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.
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written by Parris, March 13, 2009
The characters are a very interesting mix, not a stereotype among them. Found myself feeling great pity towards one of the warriors and the anti-Gandalf is quite a piece of work I wouldn't trust with house-sitting, let alone guiding history. (So trying to not do any spoiling of major plot points).
I whole-heartedly rec these books for the discriminating fantasy reader. George is reading them now, and he's impressed too. I put the final title on my Hugo nominations ballot.
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written by Matt C, December 04, 2009
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written by Melindas, December 04, 2009
There were many great moments in the final volume, but ultimately it felt like a bad Joss Whedon show -- ha ha, made you care! Sucker -- Note to folks who may not have read these books; I'm about to write a spoiler.
I found the death of West to be meaningless and hurtful. I was glad that the torturer and West's sister got together, but that was like the only ray of sunlight in this entire downer ending. And Glokta and Jezal plotting to find a way to advance human goals and hopes beneath the notice of the great and powerful magic users was a nice touch. In fact, I want to read the book where Glokta and Jezal figure out how to screw over Bayaz and his ilk.
An example of ha ha, made you care was Logen. During the quest in the second book you came to love that character, and then Abercrombie dirties him to the point where you turn away in disgust.
The basic message seemed to be "humans are small squeaking mice, and nothing we do has any effect or has any purpose." It's not a message I find compelling or rewarding.
I felt like I'd take a journey with these people, and then been mocked for making the effort. I'm not asking for fantasy that's all candy and unicorns, but I don't want to feel like cheated at the end.
That said, I still think these are very good books, very well written. I just disagree with his choice of an ending. I think an end can be bitter sweet. They are probably better if they are -- think about the end of the Return of the King, but I think a reader also deserves to be entertained, and not finish a book and want to slit their wrists.
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I'll be very curious as to your thoughts on the final volume, and especially its ending.