Few writers have caused as big a stir in the fantasy genre as Joe Abercrombie has in recent years. His love of the grimdark, the gritty worlds he creates, and the speed at which he completes his projects have all helped him gain a massive following. Fans left disappointed or frustrated by the long wait for the next installment of the “A Song of Ice and Fire” or “Kingkiller” series have found a home in the Englishman’s expanded mythos. No wonder a recent film adaptation of the first book in his highly popular “The First Law” series was announced late last month. The time is ripe to see what this fantasy maestro is all about.
The first book in his debut trilogy, “The Blade Itself” is told from multiple points of view, beginning with the very awesome Logen Ninefingers as he fights for his life. In relatively quick succession, readers are transported from the frigid lands of the “barbaric” north to the “civilized” capital city of the Union, Agriont. Books like these tend to live or die by the quality of their POV characters, which is why I was delighted by how unique and different each one was. There’s the malevolent inquisitor Sand dan Glokta, arrogant pretty boy Jezal, and the brutal Kantic warrior (who also happens to be an escaped slave) Ferro Maljinn among others. Each of these characters inhabits a very different part of the world. Logen is in a life-or-death battle until he is saved and given new purpose, Ferro is on the run from one of the most powerful men on earth, Jezal just wants to win at the upcoming tourney, and Glokta has a conspiracy he needs to crack.
Little by little, the plot drives each of the main characters closer together (figuratively and geographically) until they (for the most part) find themselves in Agriont. The novel’s biggest issue is that the ‘why’ and ‘what’ of it all remains a mystery until the very end. Why are these characters coming together and what are they going to do? That the early part of the story lacks that is a real shame as it means the intensity and urgency of their actions doesn’t have as much of an impact as it should. But as a novel that sets up a sequel it does an excellent job establishing that foundation.
The Blade Itself is a rollercoaster ride full of action, intrigue, and clever writing. You’ll be quoting these characters and wanting to come back to them for a while. Luckily for us, there’s plenty more written about them just waiting to be devoured. Only time will tell if The First Law series conquers the big screen the way it has the hearts and minds of readers around the world. Until then, lovers of fantasy will have plenty to keep them occupied thanks to Abercrombie’s highly prolific work rate.
Ismael David Mujahid
Managing Editor