Overbooked Reader

Last Argument of Kings is the third book in The First Law trilogy by British fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie. An action-packed, fast-paced read, the novel concludes the stories of Logen Ninefingers, Superior Glokta, Jezal dan Luthar, and their many companions in a satisfying yet utterly unexpected way. The Union will soon fight a war on two fronts, as it attacks the barbarians in the north, and defends against the Gurkish from the south. The heart of the Union is practically defenseless against the Gurkish army and the Eaters, but can their army make it back from the north in time? And can they defeat Bethod and his Northmen, before they retreat? What I liked: This novel is chock-full of surprises, some more surprising than others. I expected Jezal to end up becoming King of the Union because there were plenty of hints leading towards. Bayaz's magically helping Jezal win the fencing competition. The wizard's helping Jezal pacify the farmer rebellion, without Je...

Finally, some action! No, correct that. Plenty of action! Before They Are Hanged, book two of The First Law trilogy by Joe Abercrombie is filled with plenty of wars and battles, more than making up for what the first book lacked. I imagine the wait would have been truly worth it, but I already had a copy on hand and was able to continue with the story immediately. I usually don't read book series in succession, but I don't regret making an exception for The First Law trilogy, so far.       Book two begins where book one left off, with the Union preparing for war on two fronts: attacking Bethod and his legions in the north and defending against the Gurkhish Empire and their Eaters in the south. Colonel West is assistant commander of the northern army, while Inquisitor Sand dan Glokta is given the impossible task of defending Dagoska, the Union's only remaining land in the south.  Meanwhile, a party of unlikely companions embark o...

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: Inquis...