The Blade Itself
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Blade Itself is widely celebrated for its gritty, character-driven approach to fantasy, though it is frequently described as having very little plot of its own. It serves primarily as an introduction to the First Law series, focusing on establishing a cast of deeply flawed, morally grey characters through cynical wit and distinctive prose. While the character work is almost universally praised, the narrative's slow pace and lack of a central arc in this first volume can be polarizing.
Pros
- Exceptional character development featuring complex, morally ambiguous protagonists
- Sharp, cynical wit and dark humor throughout the prose
- Highly acclaimed audiobook narration by Steven Pacey
- Unique and personality-driven writing style that stands out in the fantasy genre
Cons
- Often criticized for a lack of a cohesive or driving plot in the first book
- Can feel like a 500-page introduction rather than a self-contained story
- Some readers find the characters too unlikable to remain engaged
Caveats
- Commonly regarded by fans as the weakest book in the trilogy, with the sequels seen as significant step-ups
- The story is heavily focused on setup for the subsequent books in the series
Best for
- Readers who prioritize character study over plot progression
- Fans of 'grimdark' or gritty fantasy
- Audiobook listeners looking for top-tier narration
Avoid if
- You prefer traditional heroic fantasy with clear-cut 'good guys'
- You require a fast-paced, plot-heavy narrative to stay interested
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 122-month half-life. The evidence comes from a window with a median age of approximately 417 days, reflecting a mix of recent and older community sentiment.
Sentiment
27 positive (79%) · 4 mixed (12%) · 3 negative (9%)
Trust + time weighted score: +72% · raw score 71%
What redditors said (10 of 34)
The blade itself its part of the first law series. If you like about character driven plots pick up the seiries
The Blade Itself (Abercrombie): "His remaining teeth grated against each other as he locked his jaws together, but a high-pitched, jagged moan still whistled from him. Am I screaming or laughing? How do I tell the difference? He breathed in heaving gasps, through his nose, snot bubbling out onto his hand, his twisted body shaking with the effort of staying upright."
I just read The Blade Itself (book 1 of The First Law trilogy) and it seems like Baysz could potentially fit this title but I have no idea where it goes from here.
If it weren't for game of thrones I dunno if I ever would have read the blade itself.
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. ... Every one of these is the beginning to a great series, so if you like them make sure to check out the sequels!
"Talk gives the other man a chance to prepare." "He thinks before he speaks, and says only what he needs to. This is a dangerous man." – The Blade Itself
The Blade Itself by the same author is great. And it’s a trilogy.
Joe's debut The Blade Itself following a year later. Both have been highly successful
I’ve just finished The Blade Itself trilogy and particularly loved the dark brutality and how in depth the characters and their arcs were.
Joe Abercrombie is strong in prose and characters. Can start with his *The Blade Itself* which is the first book in a trilogy
Compare
The Blade Itself vs DiscworldThe Blade Itself vs MurderbotThe Blade Itself vs The Expanse
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