Keith Mack
The First Law series is a set of gritty modern fantasy novels written by British author Joe Abercrombie. The series is comprised of a trilogy and several standalone novels that are set in the same world. The story is set in an epic fantasy world reminiscent of early modern Europe, on the brink of an Industrial Revolution, that is perpetually at war. The world is inhabited by humans and demons, the latter of which were banished by the legendary half-demon, half-human Euz, who left behind the First Law: It is forbidden to touch the Other Side directly. The story follows a cast of flawed and fascinating characters, including a tortured inquisitor, a barbarian warrior, and a cocky nobleman, whose personal struggles are laid bare. The narrative is filled with plot twists, alliances, and betrayals, and explores themes of power, corruption, and the cyclical nature of violence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Sub-genre | Grimdark fantasy, gritty fantasy, modern fantasy, epic fantasy |
| Narrative Style | Atmospheric, dry, witty, darkly humorous, plot twists |
| Setting | The Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe |
| Themes | Power, corruption, cyclical nature of violence, good and evil |
| Storylines | War, revenge, redemption, survival, conspiracy, betrayal, rebellion |
| Characters | Multi-dimensional, relatable, authentic, morally grey, flawed, fascinating |
| Notable Characters | Logen Ninefingers, Jezal dan Luthar, Sand dan Glokta, Dogman, Monza Murcatto, Caul Shivers |
| Author | Joe Abercrombie |
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What You'll Learn
Fantasy genre
The First Law series is a gritty modern fantasy epic by British author Joe Abercrombie. The series is comprised of a trilogy and several standalone novels, all set in a fictional world called the Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe.
The world of the First Law series is a violent and unforgiving place, filled with flawed and fascinating characters. The narrative is driven by the characters' personal struggles and complex motivations, making them feel authentic and relatable. Abercrombie's writing style is sharp, witty, and often darkly humorous, with plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The First Law series defies traditional fantasy conventions, embracing the dark and gritty realities of a world where happy endings are rare. It explores themes of power, corruption, and the cyclical nature of violence, challenging readers' perceptions of good and evil. The world of the series is on the verge of an Industrial Revolution, with magic fading into obscurity.
The original trilogy introduces characters such as Logen Ninefingers, a barbarian warrior; Jezal dan Luthar, a cocky nobleman; and Glokta, a tortured inquisitor. The standalone novels feature new characters while also bringing back familiar faces from the trilogy, including Monza Murcatto, a mercenary commander in the service of the Grand Duke Orso, who seeks revenge after witnessing the murder of her brother at the hands of the Grand Duke and his men.
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Complex characters
The First Law series is known for its complex and multi-dimensional characters. The books are praised for their ability to capture the human mind in a relatable and authentic way. Each character is meticulously developed, with their personal struggles laid bare for all to see. You will find yourself loving, hating, and everything in between, but you will never stop caring about what happens next.
The characters in The First Law series are morally grey and as flawed as they are fascinating. They include a tortured inquisitor, a barbarian warrior, and a cocky nobleman, among others. They are involved in the machinations of a powerful bald warmonger, and their storylines include conspiracy, betrayal, rebellion, and peace.
One of the main characters is Logen Ninefingers, a barbarian warrior seeking redemption. He is a man of few words, but his actions speak louder than any speech ever could. Another important character is Jezal dan Luthar, a cocky nobleman and skilled fencer. He is used to getting his way, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled in a dangerous plot.
Sand dan Glokta is a tortured inquisitor, physically scarred from his time as a prisoner of war. He is now charged with rooting out corruption and treason in the Union, using whatever means necessary. Despite his dark past, he is a surprisingly witty and intelligent character.
The First Law series also introduces us to Monza Murcatto, a mercenary commander in the service of the Grand Duke Orso. She is a skilled fighter and a clever strategist, but her world is turned upside down when she witnesses the murder of her brother at the hands of the Grand Duke himself. Seeking revenge, she sets out with a motley crew of misfits to get justice.
These are just a few examples of the complex and captivating characters that populate The First Law series. Their intertwining storylines and personal struggles create a gripping narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish.
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Plot and pacing
The First Law series is a gritty modern fantasy epic, set in a world reminiscent of early modern Europe, with a narrative driven by its diverse cast of characters. The story is set in a world that once had magic, but it is now fading, to the point that most people no longer believe in it. The central realm, known as the Union, is in a state of near-perpetual war, constantly being manoeuvred into conflicts by a dysfunctional government and an uncompromising foreign policy.
The original trilogy introduces the reader to this world, with the first novel, *The Blade Itself*, setting the tone for the series. The plot twists come thick and fast, with shifting alliances and betrayals. The world-building is atmospheric, with compact descriptions that allow the reader to visualise the story without overly flowery language. The narrative is driven by its characters, who are morally grey, deeply flawed, and utterly fascinating. There are no shining heroes here, and victories are hard-won.
The barbarian warrior Logen Ninefingers seeks redemption, the noblemen Jezal dan Luthar is cocky and self-serving, and the Inquisitor Glokta is tortured, both physically and mentally. The cast is rounded out by characters like Sand dan Glokta, Dogman, Collem West, Ferro Maljinn, and many more, each with their own personal struggles and motivations.
The standalone novels that follow the trilogy continue to develop the world, with new and old characters driving the narrative. *Best Served Cold* follows mercenary commander Monza Murcatto on her quest for revenge after her brother is murdered by the Grand Duke Orso. *The Heroes* is set in the North, seven years after the events of the trilogy, with another war between the Union and the North, culminating in a three-day battle. *Red Country* takes place thirteen years after the trilogy, and centres on Shy South, who must confront her bloody past when her siblings are kidnapped.
The First Law series is a brilliant, captivating read, with a dark and gritty world that feels alive, and complex, fascinating characters that drive the narrative.
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Setting and world-building
The First Law series is a set of gritty modern fantasy novels by British author Joe Abercrombie. The series is set in an epic fantasy world called the Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe. The world is on the verge of an Industrial Revolution.
Long ago, the world was inhabited by both Demons and Humans. Then, hundreds or thousands of years ago, a legendary half-Demon, half-Human named Euz, with great magical powers, banished the Demons from the world. Magic still exists, relying on connections to the Other Side, where the Demons live. The First Law, left behind by Euz, forbids humans from touching the Other Side directly.
The central realm of the Circle of the World is known as the Union, which is in a state of near-perpetual war, constantly manoeuvred into conflicts by a dysfunctional government and an uncompromising foreign policy. To the north lies the frigid north, home to the Northmen, a rough alliance of barbarous, warmongering tribes. The Union contains the provinces of Angland, the Midderlands, Dagoska, Starikland, and the city of Westport in Styria.
The world of the First Law series is dark, unforgiving, and bleak. It is a place where idealism dies quickly, and survival often means compromising one's soul. The series challenges perceptions of good and evil, and there are no shining heroes or easy victories. Instead, the characters are morally grey, as flawed as they are fascinating, and meticulously developed.
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Narrative style
The First Law series is a gritty modern fantasy epic by British author Joe Abercrombie. The narrative is driven by its characters, who are multidimensional, morally grey, and deeply flawed. Abercrombie's style is dry, witty, and often darkly humorous, making even the bleakest moments enjoyable.
The series consists of a trilogy and several standalone books, all set in the same fantasy world. The world is called the Circle of the World and is reminiscent of early modern Europe. It is a place of perpetual war, political intrigue, and magic—a force that is fading from the world, to the point that most people don't believe in it anymore.
The original trilogy follows characters such as Logen Ninefingers, a barbarian warrior; Jezal dan Luthar, a cocky nobleman; and Sand dan Glokta, a tortured inquisitor. The standalone books feature some of the same characters and introduce new ones, such as Monza Murcatto, a mercenary commander in the service of the Grand Duke Orso, who seeks revenge after witnessing her brother's murder at the hands of the Grand Duke and his men.
The narrative style of The First Law series is characterised by its fast-paced plot twists, shifting alliances, and betrayals. Abercrombie's writing is sharp and incisive, with compact descriptions that allow readers to visualise and feel the story without overly explaining the details. The series challenges traditional fantasy conventions, embracing the dark and gritty realities of a world where happy endings are rare.
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Frequently asked questions
The First Law series is a gritty modern fantasy set in a world called the Circle of the World, reminiscent of early modern Europe. It is violent and sometimes cruel, but the writing is sharp and witty, making even the bleakest moments enjoyable. The characters are flawed and fascinating, with personal struggles that the reader can relate to.
The First Law series is written by British author Joe Abercrombie. Abercrombie is a freelance film editor who decided to pursue writing when he found himself with more free time.
The First Law series is often compared to Game of Thrones. One reader described it as "Lord of the Rings-like adventure but written by Quentin Tarantino".
