Peter's Reviews > The Blade Itself

Distrustful
The Blade Itself is the first book of the First Law Trilogy, which is an epic world-building supernatural fantasy adventure. It can’t be helped to compare the trilogy to the Song of Ice and Fire (Game of Thrones) series in its depth of detail, its rollcall of wonderful characters, hidden plots and agendas, and fantasy dimensions. The world of Joe Abercrombie it told in superb vivid detail where multiple cultures and nations are warring and untrustworthy. Still, there is a darker menace growing in strength and intent on domination.

The plot is a rollercoaster of action with characters that are wonderfully drawn. The character layers are developed throughout the book and they are individually capable, dangerously incompetent, and never sure whether they will stand out as unlikely heroes or unseen traitors.

The Blade Itself focuses on the history that has led nations and characters to this place, at this time, and with victorious ambitions. The story delivers through multiple threads, each with its own set of characters and challenges. The narration doesn’t shy away from the brutality of conflict and torture but I wouldn’t say gratuitously. Battles must be fought, and Logan Ninefingers will be at the heart of many. Answers must be sought, alliances must be formed, and traitors must be found. Glokta the inquisitor will hunt the traitors and those that constitute a risk. Bayaz the First of the Magi knows what’s at stake and must stop it, he is powerful, but he cannot do this independently.

A breath-taking story of wonderful characters, that I highly recommend. I can’t understand why there isn’t a TV or film adaptation of this story.