The Heroes is a writing exercise gone incredibly well. Abercrombie masterfully orchestrates the movements of a cast of dozens (even the minor characters were distinct enough that I never needed to refer to the character index) through a 3-day battle** in a highly satisfying way. It's truly impressive and should be required reading for writers.
Just don't expect a particularly satisfying, central, overarching plot.
I also found that there was no one I really cared about, in the sense that anyone and everyone could have died, and it wouldn't really make a difference to the events. While one could argue that's the point the author is driving toward, it doesn't make for a great story. There's a reason why the red wedding is so powerful.
** plus some preface time to establish characters and epilogue time so that we come full circle
Note: published 11/15/2013, backdated to 10/27/13 when I finished the book.
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