The Devils
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Devils is a dark fantasy "monster mash" frequently described as a "Gothic Suicide Squad." The book is generally well-received for its cinematic pacing, action-packed sequences, and a cast of lovable outcasts and female rogues. However, it represents a polarizing shift for the author, moving toward a more episodic, comedic, and "quippy" style. While many find the humor and lighthearted tone refreshing, others feel the jokes can be forced and the character development is less substantial than in the author's previous grimdark works.
Pros
- Entertaining 'Gothic Suicide Squad' ensemble concept featuring monsters and outcasts
- Highly praised audiobook narration by Steven Pacey
- Fast-paced, cinematic action that feels 'movie-like'
- Strong cast of lovable female rogues and unique 'monster' characters
- Works well as a standalone entry point for new readers
Cons
- Humor and 'quippy' dialogue can feel forced or repetitive to some
- Episodic 'villain of the week' plot structure
- Character work is often viewed as thinner or less 'polished' than the author's earlier series
- Large ensemble cast can make it difficult to form deep connections with individuals
Caveats
- Significant departure from the author's established 'First Law' setting
- Leans more into comedy and lightheartedness than traditional grimdark fantasy
- Some long-time fans consider it a 'weaker' entry despite finding it entertaining
Best for
- Audiobook listeners
- Fans of team-based action like 'The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen'
- Readers looking for a fast-paced, standalone dark fantasy romp
Avoid if
- You dislike 'quippy' or constant humor in your fantasy
- You prefer deep, slow-burn character studies over episodic action
- You are strictly looking for a continuation of the author's previous world
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 122-month half-life. The evidence comes from a window between February 2025 and December 2025 with a median age of approximately 409 days.
Sentiment
47 positive (71%) · 10 mixed (15%) · 9 negative (14%)
Trust + time weighted score: +58% · raw score 58%
What redditors said (10 of 66)
This is the first Abercrombie book I've read and I am enjoying it a lot. I'm about 40 min from the end.
Just recently started the book, but The Devils by Joe Abercrombie has a werewolf in it
I feel like this is a series or trilogy that's gonna get better or improved with each entry, especially since each books are more or less standalones or self contained.
Definitely a lot more marvel humour than his previous works
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, I really love its world
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie.
The Devils just felt like a more goofy Best Served Cold to me.
You might enjoy The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, a dark, gritty, funny, fantasy standalone, with a great cast of characters, lots of dark humor, and fun, visceral, storytelling.
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
The Devils It's England. Seriously though, it's a running joke in book 1 and we are not entirely sure IF it's it's a actually a joke.
Compare
The Devils vs The Lord of the RingsThe Devils vs PiranesiThe Devils vs Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell
Related
- Dungeon Crawler Carl · related · 434 mentions
- Project Hail Mary · related · 325 mentions
- Between Two Fires · related · 239 mentions
- The Wheel of Time · related · 222 mentions
- Piranesi · related · 210 mentions
- House of Leaves · related · 204 mentions