and the High Priestess of Thond in pursuit, can Shevedieh, the greatest thief in Styria, persuade either one of these proud heroes to step aside?
32 pages, ebook
First published January 12, 2016
5 people are currently reading
1327 people want to read
About the author
Joe Abercrombie
97 books36k followersJoe Abercrombie was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and Manchester University, where he studied psychology. He moved into television production before taking up a career as a freelance film editor. During a break between jobs he began writing The Blade Itself in 2002, completing it in 2004. It was published by Gollancz in 2006 and was followed by two other books in The First Law trilogy, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings. He currently lives and works in London with his wife and daughter. In early 2008 Joe Abercrombie was one of the contributors to the BBC Worlds of Fantasy series, alongside other contributors such as Michael Moorcock, Terry Pratchett and China Mieville.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
September 16, 2017
A five star story IF you are following First Law universe, especially Shev & Javre stories and The Heroes. If not, drop two star.
Why drop two star? There is not much explanation about the duo and Whirrun in the story itself. Especially the background for Whirrun and his sword should be read in Heroes.
I love Shev and Javre friendships theme of First Law. Shev the nice lesbian and Javre the insatiable heterosexual are unlikely partners, but they are working harmoniously. First Law universe filled with selfish people and long-lasting buddies/lovers/functioning families are rare in this universe. So far, Shev and Javre are the exception. Whirrun made a guest appearance here, and his interactions with Javre are simply hilarious!!! Shev is the only sane main character on this story.
Why drop two star? There is not much explanation about the duo and Whirrun in the story itself. Especially the background for Whirrun and his sword should be read in Heroes.
I love Shev and Javre friendships theme of First Law. Shev the nice lesbian and Javre the insatiable heterosexual are unlikely partners, but they are working harmoniously. First Law universe filled with selfish people and long-lasting buddies/lovers/functioning families are rare in this universe. So far, Shev and Javre are the exception. Whirrun made a guest appearance here, and his interactions with Javre are simply hilarious!!! Shev is the only sane main character on this story.
January 18, 2016
Full review, first posted on www.FantasyLiterature.com:
Two mighty warriors ― Cracknut Whirrun and Javre, the Lioness of Hoskopp, along with Javre’s sidekick, the thief Shevedieh ― are traveling in opposite directions through the uninhabited wilderness of the North. Both are being pursued by implacable enemies. When Javre and Cracknut meet in the middle of a long, narrow hanging bridge, who will give way to the other?
This short story, which is quite reminiscent of Robin Hood's first meeting with Little John, is a brief episode set in Joe Abercrombie’s First World. Abercrombie comments on his website that “[t]his is one of five stories from my forthcoming collection Sharp Ends that feature my female Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser style thief and warrior odd couple, Shevedieh and Javre, and that form a kind of spine to the whole thing around which the other stories are arranged.”
Abercrombie writes well; for example, his description of the hanging bridge made me shiver:
2.5 stars. Free Tor short.
Two mighty warriors ― Cracknut Whirrun and Javre, the Lioness of Hoskopp, along with Javre’s sidekick, the thief Shevedieh ― are traveling in opposite directions through the uninhabited wilderness of the North. Both are being pursued by implacable enemies. When Javre and Cracknut meet in the middle of a long, narrow hanging bridge, who will give way to the other?
This short story, which is quite reminiscent of Robin Hood's first meeting with Little John, is a brief episode set in Joe Abercrombie’s First World. Abercrombie comments on his website that “[t]his is one of five stories from my forthcoming collection Sharp Ends that feature my female Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser style thief and warrior odd couple, Shevedieh and Javre, and that form a kind of spine to the whole thing around which the other stories are arranged.”
Abercrombie writes well; for example, his description of the hanging bridge made me shiver:
It was a tangle of fraying rope strung from ancient posts carved with runes and streaked with bird-droppings, rotten-looking slats tied to make a precarious walkway. It sagged deep as Shev’s spirits as it vanished into the vertiginous unknown above the canyon and shifted alarmingly in the wind, planks rattling.There’s a lot of crude sexual humor in “Two’s Company.” Shev is a committed lesbian and her comments on men’s anatomy were pretty funny (“I mean, balls. What’s that about? That is one singularly unattractive piece of anatomy. That is just . . . that is bad design, is what that is.”). Overall this story was just too crass and bloody for me, and, as a standalone story, there’s very little point to it. However, fans of Abercrombie and his First World tales will probably approve of it, especially if you already know and like Cracknut Whirrun and are familiar with, or at least interested in, this universe of tales.
2.5 stars. Free Tor short.
October 19, 2017
Short, energetic, humourous, abundance of spontaneity.
Enjoyed it very much.
Recommended to anyone looking for a quick read. It is available on the internet for free.
*Waiting for the full series.
Thank you for the recommendation, Stjepan!
Enjoyed it very much.
Recommended to anyone looking for a quick read. It is available on the internet for free.
*Waiting for the full series.
Thank you for the recommendation, Stjepan!
September 18, 2017
Well written, short story but great. I just enjoyed having and so far in the writer's books. One thing you can certainly enjoy is humor and action.
January 28, 2016
Hah. Fun little story, made me laugh out loud a couple of times. Would recommend for anyone looking for a quick read. You don't have to be a fan of Joe Abercrombie or have read his books to enjoy this story, but it helps to be familiar with his writing and the First Law universe before going in. Which reminds me it's been a long time since I last visited. Maybe it's time for a reread.
February 28, 2017
Both gritty and hilarious - as one can expect from Abercrombie.
A bold warrior and her henchman (or maybe partner, depending on who you ask) are crossing a dangerous, narrow bridge, pursued by enemies. Of course, halfway across they meet another bold warrior, who is reluctant to step out of their way...
Classic trope, familiar characters (think Xena & Gabrielle meet Conan), but Abercrombie's writing makes it fresh and funny. There are other stories featuring these characters, and I must get around to reading them!
A bold warrior and her henchman (or maybe partner, depending on who you ask) are crossing a dangerous, narrow bridge, pursued by enemies. Of course, halfway across they meet another bold warrior, who is reluctant to step out of their way...
Classic trope, familiar characters (think Xena & Gabrielle meet Conan), but Abercrombie's writing makes it fresh and funny. There are other stories featuring these characters, and I must get around to reading them!
July 29, 2016
Rating, 3.5
Enjoyable, short, funny story set in the world of the First Law books.
“I’m bloody furious!”
“I believe you.”
“I mean it!”
“If you have to tell someone you are furious, and then, furthermore, that you mean it, your fury has failed to achieve its desired effect.”
“I hate the bloody North!”
You can read it for free here
Enjoyable, short, funny story set in the world of the First Law books.
“I’m bloody furious!”
“I believe you.”
“I mean it!”
“If you have to tell someone you are furious, and then, furthermore, that you mean it, your fury has failed to achieve its desired effect.”
“I hate the bloody North!”
You can read it for free here
January 13, 2016
A very entertaining little story with lots of humor. And it's free :)
January 27, 2016
Another free short story from Tor: http://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-co...
And this one's hilarious!
I laughed so hard I had tears streaking down my face. More than once.
This is not the usual Abercrombie's black humour or subtle sarcasm - it's straightforward comedy in a fantasy setting.
Highly recommend.
P.S. Don't read at work peeps. No one will believe your job's so funny. ;D
And this one's hilarious!
I laughed so hard I had tears streaking down my face. More than once.
This is not the usual Abercrombie's black humour or subtle sarcasm - it's straightforward comedy in a fantasy setting.
Highly recommend.
P.S. Don't read at work peeps. No one will believe your job's so funny. ;D
April 3, 2017
This is a funny short story. The humor style reminds me of the movie Robin Hood: Men in Tights if you ever saw that movie. This adds gore and sexual content to the mix. If that sounds enticing, then you can read this short story for free on Tor.com.
Two's Company
Two's Company
December 13, 2016
What a cute funny little blood bath this was.
January 27, 2016
It's good, though too short, even if it's a short story. And I have a strong feeling, that these three are characters from some other book or even series. Which I know nothing about and it pissed me off a bit.
January 14, 2016
A short story set in the First World of Joe Abercrombie.
Too short while I wait impatiently for the start of his next series...
Too short while I wait impatiently for the start of his next series...
February 18, 2016
It was really good, though so short! I only got used to the style and characters and... I reached the end. But nicely written, gripping story. I'm surprised how much I learned about characters (and in the beginning I couldn't even pronounce their names!). Definitely recommended.
February 13, 2016
bloody romance, tough love. I enjoyed the dialogue and dynamics between the girls a lot and it would be awesome to read more about this pair in the future books.
November 12, 2023
It was bound to happen, sooner or later, that my liking every Tor.com short I read would come to an end. Unfortunately, it happened sooner rather than later.
“You aren’t nearly as funny as you think you are,” said the scarred one.
“Few of us indeed,” said Shev, “are as funny as we think we are.”
That was this short story's main problem—it tried too hard to be funny. Some things were funny, some would work better in a movie, where the interpretation could make it a bit funnier, but for the most part it just dragged on, and on, and on.
Compared to all the other short stories I read in the past month, which were usually deep and meaningful beneath the surface, this one fell short. (he-he)
It wasn't terrible but there was nothing in it that stood out for me, and I could've easily stopped reading it without feeling the need to pick it up again.
“Wonderful.” Shev winced as she tried to blow the blood from her nose. “Do I get a vote?”
“Henchpeople don’t vote,” said Javre.
“And even if you did,” added Whirrun, giving an apologetic shrug, “there are three of us. You’d be outvoted.”
Shev tipped her head back to look up at the careless, iron-grey sky. “There’s the trouble with fucking democracy.”
[A Tor.com freebie]
“You aren’t nearly as funny as you think you are,” said the scarred one.
“Few of us indeed,” said Shev, “are as funny as we think we are.”
That was this short story's main problem—it tried too hard to be funny. Some things were funny, some would work better in a movie, where the interpretation could make it a bit funnier, but for the most part it just dragged on, and on, and on.
Compared to all the other short stories I read in the past month, which were usually deep and meaningful beneath the surface, this one fell short. (he-he)
It wasn't terrible but there was nothing in it that stood out for me, and I could've easily stopped reading it without feeling the need to pick it up again.
“Wonderful.” Shev winced as she tried to blow the blood from her nose. “Do I get a vote?”
“Henchpeople don’t vote,” said Javre.
“And even if you did,” added Whirrun, giving an apologetic shrug, “there are three of us. You’d be outvoted.”
Shev tipped her head back to look up at the careless, iron-grey sky. “There’s the trouble with fucking democracy.”
[A Tor.com freebie]
April 27, 2017
Nice little piece, with sarcasm, gore and plenty of laughs.
March 31, 2022
Absolutely hilarious! I just love Abercrombie!
August 15, 2016
Two’s Company is a great quick read for fans of Joe Abercrombie.
Set in the First Law world, this tells the story of Javre and Shevedieh when they run into Whirrum whilst in the north. The duo can be found in a handful of stories in the Sharp Ends short story collection, but this one is my favourite in terms of humour. There’s just that little bit more added into the story, leaving you giggling at the events that are taking place. Whilst it has Abercrombie’s usual darker undertones, it also has enough to bring a smile to your face.
I would recommend reading the entirety of Javre and Shevedieh’s story, as it’s a tale unto itself, but even if you simply read this one, there’s a lot of fun to be had.
Set in the First Law world, this tells the story of Javre and Shevedieh when they run into Whirrum whilst in the north. The duo can be found in a handful of stories in the Sharp Ends short story collection, but this one is my favourite in terms of humour. There’s just that little bit more added into the story, leaving you giggling at the events that are taking place. Whilst it has Abercrombie’s usual darker undertones, it also has enough to bring a smile to your face.
I would recommend reading the entirety of Javre and Shevedieh’s story, as it’s a tale unto itself, but even if you simply read this one, there’s a lot of fun to be had.
Want to read
January 13, 2016Za sve zainteresirane može se pročitati besplatno na:
http://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-co...
http://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-co...
March 24, 2016
Classic Abercrombie. His newer stuff, while still good, hasn't been quite as great for me. This, however, felt like a total return to everything I love about Abercrombie's style.
Read for free here: http://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-co...
Short story from his upcoming anthology, Sharp Ends.
Read for free here: http://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-co...
Short story from his upcoming anthology, Sharp Ends.
May 12, 2022
"Two's Company" (The Tales of Javre and Shev #3; First Law World #2.2) by Joe Abercrombie.
‘Bethod’s King of the Northmen, now. He can’t have people just going their own way.’
‘I am Whirrun of Bligh,’ said Whirrun, puffing up his considerable chest. ‘My way is the only way I go.’
‘Oh, God,’ muttered Shev. ‘He’s the male Javre. He’s the male you, Javre!’
Rating: 5/5.
Review:
This short story is set in the North and takes place before the events of the 'Last Arguments of Kings' books. While being chased by the Knights Templar of the Golden Order, Javre and Shev encounter Whirrun of Bligh (who is being chased by Bethod's men) right in the middle of a narrow bridge. This is a perfect setup for a short story filled with bloody action sequences as well as some hilarious exchanges. I like how Joe Abercrombie used similar moments in different scenarios just to show us how similar Javre and Whirrun are.
An entertaining read that promises even more entertainment in the future instalments. This has been my favourite short story set in the First Law world so far.
‘Bethod’s King of the Northmen, now. He can’t have people just going their own way.’
‘I am Whirrun of Bligh,’ said Whirrun, puffing up his considerable chest. ‘My way is the only way I go.’
‘Oh, God,’ muttered Shev. ‘He’s the male Javre. He’s the male you, Javre!’
Rating: 5/5.
Review:
This short story is set in the North and takes place before the events of the 'Last Arguments of Kings' books. While being chased by the Knights Templar of the Golden Order, Javre and Shev encounter Whirrun of Bligh (who is being chased by Bethod's men) right in the middle of a narrow bridge. This is a perfect setup for a short story filled with bloody action sequences as well as some hilarious exchanges. I like how Joe Abercrombie used similar moments in different scenarios just to show us how similar Javre and Whirrun are.
An entertaining read that promises even more entertainment in the future instalments. This has been my favourite short story set in the First Law world so far.
October 14, 2022
Abercrombie's characters are the best! Whether a novel, short story or novella, he pulls you in, and immediately you find yourself rooting for them...good little story...can be found on the Tor.com website...
April 7, 2022
Has moments, but I wasn't in the mood. Maybe you will be? Skimmed & abandoned. Earned an Honorable Mention in the Dozois 34th Year's Best. Rather inexplicably, since it's a humorous Heroic Fantasy. Nothing flatter than a joke that fails....
Direct link: https://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-c...
Direct link: https://www.tor.com/2016/01/12/twos-c...
March 22, 2016
Two warriors meet on a bridge and hilarity ensues! Why must stubborn people have swords? To make me laugh, obviously :) There's not much plot in this short by Abercombie, but the dialogue is delightful!
May 16, 2016
Free. Hilarious. Fun. Very well constructed, and would make a great short film.
March 22, 2023
This is a hilarious free short story, in a typical Joe Abercrombie style and for those of you who have read his novels, that's all you need to know. It details a random meeting and the ensuing conflict of 3 characters. As is always Abercrombie's greatest strength, the characters are amazing, incredible and the true driving force of his works. Their banter and interactions are so funny and interesting that you just want to keep reading. The tone of this short story is definitely much lighter and funnier than his novels but that's not a bad thing at all.
Highly highly recommended, especially if you have read The Heroes and want some more of Whirrun!!
It's free on Tor's website so fans of Abercrombie (and not only), go read it there asap!
Highly highly recommended, especially if you have read The Heroes and want some more of Whirrun!!
It's free on Tor's website so fans of Abercrombie (and not only), go read it there asap!
July 28, 2021
Probably my favorite Abercrombie short. I’ve read it a couple of times now and it really is a great example of his writing style and material. If you haven’t gotten to his First Law novels, this might be a good introductory sample of what you’re getting into.
For long time fans like me, this short is just an all around treat!
For long time fans like me, this short is just an all around treat!
January 29, 2016
Vintage Abercrombie, dark and metallic tasting.
By telling it from the point of view of the negotiating partner, Abercrombie managed to dial back the graphic violence, unlike the abattoir some of his stories become. Almost enough to earn the extra star. Still ... .
Language. Eew.
Nice cover art by Tommy Arnold.
By telling it from the point of view of the negotiating partner, Abercrombie managed to dial back the graphic violence, unlike the abattoir some of his stories become. Almost enough to earn the extra star. Still ... .
Language. Eew.
Nice cover art by Tommy Arnold.
January 21, 2016
Kort liten historia jag hittade på tor.com. Enkel i sin premiss med en mängd lekande med fantasy stereotyper, byggd på djävulskapen att vara ute i skogen med fel kläder när det regnar, ovilja att böja sig för andra a la Robin Hood/Lille John, och folk som inte vill som du.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews