In mine too. I don't care for the hype of some other channels, so ... fashionable on social medias. Here you get solid deep analysis and amazing editing skills, and a straightforward, no drama host. I'm here to stay.
Joe could write a book about a character cutting his nails and it would be one of my favorite books no doubt. Also, more First Law content is needed! 🎉
Wonderful review! I completely agree that the humor lightens the tone quite a bit. Amazing how we find ourselves loving and rooting for these flawed, gritty characters. Steven Pacey deserves awards for his narration. Your video quality is stunning! I wish I had your skills.
It really is a fantastic book, but the series only improves from there with each entry. The standalones are some of the best fantasy I've ever read. Joe Abercrombie's sense of humour is wonderfully dark and twisted.
The Blade itself got me back into fantasy after a while of not reading much, and your reviews have got me hooked on a bunch more! I'd love to see some in depth reviews of any other of Joe's books.
The Blade Itself became an instant favorite. It’s wild to me how good and well crafted it was. Never boring, never slow even if nothing really happens in the first half.
Wonderful review! You explained so well everything I enjoyed from the first book - the characters, the nuances of different points of views, the humour and the accessible prose.
Just finished the audio of Blade Itself a few days ago, perfect timing! I actually hated the narration at fist because it felt so over the top. I almost returned the audio and switched to the paper, but glad I didn't! Once I got more into it, it clicked that he was playing up the humour with the voices and it changed how I understood the whole book. Well worth sticking with the audio.
You made a good point that the different characters have slightly different writing styles. I did not actively noticed that until you mentioned it. Good review!
Just finished this book today and you articulated my thoughts PERFECTLY! Also, I loved how the characters narrated themselves too, but I forgot what the word is for the personality of the narrator. Then you said it was voice haha. I definitely loved how all these characters thought about each other, it was so real and believable. It just adds a lot of depth to all of them. I'm very excited for Before They Are Hanged. I want to know what Bayaz is all about and Bethod as well. Bethod seems to be being set up as a big villain? High hopes for him.
Great review. I like The Blade Itself a lot and have recommended it to friends who've gone on to love the series but TBI is probably the weakest. It was Abercrombie's first book and for all it does, that's very impressive. As you say there isn't much plot and most of what is happening only makes sense when we get answers in book 3. The first half is strong but then the second half slows down and the big things the book was building to are resolved in deliberate anti-climaxes, with a lot of page time devoted to setting up the next book. Joe said that if he rewrote it now he'd inject a lot more events, which is apparent when reading A Little Hatred. Though we get so much time with these characters and they're complicated; charming, repulsive, endearing. Rereading it is like visiting old friends. So as much as Joe has grown as a writer, I love the characters in this original trilogy most.
I just started this series this week. I was discussing it with my fellow book nerd friends and I was like "I love the characters and the writing...but where's the plot?". Good to know it's coming in book 2.
According to me, Game of Thrones and First Law shine at their own spots. Game of thrones came at point when Grimdark was not prevelent, and Joe Ambercrombie came to master it. Just like JRR Tolkien and Robert Jordan. This was supposed to me birthday gift, but due to Kingkiller, I have postponed it till after Kingkiller. And some comment said that this channel is under rated. I definitely agree! That text style reminds me of Assassin's Creed
I love your channel, your videos and First Law, so YES, without a DOUBT I would not only like for you to but I would LOVE for you to make more First Law videos
I’m so glad to see this from you! I was hesitant to dip my toes into the GRIM DARK pool but I’m so glad I did with this trilogy. Half through the second one and looking forward to more.
Abercrombie books are some of the funniest I’ve ever read. Maps - he didn’t want to do a map so that he’d be free to add in different places & open the world up in the future without having to decide and put it in stone in book one. There are some pretty accurate fan made maps online tho 👍
Just found your channel because I recently reviewed the trilogy itself, and I'm loving your review style! Hope you review more of Abercrombie's work! I'm on a mission to get cause up this year myself before "The Wisdom of Crowds" comes out - currently making my way through "Best Served Cold", and it's awesome :D
@@knightrix21 I’m surprised you’re bored. I inhaled all three books in a month. I say stick with it for another 100 pages, then put it down if your still not feeling it.
I had heard so much about this series I knew I had to sample the world Abercrombie created. Last summer I read the story collection 'Sharp Ends' and enjoyed. I'll begin reading the novels later this year. I hope you'll be doing more 'First Law' vids.
I liked this spoiler free review. I've held off on watching a few of your videos because I was worried I'd ruin a series or book I hadn't completed. More like this would be great!
I just finished the trilogy and immediately moved on to Best Served Cold. I’m loving it, and am surprised how much so, cause I’m not great with violence, and can get woozy from description alone. There were one or two scenes per book where I almost skimmed, but I’m glad I didn’t 😅. I’m just a few chapters in to BSC, and there’s been some REALLY messed up moments, and they’re all great!
Jezel surprised me and became my favorite character by the end of the series. But I don't find the series to be GRIMDARK so much. After finishing the series, I find that the characters aren't that morally gray. They are trying to do the right thing, in a world that punishes those who do the right thing. Yeah, the world may be GRIMDARK, but I find that all three of the protagonists were decent people (and even a few of the secondary protagonists were decent people). Their arcs only get better with the next books!
I'm a very character-driven reader but I usually like my characters to be, like you said, generally somewhat redeemable so I've been questioning whether this series is for me. But your review has convinced me to at least give Abercrombie a try.
Awesome! I know when I first picked it up in the library and read a few chapters I wasn't super impressed, but after having gone back and read through it all I really enjoyed it
Did you reread after reading the whole trilogy? Because for me, whilst I still thought it was great the first time, it becomes sooo much better in the context of the entire trilogy
I finished it before starting the Stand Alones. Because I got my Stand Alones roughly 2 months after first read. And I won't miss a thing and summarize even though it's a Stand Alone
Hey Jay can you maybe do a video where you talk about the memory, sorrow and thorn series and what your thoughts are about it? I've read all of them and I'm a huge fan but I couldn't find a lot of videos about them so I'm curious about what you think ;)
Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers Say he's a legend!! I loved The Blade Itself and the other First Law books. I actually can't believe I shed a tear in the end after having read the bloodiest book I've ever had my hands on! Thanks Jay. I always follow your suggestions and am never disappointed with what I read.
That would be cool, Jay. Expect me to watch your contents about The First Law. I am a fan of Joe Abercrombie's writing. He writes like he mastered the art and science of fiction writing. By the way, TBI is just the start. If you like this then that's good. Better bloody things are yet to come. Be prepared.
The lack of map is probably my most serious criticism of The Blade Itself. The characters are so well defined and entertaining, I could read about them doing taxes and probably have a good time. lol
I'm actually making my way through the first law world at the moment. I started read the blade itself in January and am currently on the heroes. So I am well up for first law content!!
I’ve got the trilogy on my shelf at present, waiting to be read. After listening to ‘Best Served Cold on Audible it was the next logical step. I definitely agree with Pacey being an expert narrator.
I feel like I'm the only person who didn't absolutely fall in love with First Law when I read it. I'm not sure if it's because something got spoiled for me by looking at the back cover of A Little Hatred (though it's something that's very obvious throughout the series), or if it's just the writing didn't quite click for me (things like the constant repetition of phrases or Glokta licking his gums... I like Glokta a lot, but I get it... dude licks his missing teeth). I've read the original trilogy plus the Heroes, and still want to read the rest of the series because I do like them, I just didn't think they were the best thing I've ever read like it seems most everyone else thinks. Anyway, great video and I've been really enjoying all the content on the channel (I've been binging a lot)!
Joe Abercrombie's writing is great but Steven Pacey's narration makes it special. It was such an engaging listen and I don't really care about the grimdark genre. First book felt a bit lacking in terms of plot but the caste of characters was interesting enough to make me continue. And tbh it didn't feel too dark (nihilistic), characters have realistic morality.
Being new to the science fiction fantasy genre, Joe Abacrombie writes in a way that makes you hold your breath for chapters at a time. Steven Pacey narrates the audio books and brings them to life, with a capital L. Read all of the sequels and stand alone books, things come together, piece by piece.
![[DRIP] ‘Love, Maybe’ PREVIEW](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U7hwHp95m1k/mqdefault.jpg)
Glokta is bae
yae
I just started on Before they are hanged, and I can confirm, Glokta is the best
Keep going man, it starts great, then gets better and better
@@8OBO8 I do hope that there is more plot in the next two (people keep telling me there is) 🤞
@@alyssah2844 there definetely is. Once you get a couple hundred pages into Before They Are Hanged you should really start to see it.
“But most of all he harbors anger for the people who invented stairs”
As a person who lives life in a wheelchair, I felt this one deep in my soul.
ditto
Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, say he's got nine fingers
You've got to be realistic about these things
'Why didn't you say that at first? Come on in!'
This channel is under appreciated. Highest quality fantasy book review channel in my opinion
In mine too. I don't care for the hype of some other channels, so ... fashionable on social medias.
Here you get solid deep analysis and amazing editing skills, and a straightforward, no drama host.
I'm here to stay.
Facts
“Fantasy books need maps!”
Damn right they do
For real! I kept looking up a map online lol!
@@Jake-jw1dj Same!
this is why i struggle a lot reading the lies of locke lamora because i cant keep a track where they're going
Absolutely YES to "more First Law"!
YES!
Joe could write a book about a character cutting his nails and it would be one of my favorite books no doubt.
Also, more First Law content is needed! 🎉
Wonderful review! I completely agree that the humor lightens the tone quite a bit. Amazing how we find ourselves loving and rooting for these flawed, gritty characters. Steven Pacey deserves awards for his narration. Your video quality is stunning! I wish I had your skills.
Totally agree! These characters are amazing, and yes Pacey definitely deserves some type of award! Thanks, glad you enjoyed! :)
I still wonder how Abercrombie can write such characters without being on some kind of drugs like King was on😂
I am not so sure
"I can not confirm or deny the use of mind altering substances in the writing of these books." -Joe's Drug Dealer
It really is a fantastic book, but the series only improves from there with each entry. The standalones are some of the best fantasy I've ever read. Joe Abercrombie's sense of humour is wonderfully dark and twisted.
I agree
So true, so consistently good
I think the audiobooks take this series to another level. The humour is amazing
Why isn't this channel the most perfect recommendation for everything fantasy? Guy slays.
My Mum got me into the series, finally read it last year and it quickly became one of if not my favourite fantasy series.
One of my all time favorite authors. The audiobooks are 👌🏼.
the best fantasy characters are always the ones that question their "questionable" choices 😂 that stuff is my fuel
The Blade itself got me back into fantasy after a while of not reading much, and your reviews have got me hooked on a bunch more! I'd love to see some in depth reviews of any other of Joe's books.
Glad to hear it! I'll definitely be making some First Law lore videos in the next few months
Please make more First Law videos. Love your channel!
Ooooo I kinda wana read all the books now... great review mate!
I 100% recommend finishing the series. It is amazinh
The Blade Itself became an instant favorite. It’s wild to me how good and well crafted it was. Never boring, never slow even if nothing really happens in the first half.
Wonderful review! You explained so well everything I enjoyed from the first book - the characters, the nuances of different points of views, the humour and the accessible prose.
I'm in love with this series!!!
Just finished the audio of Blade Itself a few days ago, perfect timing! I actually hated the narration at fist because it felt so over the top. I almost returned the audio and switched to the paper, but glad I didn't! Once I got more into it, it clicked that he was playing up the humour with the voices and it changed how I understood the whole book. Well worth sticking with the audio.
I'd love more first Law videos! I'm thrilled to see you love it as much as I do!
You made a good point that the different characters have slightly different writing styles. I did not actively noticed that until you mentioned it. Good review!
Just finished this book today and you articulated my thoughts PERFECTLY!
Also, I loved how the characters narrated themselves too, but I forgot what the word is for the personality of the narrator. Then you said it was voice haha.
I definitely loved how all these characters thought about each other, it was so real and believable. It just adds a lot of depth to all of them.
I'm very excited for Before They Are Hanged. I want to know what Bayaz is all about and Bethod as well. Bethod seems to be being set up as a big villain? High hopes for him.
Great video as always jay! You’re the best.
I’ve been putting first law off for so long lol
Naww you're the best!
Great review. I like The Blade Itself a lot and have recommended it to friends who've gone on to love the series but TBI is probably the weakest. It was Abercrombie's first book and for all it does, that's very impressive. As you say there isn't much plot and most of what is happening only makes sense when we get answers in book 3. The first half is strong but then the second half slows down and the big things the book was building to are resolved in deliberate anti-climaxes, with a lot of page time devoted to setting up the next book.
Joe said that if he rewrote it now he'd inject a lot more events, which is apparent when reading A Little Hatred. Though we get so much time with these characters and they're complicated; charming, repulsive, endearing. Rereading it is like visiting old friends. So as much as Joe has grown as a writer, I love the characters in this original trilogy most.
Steven Pacey is a MASTER of his craft
Great video, as always! you deserve more recognition. Though you are affecting my bank account quite negatively with all this hype, hyping me up
I can feel you😂
I just started this series this week. I was discussing it with my fellow book nerd friends and I was like "I love the characters and the writing...but where's the plot?". Good to know it's coming in book 2.
I just bought these books, I can’t wait to read them!
how was the books😀😀
I'm definitely looking forward to getting to The Blade Itself, it's been on my TBR for so long now.
I’m halfway through Before they are hanged and I’m loving it so far. Not nearly as dark as I’d thought
According to me, Game of Thrones and First Law shine at their own spots. Game of thrones came at point when Grimdark was not prevelent, and Joe Ambercrombie came to master it. Just like JRR Tolkien and Robert Jordan. This was supposed to me birthday gift, but due to Kingkiller, I have postponed it till after Kingkiller. And some comment said that this channel is under rated. I definitely agree! That text style reminds me of Assassin's Creed
Outstanding Quality In Your Approach. You Have My Attention.
I love your channel, your videos and First Law, so YES, without a DOUBT I would not only like for you to but I would LOVE for you to make more First Law videos
Reading this series now. It's so great
I’m so glad to see this from you! I was hesitant to dip my toes into the GRIM DARK pool but I’m so glad I did with this trilogy. Half through the second one and looking forward to more.
Please more videos on the first law. Actually just more videos. I love your content!
Abercrombie books are some of the funniest I’ve ever read. Maps - he didn’t want to do a map so that he’d be free to add in different places & open the world up in the future without having to decide and put it in stone in book one. There are some pretty accurate fan made maps online tho 👍
Just found your channel because I recently reviewed the trilogy itself, and I'm loving your review style! Hope you review more of Abercrombie's work! I'm on a mission to get cause up this year myself before "The Wisdom of Crowds" comes out - currently making my way through "Best Served Cold", and it's awesome :D
I picked up The Blade Itself after this review and I am obsessed. Thank you so much for your suggestion. Top marks.
Im currently reading Book 1 im at page 90 and the book kinda boring and slow should i finish it? Will it get interesting as i read it?
@@knightrix21 I’m surprised you’re bored. I inhaled all three books in a month. I say stick with it for another 100 pages, then put it down if your still not feeling it.
I had heard so much about this series I knew I had to sample the world Abercrombie created. Last summer I read the story collection 'Sharp Ends' and enjoyed. I'll begin reading the novels later this year. I hope you'll be doing more 'First Law' vids.
I will be picking up this series I'm glad you read it, I take a lot of you recommendations. I wanted to read this series but didn't know about it.
I liked this spoiler free review. I've held off on watching a few of your videos because I was worried I'd ruin a series or book I hadn't completed. More like this would be great!
I just finished the trilogy and immediately moved on to Best Served Cold. I’m loving it, and am surprised how much so, cause I’m not great with violence, and can get woozy from description alone. There were one or two scenes per book where I almost skimmed, but I’m glad I didn’t 😅. I’m just a few chapters in to BSC, and there’s been some REALLY messed up moments, and they’re all great!
I was really hoping to see more reviews for these books.
Great review Jay ! The editing is so good. Im getting into audiobooks now so will have to watch all your reviews!
THOSE DAMN STAIRS
That dog looks so cute
Collme is actually probably my favourite character but Glokta is just... mmmm so gooood.
This man speaks the truth. Have been on the Abercrombie train since january. Currently on Red Country. Amazing books all of them!
Jezel surprised me and became my favorite character by the end of the series. But I don't find the series to be GRIMDARK so much. After finishing the series, I find that the characters aren't that morally gray. They are trying to do the right thing, in a world that punishes those who do the right thing. Yeah, the world may be GRIMDARK, but I find that all three of the protagonists were decent people (and even a few of the secondary protagonists were decent people). Their arcs only get better with the next books!
glad to hear people are still discovering, and enjoying, this incredible author
That was a terrific review,! Thanks
Great video! The First Law is next on my Fantasy TBR after I finish Stormlight.
Thanks! Hope you enjoy it!
It's a really good and solid choice, but you're in for a hell of a change of pace, a change of... everything.
Enjoy!
@@ChristmasLore that's awesome. I've heard it's a masterful bit of trope subversion, so I'm definitely looking forward to it!
Read this in high school and I have loved his writing ever since. Still releasing books set in the world to this day.
I'm a very character-driven reader but I usually like my characters to be, like you said, generally somewhat redeemable so I've been questioning whether this series is for me. But your review has convinced me to at least give Abercrombie a try.
I never read the books but listened to the audio books. Steven Pacey sure is a good narrator
THANK YOU! All fantasy books need maps. it was killing me throughout the whole trilogy that I couldn't reference where they were at. 😱
Glokta is my favorite character
I bought this trilogy after your end of the year video where you mentioned it. Cant wait to start it. Probably after I finish WoT book 5
Just Re-read it a week ago! And now I much more like it than before!
Awesome! I know when I first picked it up in the library and read a few chapters I wasn't super impressed, but after having gone back and read through it all I really enjoyed it
Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he's a good writer.
Did you reread after reading the whole trilogy? Because for me, whilst I still thought it was great the first time, it becomes sooo much better in the context of the entire trilogy
I finished it before starting the Stand Alones. Because I got my Stand Alones roughly 2 months after first read. And I won't miss a thing and summarize even though it's a Stand Alone
I imagined Bayaz exactly like this.
Hey Jay can you maybe do a video where you talk about the memory, sorrow and thorn series and what your thoughts are about it? I've read all of them and I'm a huge fan but I couldn't find a lot of videos about them so I'm curious about what you think ;)
Yess please make more first law videos
I’ve always preferred character driven, can’t wait to read these books.
Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers
Say he's a legend!!
I loved The Blade Itself and the other First Law books. I actually can't believe I shed a tear in the end after having read the bloodiest book I've ever had my hands on!
Thanks Jay. I always follow your suggestions and am never disappointed with what I read.
I'm planning on reading The Blade Itself nxt month... Let's see if I get to it or not🤷🏽♂️🤷🏽♂️
That would be cool, Jay. Expect me to watch your contents about The First Law. I am a fan of Joe Abercrombie's writing. He writes like he mastered the art and science of fiction writing. By the way, TBI is just the start. If you like this then that's good. Better bloody things are yet to come. Be prepared.
We need a movie this is still one of the best books ever
A First Law movie trilogy would be amazing!
Gonna start this after I finish the Broken Sword.
Everything by Joe Abercrombie is great!!
The lack of map is probably my most serious criticism of The Blade Itself. The characters are so well defined and entertaining, I could read about them doing taxes and probably have a good time. lol
I'm actually making my way through the first law world at the moment. I started read the blade itself in January and am currently on the heroes. So I am well up for first law content!!
First law is so good, stand-alones too. Though I haven’t read red country yet. I’m looking forward to getting into Age of Madness
Agree that the audiobook is brilliant.
It's so good! This series is one of my favorite audio book experiences ever
I’ve got the trilogy on my shelf at present, waiting to be read. After listening to ‘Best Served Cold on Audible it was the next logical step. I definitely agree with Pacey being an expert narrator.
I feel like I'm the only person who didn't absolutely fall in love with First Law when I read it. I'm not sure if it's because something got spoiled for me by looking at the back cover of A Little Hatred (though it's something that's very obvious throughout the series), or if it's just the writing didn't quite click for me (things like the constant repetition of phrases or Glokta licking his gums... I like Glokta a lot, but I get it... dude licks his missing teeth). I've read the original trilogy plus the Heroes, and still want to read the rest of the series because I do like them, I just didn't think they were the best thing I've ever read like it seems most everyone else thinks.
Anyway, great video and I've been really enjoying all the content on the channel (I've been binging a lot)!
I really enjoy Joe Abercrombie's books- all of them!!
Joe Abercrombie blew my freaking mind dude.
Yes please, more of this!!!
the blade itself is so good.
yes more first law videos!
Steven Pacey is a god. The audiobooks are amazing.
His voice doesn’t seem to age ! I saw him thirty or more years ago and he still sounds like a young man when he wishes!
About time mate.
Yeah I'm like 80% through this first audiobook, and I have no idea what's happening. But I do like the characters a lot.
I found these characters to be very real having spent time on the fringes of polite society myself.
Joe Abercrombie's writing is great but Steven Pacey's narration makes it special. It was such an engaging listen and I don't really care about the grimdark genre. First book felt a bit lacking in terms of plot but the caste of characters was interesting enough to make me continue. And tbh it didn't feel too dark (nihilistic), characters have realistic morality.
Best graphic design, edition, communication and more, for a book review.
Before they are Hanged is one of the best single novels i have ever read.
“Logan is probably the kindest and most selfless character”
Literally cleaves an innocent child in half with his sword
That was the 'Bloody Nine' taking his body for a ride.
great video!
Haha wait until you go through all the books, it just keeps getting better and better such a fantastic series
Chapter 1 and 2 both were life and death battles.
Logen ninefinger VS flatheads
Glokta VS 16 steps of stair..
Im currently reading Book 1 im at page 90 and the book kinda boring and slow should i finish it? Will it get interesting as i read it?
I love how nine fingers keeps referring to the fencing tournament as the "sword game" 😅.
Ahaha I love that too!
Lately, I've heard so much about the First Law trilogy and it sounds truly amazing. I gotta read it soon. I feel like I'd love it.
Being new to the science fiction fantasy genre, Joe Abacrombie writes in a way that makes you hold your breath for chapters at a time. Steven Pacey narrates the audio books and brings them to life, with a capital L.
Read all of the sequels and stand alone books, things come together, piece by piece.
Can't wait for you to get to best served Cold
Favourite series of all time. The books get even better after the first trilogy.
Ok but Jay on the thumbnail is doing things to me
MORE FIRST LAW