There are 3 books in this trilogy: The Blade Itself, Before They Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. Joe Abercrombie is often compared with George R.R. Martin, apparently both authors excel in writing gritty, epic fantasy filled with interesting but flawed characters, set in a world where not everything is black and white, but in shades of grey.
I am a big fan of George R.R Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series. So when I heard Abercrombie's First Law Triology is comparable to Martin's novels, I immediately grabbed all 3 books, and spent two weeks plowing through this trilogy. And what do I think of it? Today I will be reviewing this triology:
Synopsis:
The story of The First Law Triology is told by POV style, and consists of different story threads. There are a few major characters in the story, as well as a full cast of supporting characters.
The story took place in a fictional world resembling medieval Europe. The Union is a prosperos kingdom consisting of several pronvinces.. South of Union is the empire of Gurkhul, a land full of deserts and sandy wasteland. The land to the north of Union live many tribes of Northmen, warlike people who fight constant civil wars and blood feuds on the frozen terrain.
The main character in the story is Logen Ninefingers, a warrior from the Northern land. Logen lived a life full of violence, his bloody reputation is well known and feared in the north, but deep inside, he wishes to put his bloody past behind and start a new life. During a battle, Logen was seriously wounded, but he was rescued by the apprentice of a powerful wizard. Logen was told, the wizard is looking for him. As Logen made his way to meet this mysterious wizard, a series of events unfold, based on an age long struggle. Wars will be fought, lives will be lost, and nations will crumble..
What I think about these 3 books:
The First Law Trilogy is a very good fantasy series, period. But it has its flaws. First of all, two thumbs up to Abercrombie, because he wrote a series with interesting characters, extremely cynical characterization, and a complex storyline set in a immerse, fictional world. I don't think I have read a story with characters as cynical and as funny (in a twisted way) as this one. And he did all of these marvels in just 3 books! Which is quite an accomplishment. I also want to mention, Abercrombie is a really good writer, these books are very well paced, and I never experienced a moment when I was bored.
The main strength of The First Law Trilogy, is the characters. In this story, none of the characters are "good", but they are not totally bad neither. A lot of readers commented there are no likable characters in this story, and I agree with their assessments. Characters in this story can be so noble at one moment, then really despicable the next. As you read these books, you will cheer for them, only to become absolutely appalled by their actions 50 pages later. It's a roller coaster ride. However, despite the fact no characters in the story is likable, but they are memorable. I mean, highly memorable. The first law trilogy has some of the most colorful characters appearing fantasy series yet.
Despite all the good stuff in these books, but the series does have a few flaws. The biggest flaw, in my opinion, is the ending is somewhat dissatisfying. It's kind of a cliff hanger ending, where nothing is explained and a lot of loose ends are left behind. After reading all 3 books, I was expecting the ending will address all story threads, but it didn't, and I felt like the series is an unfinished story.
Having said this, The First Law Trilogy is really good, while I still enjoyed George Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire more, but I am really glad I read The First Law Trilogy, and I am planning to re-read it in the near future.
A word of warning: These 3 books contain heavy violence, sex scenes and crude language. Read these books at your own discretion.
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