I just finished the second volume in Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy. This is a stunning series, and I have to say I think this gentleman is one of the best fantasist working today. This is a big trade paperback, and I read it in three days while still managing the rest of my life. What I didn’t do was write on my own work because I was so swept up in this story, but that’s another matter.
Anyway, Abercrombie pulls off an amazing feat. In book one, The Blade Itself, he presents his group of view point characters and their supporting players. And they all seem awful — the crippled, bitter torturer, the barbarous Northman, the vain, young swordsman.
Just before my interest started to flag I found my self becoming fascinated with little hints and snippets of information he was dropping in like Hansel and Gretel’s bread crumbs. Then he began to build a sense of community, almost family between these various people, and that was it, I was hooked.
And he does something so interesting with the Gandalf figure. Let’s just say that reversal seems to be Abercrombie’s watchword.
I’m delighted to see that the third book is also available so I’ll be able to enjoy the entire story.
One could almost hate, Mr. Abercrombie because this is his first published work, and it’s just terrific. In his bio it says he studied psychology, and his studies have paid off. His characters are not just characters. They are fascinating, complicated people, and he makes me care for most of them, and change my mind about more than a few of them.
I really recommend this series. I’ll be interested to see how he ends it.
