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A review by ryanberger
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
5.0
Damn you, Joe Abercrombie.
This is one of the most eclectic, interesting cast of characters that I've seen in a long time, and I'm deeply interested in all of them and how there stories will pay off.
Because I'm telling you right now, you're no closer to seeing that by the time this book wraps up.
I'm new to the Fantasy genre and what's commonplace when it comes to story structure, but I was kind of floored that after around 400 pages of setting up these outstanding characters, this fascinating world, these high stakes.... that the remaining 100 or so are almost entirely setup for more fun down the line. And I will happily buy a ticket and see what comes next (I've gone ahead and purchased the remaining books in the trilogy) because what's here is so brilliant, so fun, so captivating that I feel like I'm holding one of the series that I will recommend to anyone for a long, long time.
I almost want to give it four stars because you could argue the self contained story of The Blade Itself is.......... uh...... well I guess fencing maybe? No clue. Couldn't tell ya. That's probably a bad sign! But if this book only exists as setup, it's some of the best setup you'll see. The overall plot of the First Law series as a whole is one I can't wait to unravel and see just what the "nut" of this story is. But even if it doesn't turn out to be much (I know I'm getting to this late and the ending is out there), I know I will have enjoyed my time with these characters. Still, I wish the story had a bit more shape to it.
This is one of the most eclectic, interesting cast of characters that I've seen in a long time, and I'm deeply interested in all of them and how there stories will pay off.
Because I'm telling you right now, you're no closer to seeing that by the time this book wraps up.
I'm new to the Fantasy genre and what's commonplace when it comes to story structure, but I was kind of floored that after around 400 pages of setting up these outstanding characters, this fascinating world, these high stakes.... that the remaining 100 or so are almost entirely setup for more fun down the line. And I will happily buy a ticket and see what comes next (I've gone ahead and purchased the remaining books in the trilogy) because what's here is so brilliant, so fun, so captivating that I feel like I'm holding one of the series that I will recommend to anyone for a long, long time.
I almost want to give it four stars because you could argue the self contained story of The Blade Itself is.......... uh...... well I guess fencing maybe? No clue. Couldn't tell ya. That's probably a bad sign! But if this book only exists as setup, it's some of the best setup you'll see. The overall plot of the First Law series as a whole is one I can't wait to unravel and see just what the "nut" of this story is. But even if it doesn't turn out to be much (I know I'm getting to this late and the ending is out there), I know I will have enjoyed my time with these characters. Still, I wish the story had a bit more shape to it.