The (Half) Stars Have Aligned
The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1)

Questions About The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1)

by Joe Abercrombie

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Answered Questions (28)

I read the first 30 pages and I can't get myself to go further. I feel like the writing and grammar is too clunky and not very fluid. It almost feels like you are trotting on a horse that never gets to a gallop. Does the grammar and writing style in the book improve or should I just read something else?
David Can't believe the negative posts I'm reading. Great gritty dark fantasy with three unique protagonists and very distinct voices for each. None of them…moreCan't believe the negative posts I'm reading. Great gritty dark fantasy with three unique protagonists and very distinct voices for each. None of them are heroes per se, but all are interesting and compelling. Good read so far, fans of A Song of Ice and Fire may like it. (less)
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What book does The Blade Itself compare to? I have not read Joe Abercrombie's books but heard they were good..
Caitlin It reminds me a little of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. They're both gritty, dark fantasies with large numbers of character…moreIt reminds me a little of the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin. They're both gritty, dark fantasies with large numbers of characters who aren't all purely good people. The Blade Itself has more of a frontier/western feel and a much more humorous feel to it. Where ASOIAF is very serious political intrigue, The Blade Itself is more a dark satire of standard fantasy tropes and human nature in general. I find that I actually like The Blade Itself better because it's funny in a dark, twisted sort of way. Just don't go in expecting happy endings or perfect characters. (less)
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I'm now going to ask a really ridiculous question. Like, a stupid question. Do you think that this book would be suitable for a 12 (soon to be 13 - I think) year old avid Fantasy fan. Apparently he's read Malazan and the Shattered Sea (first 2 books), and wants to read this. Is it too bloody/gorey and what about the sex?
Redeagl If he has read the Malazan books then this will be a walk in the park to him.
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I disliked The Game of Thrones. Is The Blade Itself similar? Also, when folks are saying that it is dark. Is there anything redeeming that happens in it or at least some humor?
IvanOpinion This isn't a comic novel, but it has quite a lot of funny parts. I laughed out loud a few times.…moreThis isn't a comic novel, but it has quite a lot of funny parts. I laughed out loud a few times.(less)
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I hate when I don't finish a book, so it doesn't happen often. With this one I made myself go until page 140 and just couldn't go any further.. I could feel it should be a great story, but nothing never happened.. ever.. and by that point I still didn't care for any of the characters. I feel bad for not finishing.. but I just couldn't. I didn't care for it. So sad... ? :(
Jasjit Singh I almost did the same. And just like you I hate not finishing a book. Till today I haven't yet so I managed to finish this. This is by far one of the …moreI almost did the same. And just like you I hate not finishing a book. Till today I haven't yet so I managed to finish this. This is by far one of the slowest fantasies I've ever read but I'm a fan of Abercrombies imagination to write down fight scenes with descriptive violence and the last few chapters did not disappoint. Still.. Im little unsure if I will read the next book in the series anytime soon. Beginning the dark tower next(less)
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Unanswered Questions (3)

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