A review by tinyelfarcanist
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie

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.
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