Skip to content
The First Law

Part of the The First Law Universe series

The First Law

by Abercrombie, Joe

Opens Amazon in a new tab. We earn a commission at no cost to you.

About this book

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny, and packed with unforgettable characters, The Blade Itself is noir fantasy with a real cutting edge.  This series throws epic fantasy on its head. On the surface we have all the conceits present in standard epic fantasy: a band of heroes, a Gandalf-like wizard, a dark lord who must be defeated, etc. However, Abercrombie doesn't just twist these cliche fantasy conventions, he completely shatters them. If you're jaded from all the hackneyed epic fantasy crap out there, I highly suggest this incredible series. The writing's witty, the plot is original, and the characters are absolutely fascinating. Read it!What's even better is that every single one of Abercrombie's books are great reads. His best is The Heroes, but even his newest 2015 YA series, The Shattered Sea, is a fine read indeed. You won't do any bad by picking up his first book in The First Law series, The Blade Itself.

About the author

Abercrombie, Joe

Abercrombie, Joe

Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author, known for his dark and gritty novels set in the fictional world of The First Law Trilogy. He has also written several standalone novels and a related trilogy, known as The Age of Madness.Abercrombie's writing style is known for its vivid characters, brutal violence, and cynical humor. His novels often subvert traditional fantasy tropes, featuring flawed protagonists and morally ambiguous characters. His stories explore themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition.The First Law Trilogy consists of three books: "The Blade Itself," "Before They Are Hanged," and "Last Argument of Kings." The trilogy has been praised for its compelling characters, gritty realism, and engaging storytelling. The Age of Madness trilogy continues to explore themes of power and politics, and features characters from the original trilogy.Abercrombie's work has won several awards, including the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the Locus Award for Best First Novel. He is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy, and his work has had a significant impact on the genre.

See all books by Abercrombie, Joe

Readers also enjoyed

More in The First Law Universe

2 other books in this series See the whole series

More by Abercrombie, Joe

Lists that feature this book

The First Law

Buy on Amazon