The First Law trilogy could be a decent introduction into the world of grimdark fantasy, if you’re not familiar with the genre. Grimdark fantasy unfortunately is a very difficult to define concept. There is so much fantasy out there that is labelled grimdark, but really isn’t. One definition of grimdark could be a story with no heroes, just morally grey flawed characters. Another possible definition could be a world with no hope. Unpleasant broken characters trying to survive in an unpleasant, broken world.
George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones (Song of Ice and Fire) is perhaps a very commonly used example, and one that most people would be familiar with because of the tv show. Though many fantasy readers would argue that the series isn’t really proper grimdark.
So, if you want something grimmer and darker, there’s always Broken Empire by Mark Lawrence, or The Prince of Nothing by R. Scott Bakker. If you like a bit of subtle British humour in the midst of all the darkness, I strongly recommend Joe Abercrombie’s First Law trilogy.
The best part of the series is perhaps the memorable cast – say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he writes the most bizarrely loveable bastards. Don’t walk into this expecting a typical hero’s journey where humble farm-boys transform into all powerful saviours. Don’t expect gallant and honourable nobles, or brave and dashing army officers. Well, there is Jezal dan Luthar, but he’s pretty despicable. He’s also one of the main POV characters (one of six in the first book – The Blade Itself).
The main two, perhaps, are a cripple – Sand dan Glokta, and a barbarian – Logen Ninefingers. Glokta is the fan favourite, a torturer whose body is broken and bent, and you can feel his pain each time he has to physically exert himself. As in climb a flight of stairs, or simply get out of bed. He’s also the funny one.
Logen, the strong, silent type, has some of the best action scenes that you won’t forget. And a reputation that precedes him. Let’s just say you won’t like him when he’s angry. You’ll absolutely love him. If you say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, and one thing only – say he’s a killer.
And of course, Bayaz the first of the Magi. An absolute bastard, but my personal favourite in the series. As far as magic goes, don’t expect a hard magic system like Brandon Sanderson’s, where everything is beautifully explained. It’s magic, it’s there, accept it. And not trying to explain how it works was actually a good thing. Another correct decision, in my opinion, was not to make Bayaz a POV character. Keeps him enigmatic.
The supporting cast is excellent as well, in particular Logen’s former crew consisting of Dogman (another POV character), Rudd Threetrees, Tul Duru Thunderhead, Black Dow, Harding Grim and Weakest, not to mention Inquisitor Glokta’s team of Practicals (Assistant torturers, let’s just say).
If you do read and love the original trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings), there’s some good news – there’s another three standalones set in the First Law world, as well as a short story collection – Best Served Cold (a revenge tale that’s pretty much hell hath no fury like a woman scorned), The Heroes (a brilliant account about the harsh brutality of war, the entire book consists of three bloody days of battle), Red Country (a quasi western with a strong Unforgiven vibe, oldtimers being absolutely badass), and the short story collection Sharp Ends.
If you’ve read Lord of the Rings, a bit of Brandon Sanderson perhaps, or even Song of Ice and Fire, the First Law world is a perfect next step into the world of fantasy. Grimdark fantasy, that is, written by Lord Grimdark himself – Joe Abercrombie
