And they just keep getting better. Also, if you’re into audiobooks, Steven Pacey is just spectacular. Best narrator I’ve encountered and he does all 9 books so you get continuity of voices. I really wish I could read Abercrombie for the first time again. (These books standalone, but I’d recommend starting with the blade itself.)

Don’t bother

Returning to the world of Adua Ambercrombie picks up one generation later. The story is as wild and exciting as any other and can be joined in by new readers but for those long time readers it holds the most fun as old names and subplots are picked back up again. Highly recommend this book!

It has been such a long time since I so thoroughly enjoyed a book. I didn’t not read this off of iBooks but in actual paperback and came here just to make a review, that’s how strongly I feel about this book. I found myself wanting to read it not for the story but the awesome writing itself. But the story was good as well. Lots of thought put into it. So much character and depiction in each scene, but not too much. Each of his characters come alive and they have flaws like actual people. In the beginning I very much didn’t like Savine or Orso but they ended up being some well rounded characters, especially Orso. Will definitely be getting the 2nd book.

The added element of the industrial revolution into an otherwise familiar fantasy background brought a most welcome and unique change to the series. I’ve loved every book so far but this one was on another level and showcased Joe’s growth as a writer.

Forget Rothfuss, Martin, or Sanderson - Joe Abercrombie is the best fantasy/sci-fi author out there right now! No other author can constantly plant a wicked grin on my face or indulge my cynical sense of humor so often. Love his work.

This isn't the best book in the First Law universe, let's get that out of the way first. That's only because there's some fierce competition though, and this is an absolutely incredible, fun and thrilling read. While the action scenes are more vivid and less predictable in Joe's other books, the characters are some of his most well defined to date. Any fan of the series will thoroughly enjoy this new entry and I personally can't wait to read the rest of the trilogy.