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thebookishdesigner's review against another edition
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
shadereads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Torture, Injury/Injury detail, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Fatphobia, Classism, Slavery, Xenophobia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Dementia, War, Rape, and Cannibalism
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