Keith Mack
The First Law is a trilogy of books by Joe Abercrombie, set in an epic fantasy world at war, where political intrigue reigns. The books centre around Logen Ninefingers, Superior Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar, and the First of the Magi. While it is not necessary to read the trilogy before reading standalone novels set in the same world, such as Best Served Cold, reading the books in publication order is recommended to better appreciate the series and avoid spoilers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended reading order | Publication order |
| Alternative reading order | Chronological order |
| Recommended by some to read before Best Served Cold | The First Law Trilogy |
| Can be read as a standalone | Best Served Cold |
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What You'll Learn
Reading the First Law trilogy first
The First Law trilogy sets the stage for the broader First Law world, introducing key characters and establishing the political intrigue and epic fantasy elements that characterise the series. Logen Ninefingers, Superior Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar, and Monza Murcatto are just a few of the memorable characters that readers are introduced to in the trilogy.
Reading the trilogy first will enhance your understanding of the broader narrative arcs and character developments that unfold across the series. While Best Served Cold can be enjoyed on its own, it features the reappearance of several minor characters from the trilogy, and understanding their backstories will add depth to your reading experience. Additionally, reading the trilogy first will help you avoid spoilers related to the ending of the First Law trilogy, which are revealed in Best Served Cold.
The publication order of the First Law series is generally recommended for a more cohesive reading experience. Starting with the First Law trilogy, which includes The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and The Last Argument of Kings, provides a solid foundation for understanding the broader narrative arcs and character dynamics that unfold across the series. Abercrombie's writing style is praised for its gritty realism and compelling characters, which will draw you into the epic fantasy world he has created.
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Reading Best Served Cold as a standalone
While it is generally advised to read The First Law series in publication order, readers have attested to the possibility of reading Best Served Cold as a standalone.
Some readers have claimed that Best Served Cold works well as a standalone novel, as they did not feel confused about the plot or characters. However, they also noted that reading the First Law trilogy first would have enhanced their understanding of certain references and character backstories.
Best Served Cold introduces Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, and the most feared and famous mercenary in Duke Orso's employ. The novel explores her journey in a world of war and political intrigue, where she navigates secrets, trust, love, and glory.
Reading the First Law trilogy first will provide additional context for some characters and scenes in Best Served Cold. Certain characters from the original series appear in both significant and minor roles in Best Served Cold. However, it is not necessary to have prior knowledge of their backgrounds to understand the standalone novel.
Ultimately, while reading the First Law trilogy is not a prerequisite, doing so may enrich the reading experience of Best Served Cold.
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Reading in publication order
Reading the First Law series in publication order is a great way to fully appreciate the epic fantasy world created by Joe Abercrombie. While some readers suggest that the trilogy can be read independently of the other books, there are benefits to following the traditional publication order.
The First Law trilogy, comprising *The Blade Itself*, *Before They Are Hanged*, and *Last Argument of Kings*, introduces readers to the complex and gritty world of war and political intrigue. Logen Ninefingers, Superior Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar, and other memorable characters, are introduced in this trilogy, setting the stage for the rest of the series.
Following the trilogy, the next book in the publication order is *Best Served Cold*. This book features the return of some characters from the trilogy, albeit in smaller roles, and introduces Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, a famous mercenary. Reading the trilogy first enhances the understanding of these characters and their arcs, making their appearances in *Best Served Cold* more impactful.
The publication order then continues with *The Heroes*, which further develops the world-building and explores the lives of various characters, including those introduced in the previous books. The final book in the series, *Red Country*, concludes the epic saga, tying together the storylines and character arcs that began in the First Law trilogy.
Reading the First Law series in publication order allows for a deeper understanding of the characters, their relationships, and the overarching narrative. While it is not mandatory, as the books can be enjoyed as standalone stories, following the publication order enriches the reading experience and highlights the interconnectedness of Abercrombie's fantasy world.
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Reading in chronological order
The First Law is a trilogy of books written by Joe Abercrombie. The three books in the First Law trilogy are:
- The Blade Itself
- Before They Are Hanged
- The Last Argument of Kings
The trilogy is followed by Best Served Cold, which is a standalone novel in the First Law world. While Best Served Cold can be read as a standalone, it is recommended to read the First Law trilogy first as it contains minor spoilers for the trilogy and some scenes may not make complete sense without prior knowledge of the trilogy's story. Additionally, several characters from the First Law trilogy make an appearance in Best Served Cold.
The chronological reading order for the First Law series is as follows:
- The First Law trilogy
- Best Served Cold
Reading the First Law trilogy first will enhance the reading experience of Best Served Cold and provide a better understanding of the characters and story elements that carry over into the standalone novel.
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Reading short story collections
The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is a vast and epic fantasy world with a lot of characters, wars, and political schemes to keep track of. While you can absolutely jump into the First Law universe with any of Abercrombie's standalone novels, it might be helpful to follow a reading guide to keep track of the characters and their motivations.
There is one collection of short stories in the First Law world so far, called Sharp Ends. This collection can be read as a standalone, but it is recommended to read the trilogy first for a better appreciation of the series. Some of the short stories in Sharp Ends happen before the First Law trilogy but are meant to be read afterward to avoid spoilers.
If you want to read the series in chronological order, you can refer to Adam Whitehead's guide from The Wertzone, which has also been updated with recent stories. However, publication order is generally recommended as the best order to read any series, including The First Law.
The First Law trilogy introduces the characters as they assemble like a D&D campaign gone wrong. There's Logen, a warrior from the North who goes into berserker rages and can speak to spirits. Jezal dan Luthar is a dashing young fighter with bad habits. Sand dan Glokta was also a dashing young fighter until he was captured and tortured during the war in the south. Now disabled and disfigured, he is a torturer himself. Ferro Maljinn is a half-demon fleeing her past in the south, and Bayaz is an old wizard who claims to be the legendary founder of the Union.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not necessary to read the First Law trilogy before Best Served Cold. However, it is recommended as there are some spoilers and shared characters in Best Served Cold that will enhance the reader's experience of the trilogy.
Yes, it is generally advised to read the series in publication order.
Yes, Best Served Cold is a standalone novel in the First Law world.
Yes, The Great Leveller Trilogy and the Shattered Sea series are also part of the First Law world.
