The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie

[The Griot]

I'm currently into the second book of this trilogy and I have to admit I'm really enjoying it. I read some of the reviews on Amazon and most were positive. Has anyone else read the series? What's your take?

[che2000]

I've just finished The Last Argument of Kings and I really enjoyed the trilogy. It kinda reminded me of the late David Gemmell in some ways - his shades-of-grey-heroes and propensity for lashings of the old ultraviolence - and there were times when I found myself chuckling rather heartily at the books.

And Glokta is one of the most interesting characters I've read about in quite some time in a commercial fantasy.

[bdurham]

This was my favourite fantasy series of 2009. Abercrombie is a real force in the field to be reckoned with. A nice break from much of the boring mainstream stuff. If you enjoyed this trilogy, then try his latest, 'Best Served Cold'. It takes place in the same world and features a few familiar characters.

[che2000]

Best Served Cold is next on the list.

[The Griot]

Yep, Glokta is great, as well as 'The Bloody Nine.' I have a feeling I'll have read the trilogy before the summer. I saw Best Served Cold the same day I discovered The Blade Itself but I decided to start with the Trilogy. Best is on the list.

[che2000]

There's a bunch of new writers whose work is appealing to me at the moment - Joe Abercrombie, Peter Brett, Mark Charan Newton, Scott Lynch - who seem to have taken the usual tropes of commercial fantasy and given it a good shaking. Andrzej Sapkowski is doing some good work too, although in a more traditional vein.

Typical though, I spend the last few years reading the Old Masters and a whole heap o' young cubs come along to further drain my bank balance.

[von Darkmoor]

Can I read and enjoy Best Served Cold without having read the trilogy first?

I've heard fun things about both, but I only own the single title.

[David J. West]

You could Jason-but I would still recomend the series first-subtle things wouldn't have the same punch, some inside jokes would be lost and I truly think you are better off reading First Law first-but it could still be enjoyed without it.

Last Argument of Kings is my favorite read in years.

[The Griot]

Completed Last Argument of Kings on vacation. I really enjoyed the trilogy. I must admit I'm not a big fan of the current cynical tone in fantasy, the storyline, characters and great writing won me over. A great read really worth the time.

[SJHigbee]

Why don't you swing by the Review section on SFReader? I've got a review posted there on Last Argument of Kings. And I would endorse your comment, David. If you can possibly get hold of the previous books (can you not order them from your local library, for instance?) I think you'll find it so much more enjoyable, Jason

[von Darkmoor]

Yes, I can and do use my local library system, even having books delivered from far and wide to my local branch. My time for personal reading is so limited however, that it's been far easier snagging a book now and again from the 500+ in my TBR stacks. I'll get to them, never fear. Just don't hold your breath.

[Davidjb]

Read the first two books and agree that the characterisation is great. I think everyone likes Glokta. My only reservation is - where is the story going? There are great themes but I am none the wiser on the overall plot. I am sure that comes together in book 3 which I shall definitely be getting.

[ajh_writes]

Read the first two books and agree that the characterisation is great. I think everyone likes Glokta. My only reservation is - where is the story going? There are great themes but I am none the wiser on the overall plot. I am sure that comes together in book 3 which I shall definitely be getting.

I just started reading The Blade Itself. I'm enjoying it even though I am not sure what is really going on (but I'm in the beginning of the book). The above quote worries me.