Reviews

Joe Abercombie is officially my favourite author. This is an absolutely fabulous audible book and the narrator was first class. There are so many twists, surprises and all the characters are excellent. I have asked my kids to buy me hardbacks of all Joe Abercombie books when they struggle what to get me as all of these books are first class. Please read - brilliant!!

thecatfather's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny informative mysterious reflective sad tense 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

4.5

bigbookslilreads's review

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adventurous dark tense slow-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

3.75

pratimav's review against another edition

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4.5

4.5 stars

Pretty darn close to perfect.

There was a shift about halfway through the book where I had a feeling this was going to be a lot more cynical than I’d prefer. And I was right and wrong about that. The end just felt a little bit wrong to me.

Pacing-wise this is definitely better (faster) than the First Law trilogy. Wow things actually happen

toxic_milk11's review against another edition

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5.0

that was hellva ride lol

sebradley's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny tense 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

4.0

“‘Things aren’t what they used to be’ is the rallying cry of small minds. When men say things used to be better, they invariably mean for them, because they were young, and had all their hopes intact. The world is bound to look a darker place as you slide into the grave.”
Abercrombie’s books have the adventure, the combat, the memorable characters, and a dark reality that while the settings are decades before our modern age the messages and issues resonate powerfully with the reader. Excited to read the next two standalone novels before getting to the second trilogy!

xxscramblesxx's review against another edition

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5.0

Back to the world of The First Law! I thought I’d miss the characters from the first trilogy, but I didn’t really have time to miss them with when given a whole new and interesting cast! They very quickly grew on me.

I’ve read a few books in between The First Law and this book, and I too easily forgot how well Joe Abercrombie writes his characters. I feel like I get to know them better than I know some of my own family members.

That’s what I’ve enjoyed about every book I’ve read so far. The world feels alive because the people feel real. They’re complex. Their motives are inconsistent in a way consistent with their values, with their wants and needs.

I really can’t explain it better.

There is never a dull plot line. Never an “ugh, not this character’s POV again” chapter. Even if it’s someone that is just now being introduced - it’s a treat.

I’d also like to add, Best Served Cold is a fantastic book on its own. I’d argue it’s almost a better starting point to this world than The Blade Itself.

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