The First Law

Pros

• Exceptional character work with distinct, memorable personalities
• Sharp, witty dialogue and dark humor that often 'makes readers cackle'
• Highly acclaimed audiobook narration, specifically the work of Steven Pacey
• Effective subversion of traditional fantasy tropes and 'culture-clash' storytelling

Cons

• Plotting can feel underwhelming or secondary, particularly in the first book
• The 'grimdark' tone and subversions can occasionally feel forced or self-conscious
• Lack of traditionally 'good' characters; some readers find the entire cast unrootable

Caveats

• The first volume is often described as having 'no plot,' serving primarily as character setup
• The series is intentionally bleak, which may be off-putting for those seeking hopeful fantasy

Best for

• Fans of character-driven grimdark fantasy like ASOIAF
• Readers who enjoy morally grey protagonists and cynical world-building
• Audiobook enthusiasts looking for top-tier narration

Avoid if

• You need a 'good' person or a traditional hero to root for
• You prefer fast-paced, plot-heavy narratives over character studies
• You dislike bleak or 'anti-capitalist' thematic undertones