Reviews

The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

tubs411's review

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.0

Didn’t really pick up until the end 

cainscr's review against another edition

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

feliciasavvopoulos's review against another edition

4.0

This was my first proper fantasy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Took one star off as I found the first quarter of the book a slow start, with the exception of Glokta’s perspective. The standout for me was Abercrombie’s amazing characterisations. After I certain point I was reeled in, and could not put the book down. The ending has me ready to dive into the second book.

ponken's review

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75

0rian's review

adventurous dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

This books reads like a setup to a carefully built universe. There is almost no plot development, the focus being on characters. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Death, and Gore

Moderate: Misogyny

Minor: Ableism

ayereads's review

5.0

My thanks to everyone who has ever recommended the audiobook. Wanted to insert Akshay Kumar's -
Maan gaye budhe Raja but couldn't find it

I am surprised, I am excited, and I am in for the ride because Abercrombie did that.This is a masterclass in character writing (and I love character-focused stories)- every character in this book was so engaging. I was never bored in anyone's POV but of course, I waited for one character's POV in earnest- GLOKTA.

I will follow this book anywhere as long as Glokta is a character. I don't care if this book becomes a rom-com between Logen and Jezal, I just want the side commentary of Glokta. I don't know how to feel about Ardee atp, she is interesting but I surely prefer Ferro over her. As for Jezal, I enjoy his character, he is for sure a prick but a funny one.

I love that no one is good in this series, that everyone has some side villainous business going on.

milne_'s review

adventurous dark funny

4.5

8797999's review against another edition

5.0

Fantastic to revisit the original trilogy again, I did read the first book of the new trilogy along with the stand alones but felt I should read The First Law again.

Undecided what to read I started to read The Blade Itself, it was just like meeting old friends again. I found it more enjoyable this time aroundand it was top notch and I just love the characters from Logen to Glokta. I can see the foreshadowing of some elements to come in the next books.

This is a well faced, enjoyable and in places can give a good chuckle. I can't wait to read the next books again and maybe even read The first book in the second trilogy again, should line up nicely with the newest books release in September.

lionthebrian's review against another edition

adventurous dark tense slow-paced

4.0

barbare16's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5