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The Blade Itself

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006

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Book Brief

Joe Abercrombie

The Blade Itself

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

515

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Numeria • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Gollancz

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Blade Itself follows Logen Ninefingers, a warrior battling creatures called Shanka, as he meets Bayaz, a powerful Magus. Meanwhile, in Adua, Inquisitor Glokta uncovers corruption, and nobleman Jezal trains for a fencing Contest. Characters from different lands converge, setting the stage for war and intrigue. This book features references to suicide, domestic abuse, and enslavement.

Gritty

Dark

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

286,165 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself captivates readers with its gritty world-building and complex characters. Praise highlights Abercrombie’s dark humor and vivid action sequences. Criticisms note a convoluted plot and uneven pacing at times. Overall, the book offers an engaging, albeit uneven, entry into the grimdark fantasy genre.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Blade Itself?

A reader who enjoys The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie likely appreciates dark, gritty fantasy with morally complex characters and intricate plots. Fans of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series or Glen Cook's The Black Company will find the grim realism and brutal world-building particularly compelling.

4.3

286,165 ratings

84%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Logen Ninefingers

A seasoned barbarian from the North known for his survival skills and his ability to communicate with spirits. He is introspective and marked by a history of fierce battles.

A once-prominent swordsman turned cynical torturer, who endures chronic pain and navigates the dangerous political landscape with dark humor and detachment.

A noble-born young officer with remarkable swordsmanship but a self-centered nature, who grapples with his privileged upbringing while seeking personal growth.

A powerful and enigmatic wizard with a deceptive appearance and immense magical abilities, who keeps the motivations behind his quest closely guarded.

A soldier of common birth who rises through the ranks due to hard work and dedication, he is protective of his sister Ardee and shares a friendship with Jezal.

A group of Northern warriors loyal to Logen, characterized by distinct personalities and adherence to a code of honor, persistently resisting Bethod's rule.

The cunning head of the Inquisitor’s Office, who uses others to achieve his self-serving goals and sees the world as a strategic game.

The independent-minded younger sister of Collem West, who struggles against societal constraints and her brother’s protective control.

A skilled and relentless warrior with a deeply ingrained desire for vengeance against her former captors and an inherent distrust of others.

A mysterious Magi known for his stealth and cautious wisdom, who serves both as an advisor and a critic within the magical community.

A strategic and merciless leader of the North, whose presence looms large despite not appearing directly, instilling fear through his actions and cunning tactics.

Fun Facts

The Blade Itself is the debut novel of Joe Abercrombie and is the first in his acclaimed First Law trilogy, showcasing his flair for dark and gritty fantasy worlds.

Joe Abercrombie's writing style in The Blade Itself is often compared to contemporary authors like George R.R. Martin, noted for his focus on flawed, complex characters and morally ambiguous narratives.

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Before becoming a full-time writer, Joe Abercrombie worked as a freelance film editor, an experience that he says helped him understand storytelling dynamics and pacing, which are evident in The Blade Itself.

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Book Details
Pages

515

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Numeria • Medieval Fantasy World

Publication Year

2006

Publisher

Gollancz

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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