First Law Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Path: Publication Order

While many fantasy series allow you to bounce around between spin-offs and prequels, Joe Abercrombie’s First Law universe is a singular, continuous narrative canvas. Although there are distinct subseries and standalones, they all build on the political shifts, technology changes, and surviving characters of the books that came before. Therefore, both fans and the author strongly recommend reading the books in publication order. Skipping or rearranging books will spoil major plot points, ruin character development arcs, and dilute the impact of the world's progression from medieval-esque magic to gritty industrialization.

Here is the complete publication order, which also functions as the chronological order for the main novels:

1. The Blade Itself (2006) – The First Law Trilogy, Book 1
2. Before They Are Hanged (2007) – The First Law Trilogy, Book 2
3. Last Argument of Kings (2008) – The First Law Trilogy, Book 3
4. Best Served Cold (2009) – Standalone Novel
5. The Heroes (2011) – Standalone Novel
6. Red Country (2012) – Standalone Novel
7. Sharp Ends (2016) – Short Story Collection
8. A Little Hatred (2019) – The Age of Madness Trilogy, Book 1
9. The Trouble with Peace (2020) – The Age of Madness Trilogy, Book 2
10. The Wisdom of Crowds (2021) – The Age of Madness Trilogy, Book 3

Phase 1: The Original First Law Trilogy

The journey begins with the original trilogy, which establishes the core conflict, the nations of the Circle of the World, and the lingering influence of magic. This phase sets the standard for the grimdark genre, trading standard heroic fantasy quests for sharp political cynicism, brutal fight scenes, and a heavy dose of dark humor.

The Blade Itself (2006)

This introductory book is heavily character-focused, setting the chess pieces on the board. You are introduced to Logen Ninefingers, a notorious barbarian trying to escape his bloody reputation; Captain Jezal dan Luthar, a vain nobleman preparing for a fencing tournament; and Inquisitor Sand dan Glokta, a crippled survivor of torture who now inflicts it on others for the King’s Inquisition. Under the guiding (and manipulative) hand of the First Mage Bayaz, these disparate lives begin to intertwine as the Union prepares for war with the Northmen and the Gurkish Empire.

Before They Are Hanged (2007)

The stakes expand significantly in the second volume. The characters split into different fronts: one group travels to the edge of the known world on a perilous quest for an ancient weapon of mass destruction, while others struggle to defend the province of Angland from a massive Northern invasion, and Glokta is sent to defend the besieged city of Dagoska under impossible conditions.

Last Argument of Kings (2008)

The explosive conclusion of the trilogy wraps up the initial wars while pulling back the curtain on the true forces controlling the Union. Traditional fantasy expectations are subverted at every turn, leaving the reader with a sobering, brilliant, and dark realization that in the Circle of the World, the cycle of violence rarely spares the innocent, and true change is the hardest victory of all.

Phase 2: The Great Leveller (Standalone Novels)

Often referred to by fans as the standalones, these three books are not filler. They are essential to the overarching story, detailing the seven-year gap between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy. They follow key secondary characters from the first trilogy, introduce new protagonists, and show how the world transitions culturally, politically, and technologically.

Best Served Cold (2009)

Set in Styria, this is a fast-paced, bloody tale of vengeance. It follows Monza Murcatto, a betrayed mercenary general, as she executes a ruthless plan to assassinate the seven men who tried to murder her. It features returning characters like Shivers and introduces new fan-favorites like the disgraced soldier Cosca and the obsessive-compulsive poisoner Castor Morveer. It is often described as a fantasy version of Kill Bill or The Count of Monte Cristo.

The Heroes (2011)

Widely praised as one of the best military fantasy novels ever written, this book takes place over the course of a single, brutal three-day battle for a useless hill in the North. It examines the futility of war from multiple viewpoints, including green recruits, weary veterans, and high-command generals. It provides deep insight into the culture of the Northmen and features the return of Bremer dan Gorst and Black Dow.

Red Country (2012)

This book blends grimdark fantasy with the tropes of a classic Western. Set in the Far Country, a lawless frontier, it follows Shy South and her quiet stepfather, Lamb, as they hunt down the bandits who kidnapped Shy's younger siblings. The book deals with themes of escaping one's past, the advance of civilization, and features the return of several major characters under new aliases.

Phase 3: Sharp Ends (The Short Stories)

Published in 2016, Sharp Ends is a collection of thirteen short stories that span the timeline of the First Law world. While some stories take place before The Blade Itself, others occur during the events of the standalones. It is best read after Red Country to avoid spoilers and to fully appreciate the context of the vignettes. The collection features a recurring duo, Shevedeh and Javre, and fills in gaps in the backstories of major figures like Sand dan Glokta and Logen Ninefingers.

Phase 4: The Age of Madness Trilogy

Set roughly 30 years after the original trilogy, this sequel trilogy shows a world transformed. Magic is fading further into myth, replaced by coal, steam engines, smoke-choked factories, and printing presses. The children of the original characters are now the movers and shakers of the Union, facing a brewing working-class revolution alongside traditional foreign threats.

A Little Hatred (2019)

The industrial revolution is in full swing, bringing wealth to the few and misery to the many. As the Union faces social unrest, a new generation of characters takes center stage, including Savine dan Glokta, a ruthless investor; Prince Orso, a dissolute heir to the throne; and Leo dan Brock, a young warrior seeking glory in the North. Meanwhile, the dark clouds of war and industrial rebellion gather.

The Trouble with Peace (2020)

Conspiracies, betrayals, and open rebellion threaten to tear the Union apart. The characters must navigate shifting alliances, financial ruin, and the realization that the old powers of the world have not entirely gone away. The book builds tension masterfully toward a massive clash of political and military force.

The Wisdom of Crowds (2021)

The grand finale of the second trilogy brings the industrial and social unrest to a boil. The old order is overturned by a violent populist uprising, leading to chaos, trials, and executions. As the dust settles, the true manipulators of the world's destiny are revealed, setting up a grim but satisfying conclusion to the modern era of the Circle of the World.

What to Know Before You Start

Joe Abercrombie's writing is highly character-driven, featuring internal monologues that are deeply cynical, funny, and distinct. While the magic system is soft and mysterious, the political structures and military tactics are highly realistic. There are no co-authored books or spin-offs set in this universe, making the reading order straightforward compared to other massive fantasy franchises.

Readers should also note that a previously planned film adaptation of Best Served Cold, which was announced in 2023 with Rebecca Ferguson attached, was confirmed to be cancelled and is no longer moving forward. Abercrombie has transitioned to other endeavors, including adapting his new historical fantasy project, The Devils.