Reviews with content warning for Excrement - Kriegsklingen

I feel like I can't really review the book on its own merits since it's part of a trilogy, but it's an excellent start to a larger story. It's more character heavy than plot heavy, but the characters are really fascinating. I'm very eager to start on book two and to see where things go.

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apiecalypsejen's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The First Law trilogy is my favourite of the two trilogies that take place in this world. The characters are definitely flawed, each of them in their own way with not one of them being clear or free of some kind of barrier or encumbrance to you calling them your "favourite" without some reluctance or guilt (aside from

possibly Brother Longfoot

). This story sets up the next two books, which means it is a lot of establishing of relationships, characters, and the basis for the

journey/war

that comprises the second book. It's a great story about men in their 20s, and how they can be hardheaded and too arrogant, and where that can take them, as well as has two excellent and deep woman character in Ferro and Ardee.

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13octopus's review against another edition

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adventurous funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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gittejump's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Blade Itself is the setup book to the First Law series. Here we get introduced to some standout characters and learn about their motivations and backstories.

There is war brewing in the background, but our cast is interested in living their own lives. They are all selfish people and want what is best for themselves.

Logen Ninefingers is a former barbarian fighter who is trying to make his way in life after losing everyone he knows. Hopefully with less death, but he doubts it. Battle is all he knows.

'Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, say he's a survivor.'

'I've no doubt the world would be a better place if I'd been killed years ago, but I haven't been, and I don't know why.'

Captain Jezal dan Luther wants to play, gamble and win the sword tournament. He does not want to be involved in war and politics.

'A few glasses of wine can be the difference between finding a man a hilarious companion or an insufferable moron.'

Inquisitor Glokta is a lovable crippled torturer who hates everyone and everything. He is determined to pull out conspiracy in the kingdom one confession at a time.

'If Glokta had been given the opportunity to torture any one man, any one at all, he would surely have chosen the inventor of steps.'

'There was no banister, nothing to cling to. Sixteen enemies. A challenge indeed.'

I really enjoyed this book for the characters and the way they play off each other. Each character is very distinct and memorable. I also liked that there was no shining hero, instead everyone is morally grey and self-serving.

“Every man has his excuses, and the more vile the man becomes, the more touching the story has to be. What is my story now, I wonder?”

I'm keen to read the next book in the series for the followup on these characters and hopefully see the plot pick up a bit.

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