Dive into the gritty, thrilling world of Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series, where heroes are flawed, villains are complex, and every page drips with dark humor and brutal realism. This epic fantasy saga, set in the war-torn Circle of the World, redefined grimdark fantasy by tossing traditional tropes out the window. Ready for a tale where no one is truly good, and every choice cuts deep?
Known as 'Lord Grimdark,' Abercrombie crafts a universe that feels as raw and unpredictable as real life, blending political intrigue, visceral battles, and morally ambiguous characters. Whether you’re a fantasy veteran or new to the genre, First Law’s sharp wit and relentless pacing will hook you from the first chapter.
How First Law Began
Joe Abercrombie, a former film editor with a psychology degree, dreamed of redefining fantasy. Inspired by the likes of George R.R. Martin and his own love for gritty, human-driven stories, he began writing The Blade Itself in 2002 during a career break. After years of rejection, Gollancz picked it up in 2005, launching the First Law trilogy. Abercrombie’s goal? To create a fantasy world where blood, sweat, and cynicism reign supreme, subverting the heroic quests of his childhood reads.
The Heart of First Law
The First Law trilogy kicks off with The Blade Itself (2006), introducing Logen Ninefingers, a battle-weary barbarian; Sand dan Glokta, a crippled torturer with a sharp mind; and Jezal dan Luthar, a vain nobleman chasing glory. The story unfolds in the Union, a kingdom facing war with the Northmen and the Gurkish Empire. Before They Are Hanged (2007) ramps up the stakes, sending characters on perilous journeys, while Last Argument of Kings (2008) delivers a gut-punch finale that questions whether anyone can truly change.
Beyond the trilogy, standalone novels like Best Served Cold (2009) explore revenge through mercenary Monza Murcatto, earning praise as a grimdark Kill Bill. The series’ themes—corruption, the cost of violence, and the blurred line between good and evil—shine through Abercrombie’s vivid prose and dark humor. Set in a world on the cusp of an Industrial Revolution, where fading magic clashes with rising industry, First Law feels both timeless and modern.
Abercrombie’s characters are the series’ soul. From Glokta’s biting inner monologues to Logen’s struggle with his violent past, each feels painfully human. The Circle of the World, with its feuding nations and ancient mysteries, grounds the story in a setting as unforgiving as its inhabitants.
Why First Law Resonates
First Law redefined grimdark, earning Abercrombie comparisons to Martin for its morally gray cast and unflinching realism. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit praise its unpredictable plots and memorable characters, with The Blade Itself alone garnering over 18,000 reviews. Its influence extends to a sequel trilogy, The Age of Madness, and a film adaptation of in pre-production. Abercrombie’s blend of cynicism and hope keeps readers returning, proving fantasy can be as messy and profound as reality.
- Publication Years: 2006–present (trilogy: 2006–2008)
- Books: 3 trilogy novels, 3 standalones, 1 short story collection, 3 sequel trilogy novels
- Notable Praise: Compared to A Song of Ice and Fire for complex characters
Grab The Blade Itself and plunge into the Circle of the World, where every decision is a gamble and every page crackles with grimdark brilliance!