Books by Joe Abercrombie

In "The Blade Itself," the first installment of Joe Abercrombie's electrifying series, prepare to be swept away into a world where grit and glory clash in epic fashion. Enter a land teetering on the edge of chaos, where the fate of empires rests in the hands of a few unlikely heroes. Meet Logen Ninefingers, a legendary barbarian with a dark past, who must navigate a treacherous path to redemption. Meanwhile, Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled torturer with a razor-sharp mind, finds himself ensnared in the labyrinthine politics of the Union, where secrets are more dangerous than swords. As tensions mount, the enigmatic and powerful mage Bayaz calls upon the most unexpected of allies to aid him in a perilous quest with stakes higher than they could ever imagine. Abercrombie masterfully weaves a tapestry of intrigue, betrayal, and blood-soaked battles, all while crafting characters whose flawed humanity makes them unforgettable. With a blend of razor-sharp wit and relentless action, "The Blade Itself" is a gripping tale that challenges the very notions of heroism and villainy. Dive into a story where every decision could spell the difference between a kingdom's fall and its salvation. Discover why Joe Abercrombie's debut is hailed as a modern classic in fantasy literature.

In "Before They Are Hanged," the gripping sequel to Joe Abercrombie's "The Blade Itself," the stakes are higher, the battles fiercer, and the characters more complex than ever before. As the shadow of war looms over the fractured Union, its very survival hangs by a thread. Logen Ninefingers, the infamous barbarian, is caught in a brutal struggle to reclaim his past while navigating a world where trust is a luxury few can afford. Alongside him, the cunning and ruthless Inquisitor Glokta finds himself at the heart of an intricate web of political intrigue, fighting not only for his life but also for the future of his crumbling city. Meanwhile, the young and privileged Captain Jezal dan Luthar must confront the harsh realities of war—a trial that will test his mettle and reshape his destiny. Abercrombie masterfully weaves dark humor with relentless action, creating a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is enthralling. With richly drawn characters and a plot that twists like a blade through the heart, "Before They Are Hanged" challenges the notions of heroism and villainy, inviting readers to question who truly wears the white hat. Embark on this epic journey where alliances are fragile, and the price of power is steep. Prepare to be captivated by a world where every choice can lead to glory—or ruin.

The looming end draws near. Logen Ninefingers, with his legendary reputation, knows he may have just one last battle left in him—and it's set to be monumental. As warfare engulfs the North, the King of the Northmen remains unyielding, and only one man can hope to stand against him: his oldest friend and fiercest foe. It's time for the Bloody-Nine to return home. Meanwhile, Superior Glokta, a man burdened with too many masters and too little time, fights a different war in the shadows—a secretive game where no one is safe, and trust is nonexistent. Though his days wielding a sword are over, his skill in manipulation, threats, and torture remains unbroken. Jezal dan Luthar has turned his back on the pursuit of glory, longing instead for a simple life with the woman he loves. Yet, love too can be fraught with pain, and glory often returns when least desired. As the King of the Union hovers on the brink of death, chaos ensues with peasants in revolt and nobles vying for the throne. Few recognize the encroaching shadow of war threatening the Union's core. The First of the Magi has a world-saving plan, as always, but the stakes are perilously high. For there is no risk more dire than breaking the First Law. "Last Argument of Kings" is a gripping tale of power, betrayal, and the relentless march of fate.