The Fantasy Books
Abercrombie, Joe

Abercrombie, Joe

Author Biography & Works

Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author, known for his dark and gritty novels set in the fictional world of The First Law Trilogy. He has also written several standalone novels and a related trilogy, known as The Age of Madness.Abercrombie's writing style is known for its vivid characters, brutal violence, and cynical humor. His novels often subvert traditional fantasy tropes, featuring flawed protagonists and morally ambiguous characters. His stories explore themes such as power, corruption, and the human condition.The First Law Trilogy consists of three books: "The Blade Itself," "Before They Are Hanged," and "Last Argument of Kings." The trilogy has been praised for its compelling characters, gritty realism, and engaging storytelling. The Age of Madness trilogy continues to explore themes of power and politics, and features characters from the original trilogy.Abercrombie's work has won several awards, including the David Gemmell Legend Award for Best Fantasy Novel and the Locus Award for Best First Novel. He is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy, and his work has had a significant impact on the genre.

Books by Abercrombie, Joe

The Blade Itself

The Blade Itself

Abercrombie's work has become synonymous with the growing sub-genre of grimdark fantasy Naturally there's a lot of crossover between grimdark fantasy (which subverts the tropes of traditional heroic fantasy) and...

Before They Are Hanged

Before They Are Hanged

The second novel in the wildly popular First Law Trilogy from New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie. Superior Glokta has a problem. How do you defend a city surrounded by...

Last Arguments Of Kings

Last Arguments Of Kings

The final novel in the First Law Trilogy by New York Times bestseller Joe Abercrombie. Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him -- but it's going to...

The Heroes

The Heroes

The title is a bit tongue-in-cheek, as Abercrombie himself describes it this way: "Three men. One battle. No heroes." It was designed to be a standalone novel, but is set...

Red Country

Red Country

A New York Times bestseller! They burned her home. They stole her brother and sister. But vengeance is following. Shy South hoped to bury her bloody past and ride away...

The First Law

The First Law

Murderous conspiracies rise to the surface, old scores are ready to be settled, and the line between hero and villain is sharp enough to draw blood. Unpredictable, compelling, wickedly funny,...

Before They Are Hanged

Before They Are Hanged

Superior Glokta has a problem. How can he defend a city surrounded by enemies and riddled with traitors, when his allies can by no means be trusted? Ancient secrets will...

The Last Argument Of Kings

The Last Argument Of Kings

The end is coming. Logen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him but it's going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the king of...

Best Served Cold

Best Served Cold

Monza Murcatto is out for blood. Known as the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Styria, she is betrayed by her employer and left for dead....

Half A King

Half A King

If you don't know who Joe Abercrombie is, then shame on you. His other work is at the forefront of gritty fantasy (hint: you might spot him further down this...

Half The World

Half The World

Fifteen-year-old girl soldier Thorn learns the ways of war in the king's army while falling in love for the first time. By the New York Times best-selling author of Half...

Half A War

Half A War

"New York Times "bestselling author Joe Abercrombie delivers the stunning conclusion to the epic fantasy trilogy that began with "Half a King, "praised by George R. R. Martin as "a...

Half A King

Half A King

Reading a new Abercrombie book is just like going to a fancy restaurant, it doesn't happen very often, but when it does, you relish every moment of the experience. Half...

The First Law Trilogy

The First Law Trilogy

One of the best fantasy book series period and one of the best audiobook performances to boot. This is one of those rare reading performances by a master narrator where...

Sharp Ends

Sharp Ends

Sharp Ends is the ultimate collection of award winning tales and exclusive new short stories from the master of grimdark fantasy, Joe Abercrombie. Violence explodes, treachery abounds, and the words...

Half The World

Half The World

Abercrombie kicked off his Shattered Sea series with the award-winning Half a King, but his second novel approaches true mastery. Half the World picks up many years after the first,...

Half A War

Half A War

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY BUZZFEED AND THE INDEPENDENT • New York Times bestselling author Joe Abercrombie delivers the stunning conclusion to the epic fantasy...