Joe Abercrombie Q&A: What was your inspiration for Half a King?

Joe Abercrombie answers fans' questions about his new book, Half a King, the first book in the Shattered Sea series. Order from Waterstones: bit.ly/1x5xCwM
Order from Amazon: bit.ly/1pEDAm9
'A fast-paced tale of betrayal and revenge that grabbed me from page one and refused to let go' GEORGE R.R. MARTIN
Prince Yarvi has vowed to regain a throne he never wanted. But first he must survive cruelty, chains and the bitter waters of the Shattered Sea itself. And he must do it all with only one good hand.
Born a weakling in the eyes of his father, Yarvi is alone in a world where a strong arm and a cold heart rule. He cannot grip a shield or swing an axe, so he must sharpen his mind to a deadly edge.
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.
But even with loyal friends at his side, Yarvi's path may end as it began -- in twists, and traps and tragedy...