With Joe Abercrombie’s Age of Madness trilogy recently completed and the exciting news of a Best Served Cold adaptation, there’s never been a better time to dive into the First Law universe. Whether you’re new to Abercrombie’s grimdark fantasy or looking to revisit it, this guide will help you navigate the ideal First Law reading order for an immersive experience in this brutal, captivating world.
In my opinion, the best way to approach the First Law world is by following the publication order of the books. This nine-book series (ten, if you count the short story collection) is divided into three main sections, each offering a different flavor of the overarching narrative. Following this sequence allows readers to experience the First Law world as it evolves, while still enjoying the nuances that connect the plots and characters.
I’ll break down each section of the series, and explain why reading in this order offers the best experience. Feel free to take short breaks between each section, as the tone and focus shift dramatically, keeping things fresh without breaking the continuity of the First Law world.
1. The First Law Trilogy: Your Starting Point
The First Law trilogy is where you should begin. This part of the series sets up the central cast of morally ambiguous characters, their power struggles, and the turbulent political landscape of Adua. If you’re wondering where to start your First Law journey, this is the definitive starting point.
- The Blade Itself is Joe Abercrombie’s debut novel and the introduction to the First Law world. While some readers consider this entry a bit slower compared to later books, it’s essential for establishing the grim tone and intricate character development that define the series. This book sets the foundation for all the major players, so if you find yourself captivated by its dark humor and violence, you’re in for a treat.
- The second book, Before They Are Hanged, is where Abercrombie’s writing style truly shines. For many, this is the novel that solidifies their love for the First Law world. Packed with action, wit, and deeper character exploration, it raises the stakes and builds on the foundations laid by The Blade Itself. It’s my personal favorite in the original trilogy, and arguably one of Abercrombie’s best works.
- Last Argument of Kings brings the first trilogy to a thrilling and satisfying conclusion. It’s a fan favorite, and for good reason—Abercrombie masterfully ties up the various plotlines, delivering a finale that is as brutal and unpredictable as fans have come to expect. After finishing this book, many readers take a breather before moving on, as the next set of stories shifts to different characters and themes within the same First Law world.
2. The Great Leveller Collection: Standalone Stories in the First Law World
Next up in the First Law reading order is the Great Leveller collection. This section consists of three standalone novels and a short story compilation, which fill in the gaps between the two main trilogies. While these books can be read independently, I highly recommend following the publication order, as certain plot points and character arcs resonate more deeply after reading the first trilogy.
- Best Served Cold is Abercrombie’s take on the revenge genre, often compared to classics like Kill Bill. This standalone novelfollows the story of Monza Murcatto, a betrayed mercenary out for blood. The novel is a brutal exploration of betrayal, vengeance, and survival, and it introduces new dimensions to the First Law world while still building on elements from the original trilogy.
- If you’re into war stories, The Heroes is a must-read. This novel centers on a single battle that takes place over three days, giving a gritty, ground-level view of warfare in the First Law world. With its large ensemble cast and exploration of the futility of war, The Heroes has become a fan favorite.
- Red Country is often described as Abercrombie’s western, set in the harsh and unforgiving outskirts of the First Law world. While some readers rank it as a weaker entry, it’s essential for setting up key events and characters that play crucial roles in the final trilogy. Plus, it features one of Abercrombie’s most beloved characters, making it an important part of the series.
- Sharp Ends is collection of short stories revisits familiar characters and settings from across the First Law world. While it can be read at any point in the series, I recommend reading it here as a nice palette cleanser before diving into the final trilogy. Sharp Ends offers both new perspectives and fresh insights into the First Law universe, making it a fun and engaging read.
3. The Age of Madness Trilogy: The Epic Conclusion
The final section in the First Law reading order is the Age of Madness trilogy. Set years after the events of the original trilogy, this series follows the next generation of characters, including the offspring of some of your favorites from the first trilogy. While some suggest starting with this trilogy, I strongly advise against it—seeing familiar characters as older, battle-worn versions of themselves is one of the most rewarding aspects of the series.
- A Little Hatred is the first book in the Age of Madness trilogy introduces a new era in the First Law world. With industrialization, political upheaval, and new power dynamics in play, A Little Hatred offers a fresh yet familiar experience. Abercrombie masterfully combines elements of revolution and modernization with the personal struggles of his characters.
- The Trouble with Peace, the second book in the trilogy avoids the dreaded “middle book syndrome.” The Trouble with Peace is packed with conflict, betrayal, and character development, making it one of the most gripping entries in the series. It builds on the tension set up in A Little Hatred, leading to a dramatic and tense lead-up to the trilogy’s final installment.
- The Wisdom of Crowds caps off the Age of Madness trilogy—and the First Law series as a whole.This finale ties up the loose threads from across the First Law world, delivering a conclusion that’s as explosive and unpredictable as fans have come to expect. Abercrombie’s ability to juggle a large cast of characters while maintaining tight, compelling plotlines shines here.
Final Thoughts on the First Law Reading Order
That wraps up the ultimate First Law reading order. By following the publication sequence, you’ll experience the evolution of the First Law world as Joe Abercrombie intended, with each book building on the previous ones. This reading order ensures that you won’t miss any of the nuances in the complex, interconnected stories that span this grimdark universe.
Whether you’re drawn to brutal war stories, twisted revenge plots, or morally complex characters, the First Law series offers something for every fantasy lover. So grab your copy of The Blade Itself and prepare to be swept into the savage and brilliant First Law world.