Anaya Nolan
Joe Abercrombie's First Law series is a set of gritty modern fantasy novels. The first three books form a trilogy, while the remaining stories are standalone but interconnected novels. The original trilogy comprises The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. While you can start reading the First Law series with any of Abercrombie's standalone novels, it is recommended to start with the books published first. The First Law world is an epic fantasy realm where magic is as real and terrible as any weapon of mass destruction.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Joe Abercrombie |
| Number of books in the First Law series | 3 |
| First book in the series | The Blade Itself |
| Second book in the series | Before They Are Hanged |
| Third book in the series | Last Argument of Kings |
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Number of standalone books | 3 |
| Standalone books | Best Served Cold, The Heroes, Red Country |
| Short story collection | Sharp Ends |
| First book in the Age of Madness trilogy | A Little Hatred |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The First Law is a trilogy of books
The First Law is a trilogy of gritty modern fantasy novels by British author Joe Abercrombie. The first three novels form a trilogy, while the remaining stories are standalone but interconnected novels. The First Law world is an epic fantasy realm called the Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe. Magic, once a powerful force, is now fading, with most people doubting its existence. The Union, a central realm, is perpetually at war, often due to its dysfunctional government and uncompromising foreign policy.
The original trilogy comprises the novels The Blade Itself (2006), Before They Are Hanged (2007), and Last Argument of Kings (2008). These books introduce readers to the intricate character development and grim tone that define the series. The story follows six viewpoint characters: Logen Ninefingers, Jezal dan Luthar, Sand dan Glokta, Ferro Maljinn, The Dogman, and Collem West. Each character is drawn into the plans of Bayaz, a wizard whose magical skill is only matched by his political cunning.
While you can start reading The First Law series with the latest trilogy, Age of Madness, it is recommended to begin with the original trilogy. This is because seeing familiar characters as older, battle-worn versions of themselves is one of the most rewarding aspects of the series. The Age of Madness trilogy, set years after the original trilogy, follows the next generation of characters, including the offspring of some favourites from the first trilogy.
There are also other standalone novels and short story collections set in the First Law world, such as Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country. These stories fill in the gaps between the two main trilogies and can be read independently, but certain plot points and character arcs will resonate more deeply if you've read the first trilogy.
Einstein and the Law of Conservation: A Myth?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Blade Itself is the first novel
The First Law series is a fantasy universe created by author Joe Abercrombie. The Blade Itself is the first novel in The First Law Trilogy and was first published in 2006 by Gollancz in the UK, with an American edition following from Pyr Books. It is also Abercrombie's debut novel.
The title of the first novel references a quote by Homer in The Odyssey: "The blade itself incites to deeds of violence". The quote comes towards the end of the epic poem when Odysseus returns from Troy disguised as a beggar and organises an archery contest to decide who will marry his wife, Penelope.
The Blade Itself introduces readers to Logen Ninefingers, an infamous barbarian who has finally run out of luck. It also features the dashing young fighter, Jezal dan Luthar, and Sand dan Glokta, a former fighter who is now disabled, disfigured, and a torturer. The novel is set in a world where magic is as real and terrible as any weapon of mass destruction and is described as a grimdark fantasy novel.
While The Blade Itself is the first novel in the First Law series, Abercrombie has also written standalone novels and short stories set in the same universe. The First Law world is vast, with many characters, wars, and political schemes to keep track of. Abercrombie has also written a dark YA trilogy called the Shattered Sea trilogy, which is unrelated to the First Law world.
The Inverse-Square Law: An Isaac Newton Legacy
You may want to see also
Before They Are Hanged is the second novel
Joe Abercrombie's First Law series is a popular fantasy trilogy comprising three books: The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. Before They Are Hanged is the second novel in the trilogy, published in 2007, and it continues the story established in the first book, following six point-of-view characters in three parallel arenas.
The story is set in the year 575, and the Union Army in the north faces Bethod's rampaging army in Angland. In the south, Glokta travels across the sea to fortify the city of Dagoska against the Gurkish. Meanwhile, in the west, Logen Ninefingers, Jezal dan Luthar, and Ferro Maljinn accompany the ancient First of the Magi, Bayaz, on a perilous journey through the wild Old Empire to the Edge of the World.
In Angland, the Northmen, led by Bethod, have invaded, spreading fire and death. Crown Prince Ladisla aims to drive them back, but his army is ill-equipped and poorly trained. Bayaz, the powerful wizard, leads a group of adventurers on a dangerous mission through the ruins of the past. The most hated woman in the South, the most feared man in the North, and the most selfish boy in the Union form an unlikely and uneasy alliance against a common enemy.
The title of the book, Before They Are Hanged, is a reference to a quote by German poet Heinrich Heine: "We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged." This captures the essence of the story, where bitter enemies may find forgiveness, but not before facing the consequences of their actions.
The Government's Lawmaking: Ayn Rand's Perspective
You may want to see also
The Age of Madness is a sequel trilogy
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is a fantasy trilogy that includes several books, short stories, and collections. The first book, The Blade Itself, was published in 2006. The Age of Madness is a sequel trilogy to the First Law series, set a generation later, approximately 20-28 years after the events of the original trilogy. The three books in the trilogy are A Little Hatred, The Trouble with Peace, and The Wisdom of Crowds.
The Age of Madness trilogy features a new group of complex and troubled protagonists, including the children and younger associates of the original trilogy's characters. It follows their journey as they deal with the sins of their parents and face a new level of chaos and destruction. The plot also picks up the threads left over from the First Law trilogy, exploring the struggles of The Union's dysfunctional government to cope with the social changes brought about by industrialization and the enclosure of common land.
The Union has entered an Industrial Age, with chimneys rising all over Midderland, and the onset of an industrial revolution. The ancient powers have not disappeared, and the world is filled with machinery and commerce. The North is once again invading Angland, and the story introduces new characters, such as Crown Prince Orso and Savine dan Glokta. Angland is inherited by Leo dan Brock, the young and reckless son of Finree dan Brock.
The Age of Madness trilogy has received rave reviews, with critics praising Abercrombie's trademark character work, dark storytelling, and cynical edge. The trilogy is considered just as good, if not better, than the original First Law novels, offering a deeply thrilling and powerful reading experience.
Congressional Laws: Clarity or Confusion?
You may want to see also
A Little Hatred is the first book in the sequel trilogy
Joe Abercrombie's "A Little Hatred" is the first book in the "Age of Madness" trilogy, which is the sequel trilogy to "The First Law" trilogy and standalones. It was published on September 17, 2019, by Gollancz in the UK and Orbit in the US.
"A Little Hatred" takes place fifteen years after the events in "Red Country" and twenty-eight years after the end of the original trilogy. It follows the interweaving stories of seven characters, with the action primarily taking place in The North and Midderland. The world of "A Little Hatred" is an age of dizzying changes, with industrial chimneys sprouting over the cities of the Union and old certainties being swept aside. The nation is weakened by fruitless wars, disastrous loans, and internal feuds.
While "A Little Hatred" can be read as a standalone novel, many recommend reading at least the original "First Law" trilogy to fully appreciate the intricacies of the book and understand the references to past characters and events. The recommended reading order for the "First Law" series is as follows: ""The Blade Itself," "Before They Are Hanged," and "Last Argument of Kings." These three books comprise the original trilogy and provide essential context for "A Little Hatred."
Additionally, some readers suggest reading the standalones "Best Served Cold" and "The Heroes" before "A Little Hatred" for an even deeper understanding of the world and characters. These standalones explore the events that occur between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy, filling in gaps and expanding the overall narrative.
By following this suggested reading order, readers can fully immerse themselves in the vast and intricate world of Joe Abercrombie's "First Law" series, ensuring they don't miss out on any crucial details or character developments that could enhance their enjoyment of "A Little Hatred" and the "Age of Madness" trilogy.
The Law of Attraction: A Recipe for Suffering?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The First Law is a fantasy series written by British author Joe Abercrombie. The First Law is the title of the original trilogy in the series, but is also used to refer to the series as a whole.
The original trilogy consists of The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings.
Yes, there are three standalone books following the original trilogy: Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country.
Yes, there is a short story collection called Sharp Ends, which includes stories from across the First Law world.
Yes, there is a second trilogy called The Age of Madness, which is set years after the events of the original trilogy. The first book in this trilogy is A Little Hatred.
