The Blade Itself (The First Law Trilogy, 1)

*audiobook review* This book starts off in the epic fantasy vibe - vigniettes of different characters that all come together by the end of the book into a finely-woven tale. One thread is that of Logen Nine-Fingers, a barbarian from the north - we meet him as he narrowly avoids his own death at the hand of raiders. Another thread spins from the tale of Inquistor Glockta - a former fighter held captive for two years, who had turned his broken body and skills to ferreting out whatever truth he needs to find. The last major thread comes from Jezal dan Luthar, a spoiled brat of a gentleman who thinks it may just be cool for his career if he becomes a fencing master for his country. There's a huge cast of characters, but it's no problem at ALL for the audio listener because Steven Pacey is an absolute artist at narration. The combination of Abercrombie's clean text and the skilled voice work of Pacey brings every character alive from the very beginning - you hear the fear and resignation in Logen's voice as he falls off a cliff, the pain and life-long effects of torture in Glokta's voice, and the subtle spoiled tones in Luthar as he decides what kind of man he's going to be. These people and the rest of the cast meet in the story of Bayez, first of the magi, who is headed to the Union capitol to gather resources and equipment for an expedition that is meant to save the world. It's going to be hard with Bethod's Northmen attacking from the northern part of the Union, and the barely peaceable Gurkish Empire agitating to take over parts of the southern Union. The king is barely coherent, the ruling council is corrupt, the nation is woefully underprepared for war, and the scene is set for a fantastic audiobook experience. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling audiobook experience - Pacey's narration skill may even make the book easier to understand because each character has a unique voice. This is my favorite book I've read this year!

The Blade Itself is part of the "gritty fantasy" movement which has recently come to the forefront of adult fantasy literature, thanks to the highly publicized works of George R.R. Martin. Unlike "high fantasy," which is embodied in Lord of the Rings and its many clones, "gritty fantasy" doesn't follow the common formula of the unlikely protagonist versus an evil dark lord. In addition to containing lots of violence, "gritty fantasy" tends to discard simplified notions of right and wrong, favoring a more complex world where moral decisions are often muddled in shades of gray. Heroes and villains aren't easy to distinguish in these stories since everyone seems to have reasons for acting in the manner that they do. Another hallmark of gritty fantasy is the concept that "no one is safe." Because there's no single protagonist bent on saving the world, any character is expendable - adding an element of uncertainty to the story. If what I've described doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then it's unlikely you'll enjoy what author Joe Abercrombie has to offer here. However, if this type of format intrigues you, then you will likely appreciate (and very much enjoy) what you find. The Blade Itself is the first in a trilogy known as "The First Law." The story follows the perspectives of six characters throughout, but most of the story centers around the following three: a barbarian who's attempting leave behind a dark past, a crippled torturer who's best years are behind him, and an arrogant noble who's training for a sword tournament to win himself some glory. It's difficult to summarize the plot without giving too much away, but the first volume tends to act as an introductory volume to the greater story contained in the subsequent installments. Indeed, some readers have criticized this first book for seeming directionless at times, but the significance of conversations and actions aren't fully felt until later in the trilogy. That isn't to say the story isn't interesting in this first installment, because it certainly is. The reader just won't start getting a grasp for the big picture until later. Joe Abercrombie's writing style is in the same vein of a modern action thriller. Sentences are regularly short and have a conversational tone about them. However unlike most action thrillers you'll find, the characterization here is beyond good. It's simply fantastic. These aren't characters of the cookie-cutter variety. These are characters with hopes, dreams, faults, and fears. Abercrombie does an amazing job bringing the reader into his world because of his spot-on descriptions and portrayals. What's interesting to me is how effective this method is. Oftentimes we see fantasy authors who get lost in their world-building - spending ridiculous amounts of time detailing politics, history, or some obscure geography. This frequently comes at the expense of good storytelling. None of that is a problem here as Abercrombie seamlessly weaves those points through the story without overemphasis. The more you follow the plot, the greater the overall picture becomes. It's also worth noting that there are quite a few laugh-out-loud moments throughout Abercrombie's narration. Much of the humor is deadpan which works quite well with the dark themes being explored. One critique I have for Abercrombie's writing is the overabundance of swearing. First off, everyone in this trilogy swears: lords, ladies, peasants, wizards, soldiers, and even children. Secondly, the swearing is nonstop - almost whenever there's conversation. Bluntly put, it's overkill. For some readers it'll be a deal-breaker, which is really a shame. But hopefully in time, Abercrombie will come up with some alternative ways of expression. If my description of "gritty fantasy" wasn't clear enough, understand that this book is chock-full of violence. Heads roll, body parts are crushed, and graphic descriptions accompany each gruesome encounter. Some sex will be sprinkled throughout the books that follow as well. All of this is R-rated material. Keeping that in mind, it's all quite entertaining if you have the stomach for it. The Blade Itself is the beginning to a deep and interesting world, populated with some even more interesting characters. If you decide to embark on this yarn through the mud, just be prepared to get a little dirty. Bring some galoshes and you'll have great fun.

By the end of the book, really, nothing much as actually happened. Sure there were some fights and a lot of intrigue but I have no idea what the overarching plot of the trilogy will be 1/3 in. But I loved every second of it. All POV characters are interesting and well written, even the ones I don’t personally like are done well enough that I care about what their fate will be. A certain sign of good writing. Can’t wait to read the next one.

Im totally invested in this story, I love the characters, there are a few stories unfolding at the same time and they weave together beautifully, dark humor I really enjoy. I have been bouncing between reading and listening and the voice actor is amazing too. I’m getting book 2 immediately

This book is driven by it's characters, particularly the character of the crippled Inquisitor Glokta. A dark sense of humor makes Glokta's internal dialogues tremendously fun reading; this alone makes the book worth the asking price. Plot-wise the book leaves a bit to be desired. It is clearly the opening of a longer series, and has little in the way of denouement or climax. It is all rising action, and then it ends, somewhat unsatisfactorily, with the promise of more to come. But my sense is that the author is using this book simply to introduce a cast of complex, flawed characters who will advance the arc of the story more fully in later installments. Bare hints of a grander plot are introduced here and there as the novel sets the scene for what will come. Those hints are interesting, and they left me wanting more, but by themselves they aren't much to go on. Luckily the characterization is so artfully done that the novel stands fairly well on its own even without a strong plot. Setting-wise the book is relatively familiar, though not boring. Although devoid of many fantasy tropes (there are no elves or dwarves, for example), many other common elements are present. "Northmen" are hulking, viking-esque barbarians with savage ways and a contempt for the frippery of civilized men. A race of savage semi-humans, crafted by a cruel sorcerer in the days of yore, threaten the realms of men. Wizards, while rare, are secretly directing the political actions of the great world powers. A fantasy Holy Roman Empire/Napoleon-era England (sans gunpowder) does battle with a fantasy Ottoman Empire. It's not a setting you've seen a hundred times, but, at the same time, it's not one you couldn't find elsewhere in the modern fantasy canon. It has enough fresh in it to make it interesting, but not enough to distinguish it meaningfully from the works that have come before it. Still, nothing is incongruous or springs out of the page to distract from the story the author is telling. Everything fades into the background; it is the characters who leave a mark on the reader, less than the world they inhabit. All in all, for a debut novel, The Blade Itself is tremendous. Certainly worth the price of admission.

So unique, great depth of character, no way to guess where the story is going. Many layers to enjoy. You won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to get to book 2.

I waited until I finished the trilogy to review this to give it the best shake, because if you are a impatient reader you will hate book one "the Blade Itself", because it is a very slow burn. I picked up "The First Law" trilogy because I saw it crop up in more then one 'top 10 best fantasy's of all time' lists, and the synopsis was hooky enough, however the only reason I finished this book was because I am stubborn and refused the time I had spent on the first half of the book to be a waste by setting it down and to be honest until I got to the last 10 pages I had zero intention of reading book 2, it just had given me nothing to care about or look forward to. I'll give credit where credit is due, Joe Abercrombie is a great writer, I really appreciated the voice he writes in, his descriptions are unusually but very visceral, his combat feels real (although relatively rare in book one) not these ridiculous prolonged slogs some fantasy books use to fill pages, and his characters are top notch, some of the best written characters I've ever read, BUT the world was so undeveloped as to be fuzzy and indistinct, countries are troupe-y (western Europe, north Viking types and southern Arabs), the main country is simply called "The Union" and I still after 3 books have no idea why/how it exists or what it's motivations are other than "Important peopled founded it long ago, and now its prosperous", but the big kicker, no clear plot was evident, not even for the main characters, and even less for the side characters (some of those plots could have been cut all the way out and not impacted the book at all), until the last chapters of the book none of the expertly written characters had any motivation or crisis to drive them, just motes of dust wandering in the wind of the unrevealed plot following a 'magus' because they apparently have nothing better to do, literally the only thing that turned the pages was the quality of main characters personalities. until, the last 10 pages when he gets the hooks in for book 2. If you take "The First Law" trilogy as a series of books, its a ok story with great characters that are very relatable, not sure I'd rate it as highly as some have, but the pacing is so challenging that I know I would not re-read them even though over all I enjoyed them and I would be hesitant to recommend them to anyone else unless I had a strong feeling for what they liked and that they could muscle through the page tax that is "the blade itself" before moving on to the books in the series that matter. overall, 3/5

I have to admit, I didn't expect much from this book when I heard about it. Yes, everyone and their mom was recommending it but it seemed so trite. Barbarians, wizards, maimed torturers, cocky good-looking snobs, it's not exactly new. About 10% of the way in though, Mr. Abercrombie had completely changed my mind and slapped me around a bit for even thinking that way in the first place. The book is a masterful work of fiction and Mr. Abercrombie has earned his place with flying colors, especially since I'm under the impression this is one of his weaker works. (I have been told the later work "The Heroes" is one of the best fantasy novels ever written so I look forward to that). Logen Ninefingers is a wonderful character who somehow is able to angst while not being angst, and his confused reactions to the main city of the Union (I forget the name to be honest...) are some of my favorite parts of the book. Ferro is absolutely brilliant and perfectly destroys the horrible and actually, in my opinion, disgraceful and insulting trope of the "I'm distrustful but I'll trust you because you're the hero" thing that is so prevalent in lesser works. Plus she reminds me of Jack from Mass Effect and I adore Jack. The Dogman parts were a bit iffy to me, but I understood their purpose and the scene at the end of that storyline is actually rather touching considering who they are. Jezal was interesting, I hated him at first but as time went on.....I still hated him but I found him enjoyable to read, especially his "romance" with Ardee West. Of course, none of this compares to what may be one of my favorite fantasy characters of all time Sand Dan Glotka, a man who was once a grand hero who ends up becoming a broken, pained and cynical man who provides some of the best lines and characterization in the entire novel. All in all, it's a wonderful book and a must read for anybody. Yeah, not just fantasy fans. Everyone should read this, it has action, drama, horror, romance, suspense, tragedy, comedy. I eagerly await a chance to pick up the next two books in the trilogy and Before They Were Hanged, along with the upcoming Red Country (I already have the Heroes but I haven't touched it due to not wanting to read them out of order.)

Dans ce premier volet de la trilogie, le lecteur suit le parcours de plusieurs personnages: un guerrier, un mage, un jeune noble narcissique, une sauvageonne en fuite et un inquisiteur infirme. Le chemin des uns croise le chemin des autres, et tous convergent vers la cité d'Alua, capitale de l'Union. L'Union est actuellemnt menacée par le royaume du Nord et l'empire du Sud. Les personnages sont intéressants et attachants (en dépit de leurs défauts) et le livre comporte son lot d'aventures, de complots, de noirceur, le tout relevé d'une dose d'humour et d'une pincée de magie. Bref, une lecture prenante qui met en place les personnages et la situation et qui donne envie de découvrir la suite.

Wenn du auf der Suche nach einer klassischen "Gut gegen Böse"-Fantasy-Story bist, bei der der strahlende Ritter am Ende die Prinzessin rettet... such weiter. The Blade Itself ist das genaue Gegenteil, und genau deshalb ist es so verdammt gut. Joe Abercrombie wirft dich in eine dreckige, düstere Welt, die vor allem von ihren Charakteren lebt. Und die Charaktere sind das absolute Highlight des Buches. Es gibt hier keine perfekten Helden. Stattdessen folgt man Leuten wie Logen Ninefingers (einem vom Leben gezeichneten, eigentlich müden Barbaren) oder Sand dan Glokta – einem verkrüppelten Inquisitor, der früher selbst gefoltert wurde und jetzt für den König foltert. Klingt düster? Ist es auch, aber Gloktas innerer Monolog ist gleichzeitig so zynisch und schwarzhumorig, dass es einfach nur Spaß macht, ihn zu lesen. Was man wissen sollte: Die Story lässt sich in diesem ersten Band der First Law-Trilogie recht viel Zeit. Es fühlt sich fast wie ein langes Intro an, bei dem die Figuren auf dem Schachbrett in Position gebracht werden. Wer hier von Seite 1 an epische Schlachten und endlose Magie-Duelle erwartet, wird vielleicht etwas ungeduldig. Aber das Worldbuilding und der geniale Schreibstil machen das dreifach wett. Man merkt einfach, dass hier etwas ganz Großes vorbereitet wird. Fazit: Wer Game of Thrones mag oder einfach Bock auf erwachsene, charakterfokussierte Fantasy mit einer ordentlichen Portion schwarzem Humor und echtem Dreck unter den Fingernägeln hat, kommt an Abercrombie nicht vorbei. Für mich eins der besten Bücher des Genres. Kleiner Nachtrag zur Bestellung: Ich war nach der Hälfte des Buches schon so angefixt, dass ich den Einzelband direkt wieder zurückgeschickt habe, nur um mir sofort den Sammelband mit der kompletten Trilogie zu bestellen. Es lohnt sich einfach, die direkt am Stück im Regal stehen zu haben. Absolute Kauf- und Leseempfehlung!

Story is interesting, characters are well developed and the narration is involving. Makes you want to keep reading to know what happens and that is the sign of a good book

Great book. Memorable characters, full of violence, gore, action, and reflection. There is a little lack of plot but that time is invested in the characters like Inquisitor Glotka. Make yourselves a favor and buy this book.

Loved this cover and came the day after order. Fantastic book.