The Blade Itself is the first novel in the First Law trilogy, written by Joe Abercrombie and published in 2006 by Gollancz.
Plot[]
The Blade Itself takes place in the Union, a kingdom reminiscent of Western Europe during the Middle Ages. In addition to its own government's corruption and internal squabbles, the Union must deal with brewing wars on two fronts: to the South, the Gurkish Empire prepares for a siege, and in the North, the self-proclaimed King of the Northmen makes ready for a full-scale invasion.
During this turbulent time, The Blade Itself follows the lives of three very different protagonists:
- Logen Ninefingers, the most feared man in all the North, a pragmatic barbarian who has lost the wish to fight,
- Sand dan Glokta, a Union torturer, once tortured and crippled himself,
- Jezal dan Luthar, a shallow, self-absorbed, arrogant nobleman in the Union army.
Their paths intertwine with Bayaz', a powerful mage who has an agenda of his own...
Related books[]
The other books in the First Law trilogy are:
- Before They Are Hanged
- Last Argument of Kings
The following stand-alone novels are also set in the First Law universe:
- Best Served Cold
- The Heroes
- Red Country