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apiecalypsejen's review
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The First Law trilogy is my favourite of the two trilogies that take place in this world. The characters are definitely flawed, each of them in their own way with not one of them being clear or free of some kind of barrier or encumbrance to you calling them your "favourite" without some reluctance or guilt (aside from possibly Brother Longfoot ). This story sets up the next two books, which means it is a lot of establishing of relationships, characters, and the basis for the journey/war that comprises the second book. It's a great story about men in their 20s, and how they can be hardheaded and too arrogant, and where that can take them, as well as has two excellent and deep woman character in Ferro and Ardee.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Trafficking, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Animal death, Alcohol, Addiction, Racism, Murder, Mental illness, Medical trauma, Medical content, Drug abuse, Cursing, Confinement, War, Violence, Kidnapping, Gore, Genocide, Alcoholism, Torture, Slavery, Sexual content, Self harm, Physical abuse, Excrement, Drug use, Death, Sexual violence, Vomit, Body horror, and Abandonment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Toxic friendship, Colonisation, Xenophobia, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Bullying
Minor: Rape
btrz7's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder, Blood, Body horror, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Alcohol, Slavery, Torture, and War
coulro's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Violence, Gore, Cannibalism, Animal cruelty, Domestic abuse, Murder, Torture, War, Body horror, and Animal death
kottman's review
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I love this author's characterization and the way they show different perspectives through small choices. I have never enjoyed a character's perspective quite like Glokta's. My only criticism of this book is that the plot was very slow. The ending was also not satisfactory but it does appear that it's purpose is just to set up the next book and not be a satisfying stand-alone conclusion so I don't mind it as much here.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture, Murder, and Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse
thebookishdesigner's review
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“History is littered with dead good men.”
The Blade Itself was my first taste of Lord Grimdark. Having seen The First Law cited as the series you need to read if you loved Game of Thrones I thought it was going to be one for me, and although in some ways it wasn’t what I was expecting I still really enjoyed it.
The plot of the book is full of intrigue and conspiracy. It’s defiantly a page turner. The only thing that I wanted more of from this book was the violence. There was some grim fighting, but most of the sword play was fencing so there was little risk involved in these scenes. I was really in the mood for something with a lot of fighting, a lot war, and a lot of blood. Whilst I think it will be delivered in the next books it was missing here. Chapter 42 - The Bloody Nine, was an absolute standout in this book and was exactly what I was hoping for in this regard.
As good as the plot was it’s characters that make this book. Even the characters who you’re meant to dislike, you can’t help loving because of how well written every single one of them is. Logen and Glokta in particular are some of the best characters I’ve been introduced to in a very long time.
It it worth nothing that while I read this I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Steven Pacey. What a fantastic job he did! Pacey really brought the characters to life, I don’t think they could have picked a more perfect narrator for this series. As I continue on I will defiantly be listening to the audio as I read the physical edition too.
The Blade Itself was my first taste of Lord Grimdark. Having seen The First Law cited as the series you need to read if you loved Game of Thrones I thought it was going to be one for me, and although in some ways it wasn’t what I was expecting I still really enjoyed it.
The plot of the book is full of intrigue and conspiracy. It’s defiantly a page turner. The only thing that I wanted more of from this book was the violence. There was some grim fighting, but most of the sword play was fencing so there was little risk involved in these scenes. I was really in the mood for something with a lot of fighting, a lot war, and a lot of blood. Whilst I think it will be delivered in the next books it was missing here. Chapter 42 - The Bloody Nine, was an absolute standout in this book and was exactly what I was hoping for in this regard.
As good as the plot was it’s characters that make this book. Even the characters who you’re meant to dislike, you can’t help loving because of how well written every single one of them is. Logen and Glokta in particular are some of the best characters I’ve been introduced to in a very long time.
It it worth nothing that while I read this I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Steven Pacey. What a fantastic job he did! Pacey really brought the characters to life, I don’t think they could have picked a more perfect narrator for this series. As I continue on I will defiantly be listening to the audio as I read the physical edition too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexism, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Classism
Minor: Slavery and War
13octopus's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, and War
Moderate: Ableism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child abuse, Colonisation, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Grief, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Sexual violence, Sexism, Torture, and Xenophobia
Minor: Cannibalism, Death of parent, Excrement, Infidelity, Rape, and Trafficking
tinyelfarcanist's review
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I found myself oddly engrossed by this book where nothing happens.
Well-developed characters kept me wanting to read, but for the most part I wasn't sure where the story was going. ("spoilers": Nowhere.)
The main POVs are by these characters:
Logen Ninefingers has just lost everything. He doesn't have time to mourn, just to survive.He didn't mourn even when he finally has some time to rest and it bothered me that his loss might just be a cheap tool.
Sand dan Glokta is a horrible human being. He has suffered enough to still inspire some sympathy.
Jezal dan Luthar is an arrogant and narcissist noble. His story was the one I found the most engaging.I guess I've got a soft-spot for assholes in love
It fails the Bechdel test as the only two (relevant) female characters never meet. One of them was my favorite and I can't wait to read more about her.
I loved and loved to hate the characters. This book is just the setting up of the world and characters, but I'm definitely invested in The First Law world.
The Blade Itself is, as the inquisitors would say:
'Excellent,' said Glokta brightly.
'Excellent,' said Severard.
'Etherer,' said Practical Frost.
Well-developed characters kept me wanting to read, but for the most part I wasn't sure where the story was going. ("spoilers": Nowhere.)
The main POVs are by these characters:
Logen Ninefingers has just lost everything. He doesn't have time to mourn, just to survive.
Sand dan Glokta is a horrible human being. He has suffered enough to still inspire some sympathy.
Jezal dan Luthar is an arrogant and narcissist noble. His story was the one I found the most engaging.
It fails the Bechdel test as the only two (relevant) female characters never meet. One of them was my favorite and I can't wait to read more about her.
I loved and loved to hate the characters. This book is just the setting up of the world and characters, but I'm definitely invested in The First Law world.
The Blade Itself is, as the inquisitors would say:
'Excellent,' said Glokta brightly.
'Excellent,' said Severard.
'Etherer,' said Practical Frost.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, and Violence
Moderate: Ableism, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, and Slavery
Minor: Cannibalism and Vomit
bibliophilicwitch's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, Cannibalism, Cursing, Death, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, and Violence
marinade34's review
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A bit slow, and not enough magic to my taste… but the characters are very real and diverse, and that was really interesting. I enjoyed the different POV which is not always the case. And I had a few good laughs! I feel like we only scratch the surface of the storyline though, which is a bit frustrating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Torture, Murder, and Gore
in_love_with_bookish's review
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is definitely a unique experience for me as a fantasy reader and I really enjoyed it. I’ve been meaning to read this book for some time but I kept putting it off until now. I’m glad I finally decided to discover Joe Abercrombie's The First Law World as it was a very rewarding experience from start to finish.
Every man has his excuses, and the more vile the man becomes, the more touching the story has to be. What is my story now, I wonder?
This is not a plot-driven book, it focuses heavily on the characters and It works as a very long introduction to the fantastical world of the story and its multiple players. Right from the first chapter, the author brilliantly sets the tone of the rest of the book in a way that makes it clear what to expect going forward.
As I said, there isn’t a lot going on plot-wise. We get to know a lot of characters, some of their motivations, and learn about the history and the lore of the world and we don't have big events happening in the story. The book is slow-paced and It takes its sweet time setting everything and everyone for the next book but It did so well I didn’t mind at all.
Once you've got a task to do, it's better to do it than live with the fear of it
There is clearly a lot of scheming and plotting to happen with a lot of characters, It lends an air of mystery to the book but also a sense of dread. As we know the characters more and more, It’s clear they’re up to no good which makes the stakes higher with more tension and suspense.
I also loved the writing style so much, I was really engaged in the story and I kept flipping the pages because I just wanted to read more. Abercrombie’s writing just works for me so well and I was captivated by it from the get-go.
Of course, the most fascinating aspect of the book is the characters themselves. The character work that’s done in this book is extraordinary. I love that we don’t have a clear understanding of where the characters fit. It was challenging for me to figure out how I feel about them considering who they are and what they’ve done in the past and what they continue to do in the present but I also can’t help but be drawn to them because they are really well written. There is a charm to them that makes them really interesting. The more you know, the more appalled you become but also the more intrigued and invested.
The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. Still, the struggle itself is worthwhile. Knowledge is the root of power, after all.
But As much as I love the way the characters are written and how deep we delve into their stories, I still feel we didn’t see a lot of development from them. They really don’t change that much. I also think the female characters are severely sidelined in the book, and even with the one female character that’s clearly important to the story, Sometimes she felt like an afterthought.
The Blade Itself is a promising first book set in a world on the brink of many bloody wars with characters that don’t mind getting their hands dripping with blood. I think we’re in for a very gruesome yet wonderful ride. I’ll definitely be picking up the second book as soon as possible.
Everything frightens me, and it's well that it does. Fear is a good friend to the hunted, it's kept me alive this long. The dead are fearless, and I don't care to join them
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Death, Gore, Murder, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Slavery