The Blade Itself

(Book #1 in The First Law Trilogy series)

by Joe Abercrombie

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Book Overview: The Blade Itself

The first novel in the First Law Trilogy and debut fantasy novel from New York Times bestseller, Joe Abercrombie.

Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian, has finally run out of luck. Caught in one feud too many, he’s on the verge of becoming a dead barbarian — leaving nothing behind him but bad songs, dead friends, and a lot of happy enemies.

Nobleman, dashing officer, and paragon of selfishness, Captain Jezal dan Luthar has nothing more dangerous in mind than fleecing his friends at cards and dreaming of glory in the fencing circle. But war is brewing, and on the battlefields of the frozen North they fight by altogether bloodier rules.

Inquisitor Glokta, cripple turned torturer, would like nothing better than to see Jezal come home in a box. But then Glokta hates everyone: cutting treason out of the Union one confession at a time leaves little room for friendship. His latest trail of corpses may lead him right to the rotten heart of government, if he can stay alive long enough to follow it.

Enter the wizard, Bayaz. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he’s about to make the lives of Logen, Jezal, and Glokta a whole lot more difficult.

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.

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Editorial Reviews

“Bloody and relentless.”– George R. R. Martin on Best Served Cold

“Bold and authentically original.”– Jeff VanderMeer

“Abercrombie has written the finest epic fantasy trilogy in recent memory. He’s one writer that no one should miss.”– Junot Diaz

“If you’re fond of bloodless, turgid fantasy with characters as thin as newspaper and as boring as plaster saints, Joe Abercrombie is really going to ruin your day. A long career for this guy would be a gift to our genre.”– Scott Lynch, author of The Lies of Locke Lamora

“Compelling characters, a complex plot, and style to burn.”– Strange Horizons

“Pointed, driven, and sharp.”– Locus on Red Country

“Magnificent, richly entertaining”– Time on The Heroes

“There is a gritty edge to his world and an awareness of the human cost of violence that is very contemporary.”– The Times

“Imagine The Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa.”– Lev Grossman, Wall Street Journal on The Heroes

“[Abercrombie has] begun breaking his own rules. And succeeding wildly at it. … [R]arely has Abercrombie had so much fun while rollicking through his colorful cast’s foibles and witty dialogue – and rarely has he dished out so much straight-for-the-heart poignancy.”– The A.V. Club

“New, fresh, and exciting.”– The Independent (UK)

“Exhilarating… Abercrombie’s knack for wit and grit holds your attention throughout, and his eye for character means that there’s heart as well as muscle.”– SFX (UK)

“Abercrombie writes fantasy like no one else.”– Guardian (UK)

“Heroic fantasy without conventional heroes . . . Full of cynicism and wit.”– RT Book Reviews

About the Author

Joe Abercrombie

Joe Abercrombie is celebrated as one of the most prominent names in contemporary fantasy fiction, hailing from Lancaster, England. Predominantly known for his gritty and darkly humorous approach, Abercrombie skillfully weaves complex narratives that breathe life into compelling characters. With a degree in Psychology from Manchester University and a stint in the digital film industry, he applies his honed understanding of human nature and visual storytelling to his works, resulting in vivid and relatable worlds filled with immersive conflict.

Abercrombie debuted as an author with “The Blade Itself,” the first volume in the lauded First Law Trilogy. The series has since expanded to include standalone novels and short stories, with a total of over two million copies sold worldwide. Notably, his novel “Half a King” won the 2015 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book, showcasing the expansive range of his writing prowess. Each piece Abercrombie crafts remains critically acclaimed for its innovative blend of fantasy and realism, highlighting his ability to make readers question established notions about heroes, villains, and moral ambiguity.

Despite his painted worlds of ruthless battles and political intrigue, Abercrombie maintains a life far removed from his grim fantasy settings. Residing peacefully in Bath, England, with his wife and three children, Joe continues to create works that push the boundaries of fantasy literature. His influence in the genre remains significant, with fans and peers alike recognizing him as an unparalleled master in storytelling. The high regard for his work in the literary world proves his standing as a commanding figure in the contemporary fantasy scene.