josiahpeterson17's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Very entertaining revenge story. Every single character brought something to the table, and Abercrombie's dialogue is just incredibly engaging. The dynamics between Monza and her crew provided a decent amount of nuance and tons of laughs. Shivers and Cosca in particular are standouts. Shivers mostly unintentionally hilarious, and Cosca is always ridiculous in nature.
This book also was by far the darkest of the books in the First Law world. It was abundantly grim. Largely because of the setting and Monza's status after the first chapter, but it felt like Abercrombie took things to the next level of hopelessness as we get to explore a different portion of the Circle of the World.
Loved the structure of the book too, although the last 130 pages felt slightly prolonged to me. Looking forward to the adaptation and the other standalones.
This book also was by far the darkest of the books in the First Law world. It was abundantly grim. Largely because of the setting and Monza's status after the first chapter, but it felt like Abercrombie took things to the next level of hopelessness as we get to explore a different portion of the Circle of the World.
Loved the structure of the book too, although the last 130 pages felt slightly prolonged to me. Looking forward to the adaptation and the other standalones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Violence, and Sexual content
eh1736's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Vomit, Violence, Drug abuse, Blood, and Gore
Moderate: Sexual content
amir_hamza's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Cursing, Violence, and Gore
surdiablo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
My feelings are a bit complicated when it comes to this one, but I believe it's safe to say I didn't love it like the original trilogy, although it's an excellent standalone novel. I will explain what I liked first. As usual, Abercrombie excels at writing characterizations with such distinct voices and having delightful, humorous banter between each other, which often were among the highlights of this book for me. Without getting into direct spoilers, there were indeed several references and appearances of certain characters, both major and minor, from previous trilogy. They all served their purpose very well and was integrated rather tastefully with proper reasons, than just for the sake of cameos. The book also retains a cinematic effect during action sequences and other important scenes, just like in the trilogy and was also reminiscent of 'Kill Bill' movies which I really liked. Some of the character growth might be different from what you may expect at first, but they left me with a lot to ponder about in a bittersweet way, which I actually appreciate.
As for what I didn't like, I found the book to be dragging somewhat in certain sections which felt like a chore to read sometimes, but of course not in an extreme way, like with certain Wheel of time books. My major problem, which I'm sure your mileage will definitely vary, was that the main character wasn't much interesting to me. Now don't get me wrong, Monza is fine on her own and was definitely a strong badass who you can root for, it's just that I personally found her a bit too straightforward and bland with the goals she had in mind and her actions in general, while the side characters were simply more appealing as people to read about. I loved all of their arcs regardless either way, especially the irony surrounding some of them.
As for what I didn't like, I found the book to be dragging somewhat in certain sections which felt like a chore to read sometimes, but of course not in an extreme way, like with certain Wheel of time books. My major problem, which I'm sure your mileage will definitely vary, was that the main character wasn't much interesting to me. Now don't get me wrong, Monza is fine on her own and was definitely a strong badass who you can root for, it's just that I personally found her a bit too straightforward and bland with the goals she had in mind and her actions in general, while the side characters were simply more appealing as people to read about. I loved all of their arcs regardless either way, especially the irony surrounding some of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, Violence, and Torture
Minor: Child abuse
iono's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Violence, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Torture, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Incest and Sexual content
kylieqrada's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
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
Simultaneously THE ABSOLUTE SHIT and a little problematic. I have a weak spot for ol' Joe and I am so happy to be back in The First Law. Monza is the Grand Duchess of my heart.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, and Gore
Moderate: Sexual content, Incest, and Alcoholism
Minor: Homophobia and Misogyny
becsti's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Characters excellent as always
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Sexual content
middlekmissie's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Sexual content
lvl52_grant's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
This book was crazy. I had a lot of expectations after the First Law trilogy, and this met them all. Meeting old characters again, being introduced to new ones, and seeing them all scattered violently over fictional Italy was a read worthy of numerous adaptions. So many scenes deserve to be put film, all described in beautiful and disgusting detail. It takes the tropes of a fantasy and makes them feel modern, and grabs you by the throat the whole time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and War
Moderate: Sexual content
blue123's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Torture