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A review by ellyra
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars !
Loved it ! It is dark, gritty and fun and the characters are so compelling !
My favorites characters were Glokta and Jezal. I found Logen quite amusing in part 2 but it is not the type of character I am drawn too (I am bored by one to one fight scene and the gritty warrior type in general).
I think Glokta being a favorite is very much a popular opinion. I was not surprised by the fascination that the character would have on readers (considering his line of work) but I was quite surprised to find the emotional pull that he could have.
Jezal might be a much more controversial opinion to have as favorite : yes he is a privileged little shit but I found his POV so entertaining and fun and I actually ended up genuinely liking him by the end of the book.
I gave the book 4.5 stars in the end. I couldn't give it 5 stars no matter how much I loved it because there are some issues with it :
- lack of a general plot kicking in this book, it did feel like a prologue whose point was for the reader to get to know the characters and for the story to bring the characters were they needed to be in order to launch the overall plot. However the characters were so compelling and there were enough actions and banters for me to be completely entertained. I am totally a character before plot kind of reader so no problem for me here actually but it would be to some.
- I wish there were another female POV other than Ferro which is certainly not the most relatable character for like... anyone. "I AM VENGEANCE ! KILL, KILL !" is not the most compelling personality. It would have been great to have Ardee 's POV for example (what did we got West POV, but not Ardee's ? The others POV make sense by the end of the book but that one, not)
- And here is my major issue with the book : the fatphobia. It was particularly strong in part 1.
Hopefully the next books will improve on these last two points.
Loved it ! It is dark, gritty and fun and the characters are so compelling !
My favorites characters were Glokta and Jezal. I found Logen quite amusing in part 2 but it is not the type of character I am drawn too (I am bored by one to one fight scene and the gritty warrior type in general).
I think Glokta being a favorite is very much a popular opinion. I was not surprised by the fascination that the character would have on readers (considering his line of work) but I was quite surprised to find the emotional pull that he could have.
Jezal might be a much more controversial opinion to have as favorite : yes he is a privileged little shit but I found his POV so entertaining and fun and I actually ended up genuinely liking him by the end of the book.
I gave the book 4.5 stars in the end. I couldn't give it 5 stars no matter how much I loved it because there are some issues with it :
- lack of a general plot kicking in this book, it did feel like a prologue whose point was for the reader to get to know the characters and for the story to bring the characters were they needed to be in order to launch the overall plot. However the characters were so compelling and there were enough actions and banters for me to be completely entertained. I am totally a character before plot kind of reader so no problem for me here actually but it would be to some.
- I wish there were another female POV other than Ferro which is certainly not the most relatable character for like... anyone. "I AM VENGEANCE ! KILL, KILL !" is not the most compelling personality. It would have been great to have Ardee 's POV for example (what did we got West POV, but not Ardee's ? The others POV make sense by the end of the book but that one, not)
- And here is my major issue with the book : the fatphobia. It was particularly strong in part 1.
Hopefully the next books will improve on these last two points.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia and Torture