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The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - Book Review


Reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie is like playing the first few hours of a role playing video game like the Final Fantasy and Dragon Age series. The novel has a 'gathering your party' feel to it as key characters are introduced. These characters find themselves working together in three separate groups, by the end of the novel.

Nobleman Captain Jezal dan Luthar is an excellent fencer training for an upcoming tournament. Inquisitor Sand dan Glokta is a cripple and torturer, a shadow of the fencing champion and decorated soldier he once was. Logen Ninefingers, one of the fiercest barbarians of the north, finds himself defeated and alone he and his friends are ambushed by the humanoid Shanka.

These are only three of many characters whose lives will change as the Union faces war on two fronts--from Bethod's army in the north and the Gurkish Empire in the south--and as their fates intertwine for better or for worse.

What I liked:

Inquisitor Glokta was a stand out and outstanding character, for me. I really want to believe that under his hideous appearance and demeanor is a kind heart, a reflection of the great man he still is deep inside. I also admire how skilled and professional he is at what he does. I find him the most likable and deep character in the novel, actually.

The fencing tournament Jezal competed was the high point of all the action in The Blade Itself.  The scene where Ferro Maljinn and Logen fought the Inquisition was also widely entertaining. Bayaz, the First of the Magi, blowing people up with a single thought is pretty awesome too!

What I didn't like:

Ardee West playing such a small role in the novel. She was important at the start, but slowly faded near the end. The character buildup seemingly wasted. Hopefully, she'll make a strong comeback in the novel's sequel, the second book in The First Law trilogy. 

Overall, the novel ended in a very humdrum manner. It felt like there was something lacking. The parties have been gathered. The army goes off to war. Now, what? Where are the big battles? It's time to wait for the second book. That's what.

Overpowered characters. Logen, Bayaz, and Yulwei (the Watcher) seem to strong to be true.

My Rating:




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