The Devils by Joe Abercrombie -> Starting June 20th, 2025

[Jamie]

Holy work sometimes requires unholy deeds.

Brother Diaz has been summoned to the Sacred City, where he is certain a commendation and grand holy assignment awaits him. But his new flock is made up of unrepentant murderers, practitioners of ghastly magic, and outright monsters. The mission he is tasked with will require bloody measures from them all in order to achieve its righteous ends.

Elves lurk at our borders and hunger for our flesh, while greedy princes care for nothing but their own ambitions and comfort. With a hellish journey before him, it's a good thing Brother Diaz has the devils on his side.

[megs_bookrack]

To 9% of the audiobook: It doesn't really have Chapter numbers, though it does have Chapter titles, I don't remember which one I am on at the moment, but still wanted to update. I'm still in a portion that I had previously read, I think I made it to like 27% or something before I DNFed the first time. I am listening to the audiobook this time, which is narrated by Steven Pacey, whose narration I love. We're still in the very early stages of the set-up of the quest. I'm interested to find out what you think of this one, Trisha!

[megs_bookrack]

OMG, I made it to 33% the first time through, so I still have quite a bit of re-reading to do. I was so bored by that point, hoping not to fall into that trap again!

[Trisha]

EEE! Okay, we're going to try to avoid this DNF again! lol

I'm getting farther in one book then I'll get some reading done on this one!

[Trisha]

I've started but will dig in deeper tomorrow. I have a few books to finish today - my reading got derailed yesterday 😭😭

[Trisha]

Through Part 1 / 94 pages (I think about 17% - not nearly as far as you are yet!)

(view spoiler)[ I like this rag tag group. at least they now have a near death experience and a massacre to bind them! lol

I'm still working on memorizing everyone's names. . .. but I do like their skills, even if they barely work! lol

at least the werewolf/shifter and the 'magician' came in handy - oh and the guy who will fight to the death but can't die and the vampire - everyone seemed very handy!

can't wait to see where their venture takes them next

at least Alex is onboard to help now instead of angling to steal the silverware! (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

Through Part 2 / 234 pages (about 40% maybe?)

lol this really is filled with silly 12 year old potty humor. It's gross at times but mainly silly

but now (view spoiler)[ I think everyone is in the water - and in different states of injury

I hope they all make it out - it seems like they will. I really thought once there was a mark on the forehead for Baptiste, that would be it! I'm so glad she was alive

and now we know what the thrall works very well but not all the time. hopefully the magician is through trying to break his curse. it really is just making him sick

and Sunny's story about having garbage thrown and being so ill-treated. I hope they start to treat her better. they don't treat her terribly but it'd be nice to see them start working to gether like a team/family.

and wow, Alex really stepped up - learned some history, learned to write some letters and a little reading, and now how to be regal in appearance.

and now they've faced the second cousin. just one more to go, right? and then the queen?

and so far we've seen the queen's - farm animals and now sea animals. Would the next be air? a different biome like rainforest? hate to think what's coming next lol (hide spoiler)]

[megs_bookrack]

I am into Part II, at 20% of the audio, so haven't quite caught up to where I got the first time. I still am not fully enganged, or intrigued by it. I like the various individuals in the traveling group, but the humor is like he's trying to hard.

I feel like in the First Law books, you had a couple characters whose personalities were blunt with a lot of dirty humor and language, so it made them stand out and was really fun/funny, but this is like constant. That's the only way these characters are relating to each other right now and I find it more annoying than endearing. Also, I feel like it takes away any tension, or seriousness, from this supposed quest. Like do we really care if Alex gets delivered to wherever they're going? I don't ☺️

[Trisha]

I agree!! Their banter is weird - I'll have to try a sample of the audio. I don't know if I'd like the audio

and Yes, I think delivering Alex is definitely getting lost in the muddle of so many characters and pov. . .

this is the first book I'm reading from this author.

[Trisha]

Through Part 3 / 385 pages

this part was definitely not as entertaining as part 2

(view spoiler)[ well, I didn't expect Vigga to get with someone in the group! but to have gotten with both Brother Diaz and the Dane werewolf - it's weird this tale of travel is filled with a lot of Vigga looking for lovers. . .

and I was sad for Jakob yet again but glad he pulled through - yet again. the plague pit - ew

and I call BS on Alex being willing to kiss Sunny after being sick all over herself. . .i mean, just no
but I think they are a good match and I'm interested to see how this goes

the rest was silly and over the top. the farmer, the fight - meh. (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

through ch: Not Nothing / pg 440

WOW! (view spoiler)[ I'd really bought it - that Alex was THE lost princess but wow, to know that she just met her and then faked it.

I mean, it makes sense as does marrying the cousin
still, ew. and I'm so sad for Sunny. I think she's so sweet (hide spoiler)]

[Trisha]

and done

wow this one was a brick - sooo long to get through

(view spoiler)[ and I was shocked by just how many were traitors to Alex.
her uncle? and that the old aunt/queen had taken over Severn? I never saw that coming! holy moly

and I couldn't believe she didn't let them stay - and she shackled the group back up. even though they'd gotten Alex there, they didn't even get a reprieve

and I was so sad for Vigga - to eat a friend.

otherwise, that last part was just meh. too long with too much dialogue (hide spoiler)]

[megs_bookrack]

I don't think I can do it. I'm gonna DNF again...

[megs_bookrack]

I'm sorry, I feel so bad, you suffered through and I'm not going to. LOL -- don't hate me!

[Trisha]

awe, no worries! I completely understand! I made it to the end and I will not say I loved it!

Definitely get to books you like more!!