The “First Law” Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, comprised of “The Blade Itself “ (2006), “Before They Are Hanged “ (2007), and “Last Argument of Kings “ (2008), is widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of the grimdark fantasy genre. This gripping and often brutal series subverts many of the traditional fantasy tropes, offering readers and listeners an experience full of moral ambiguity, deep character studies, and unpredictable plot developments. Steven Pacey’s narration of the audiobooks has been instrumental in bringing these novels to life, enhancing the complex layers of Abercrombie's storytelling with his dynamic voice work. In this in-depth review, we will explore the merits of both the written works and the audiobook adaptations, focusing on the plot, characters, themes, and the impact of the narration on the overall experience.
1. "Overview of the Trilogy"
At the heart of “The First Law “ trilogy lies a world embroiled in conflict, where the Union, a powerful kingdom, is at war with neighboring factions: the Gurkish Empire in the south and the Northmen in, well, the north. The political and military struggles between these regions set the stage for a complex narrative that involves both personal and larger-than-life conflicts.
The trilogy follows an ensemble of characters whose lives and motives intersect in unpredictable ways. Abercrombie is not concerned with traditional heroism; instead, he places morally gray characters at the forefront, exploring the consequences of violence, power, and ambition. The plot, while rich in political intrigue and epic battles, is deeply character-driven. As a result, each protagonist in the series—whether it's the arrogant swordsman Jezal dan Luthar, the cynical torturer Sand dan Glokta, or the savage yet introspective warrior Logen Ninefingers—undergoes significant and often painful personal transformations.
Steven Pacey’s audiobook narration enhances the deeply personal nature of the story. Pacey has a unique ability to capture the essence of each character with distinct voices, moods, and tones, elevating Abercrombie's prose and making the listening experience both immersive and emotionally resonant.
2. "Plot Summary “
“The Blade Itself “ (2006)
The first book, “The Blade Itself “, introduces the main players of the series and sets up the central conflicts. Jezal dan Luthar is an egotistical nobleman training for a prestigious fencing competition. His life is one of luxury and privilege, but his worldview begins to shift as he becomes entangled in events far beyond his control. Sand dan Glokta, a once-great swordsman turned crippled Inquisitor, is a bitter man who now tortures others for a living. His cynical outlook on life is tempered by his sharp intellect, and he becomes a key player in the political machinations of the Union. Then there’s Logen Ninefingers, also known as "The Bloody-Nine," a fearsome warrior trying to leave his violent past behind. However, circumstances force him to take up arms once again as he is drawn into a quest with Bayaz, a mysterious and manipulative mage.
The first book focuses heavily on introducing these characters, building their backstories, and giving the listener a sense of the world’s grim tone. Abercrombie establishes early on that this is a world without clear moral lines. The characters are flawed, often making decisions driven by self-interest, fear, or survival. While the plot progresses slowly, it is deeply engaging because of the characters’ complex internal struggles.
Pacey’s narration is crucial in setting the tone. His portrayal of Glokta, in particular, is outstanding. Glokta's inner monologue, dripping with sarcasm and self-loathing, is brought to life with a dry, biting delivery that perfectly matches the character's broken body and spirit. Pacey's skill in differentiating between the numerous characters makes the complex and sometimes dense narrative easier to follow.
“Before They Are Hanged “ (2007)
The second book, “Before They Are Hanged “, picks up the pace, diving deeper into the political intrigue and escalating tensions of the Union’s war on multiple fronts. The plot splits into several concurrent storylines: Glokta is sent to the southern city of Dagoska to investigate a potential siege by the Gurkish and unearth corruption within the Union. Jezal, Logen, and other characters accompany Bayaz on a perilous journey to the edge of the known world in search of a mythical artifact. Meanwhile, the North is plunged into chaos as a new warlord, Bethod, threatens to conquer the Union’s northern territories.
This book expands the world and deepens the stakes for each of the characters. Glokta’s investigation in Dagoska is tense and full of twists, as he uncovers layers of betrayal and treachery while battling his own physical limitations. Logen’s interactions with Bayaz and his other companions give us more insight into his tortured past and the brutality of the world he inhabits. Jezal’s character begins to evolve, shedding some of his arrogance as he faces the realities of war and survival.
Pacey’s narration in “Before They Are Hanged “ continues to excel, particularly in the portrayal of Glokta’s inner torment and sarcastic wit. The pace of the narration is well-matched to the book’s escalating tension, and the scenes of violence and action are delivered with a sense of urgency that keeps the listener on edge. The dialogue between characters, particularly during moments of conflict or camaraderie, is rendered with precision, making each interaction feel vivid and immediate.
“Last Argument of Kings “ (2008)
In “Last Argument of Kings “, the trilogy reaches its explosive and often heartbreaking conclusion. The Union is on the brink of collapse, with enemies pressing from all sides. Jezal’s rise to power takes unexpected turns, as he is thrust into a role he never wanted or imagined for himself. Glokta, ever the cynical manipulator, finds himself at the center of political intrigue, pulling strings behind the scenes to ensure his survival and the survival of the Union. Logen returns to the North to confront his old enemy Bethod in a final, brutal battle that forces him to confront who he truly is.
The final book is the most action-packed of the trilogy, with large-scale battles, political betrayals, and character arcs reaching their climax. Abercrombie does not shy away from grim resolutions; not every character gets a happy ending, and the ones who do often pay a heavy price for it. There is a pervasive sense of inevitability and tragedy in this book, as characters realize that their choices may not matter in a world ruled by the whims of fate and power.
Pacey’s narration truly shines in “Last Argument of Kings “. His ability to convey the emotional weight of the characters' journeys is remarkable, particularly in the case of Logen and Glokta, both of whom have undergone profound transformations. Pacey’s depiction of Logen’s inner turmoil and Glokta’s bitter resignation adds layers of depth to their stories, making the final moments of the trilogy both haunting and unforgettable.
3. “Character Studies”
The strength of “The First Law “ trilogy lies in its character-driven narrative. Abercrombie’s characters are deeply flawed, and their arcs are marked by personal growth—or in some cases, deterioration.
· “Logen Ninefingers”: Logen is one of the most complex characters in the series. Known as "The Bloody-Nine" for his violent past, he spends much of the trilogy grappling with his desire to change and leave behind his life of bloodshed. However, his violent nature resurfaces time and again, leading to moments of brutal savagery. Logen’s internal conflict is palpable, and Pacey’s narration captures both the weariness of a man tired of fighting and the terrifying rage of a killer who has lost control.
· “Sand dan Glokta”: Glokta is perhaps the most fascinating character in the trilogy. A former war hero who was captured and tortured by the Gurkish, he now serves as an Inquisitor, torturing others in turn. His physical disabilities and constant pain shape his worldview, making him cynical, bitter, and ruthless. Yet, there is a strange nobility to Glokta, as he is one of the few characters who understands the price of power and survival. Pacey’s portrayal of Glokta’s internal monologue—sarcastic, self-deprecating, and deeply bitter—is one of the highlights of the audiobooks.
· “Jezal dan Luthar”: Jezal begins the series as an arrogant, self-absorbed nobleman with dreams of glory. Over the course of the trilogy, he is humbled by his experiences in battle and by the realization that his life has been one of privilege and naivety. His transformation is not without setbacks, and by the end of the trilogy, Jezal is forced to confront the fact that his choices may not have been his own. Pacey’s performance conveys Jezal’s youthful arrogance and later disillusionment with equal skill.
· “Bayaz”: The mysterious mage who guides many of the characters on their journeys, Bayaz is an enigmatic and manipulative figure. While he appears to be a force for good, it becomes increasingly clear that his motives are far from pure. Bayaz is a master manipulator, and his true intentions remain unclear until the very end of the trilogy. Pacey gives Bayaz a voice that is both authoritative and unsettling, capturing the character’s duplicity and hidden power.
4. “Themes”
One of the key themes of “The First Law “ trilogy is the corrupting nature of power. Whether it is political, magical, or personal power, Abercrombie explores how individuals are shaped—and often destroyed—by their pursuit of it. Characters like Glokta, Bayaz, and Jezal all grapple with the consequences of wielding power, and the trilogy ultimately suggests that power is a double-edged sword, offering both control and destruction.
Another major theme is the nature of violence and its impact on the human soul. Logen, in particular, embodies this theme as he struggles to reconcile his desire for peace with his capacity for brutality. Violence permeates the world of “The First Law “, and Abercrombie does not shy away from showing its physical and psychological toll on his characters.
Fate and free will are also explored throughout the trilogy. Characters often find themselves questioning whether they have control over their own lives or if they are simply pawns in a larger game. This theme is most evident in the character arcs of Jezal and Glokta, both of whom are manipulated by external forces, raising questions about the nature of choice and destiny.
5. “The Audiobook Experience”
Steven Pacey’s narration is an essential part of what makes “The First Law “ audiobooks so compelling. His voice work brings Abercrombie’s characters to life in a way that adds depth to the already rich storytelling. Each character has a distinct voice, and Pacey’s ability to shift between them seamlessly makes the audiobooks easy to follow, even with the large cast of characters.
Pacey’s pacing (no pun intended) is another strength. He knows when to speed up during action scenes to create a sense of urgency and when to slow down to allow the listener to savor the tension or emotional weight of a moment. His performance is never overdone, and he strikes a balance between dramatic and understated narration, ensuring that the story’s darker and more serious tones are conveyed without unnecessary melodrama.
6. “Conclusion”
Joe Abercrombie’s “The First Law “ trilogy is a masterpiece of grimdark fantasy, offering readers and listeners a world that is as brutal and unforgiving as it is compelling. The series is driven by its richly developed characters, whose personal struggles and moral dilemmas are as gripping as the larger political and military conflicts that unfold around them. Steven Pacey’s narration elevates the audiobooks, bringing the characters and the world to life with his nuanced and dynamic voice work.
For fans of grimdark fantasy, “The First Law “ trilogy is essential listening. Abercrombie’s subversion of traditional fantasy tropes, combined with Pacey’s masterful narration, creates an experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Whether you are a long-time fantasy reader or new to the genre, these audiobooks offer a unique and unforgettable journey into a world where power corrupts, violence scars, and heroes are few and far between.
Purchase Links:
The Blade Itself (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3ToxCJk
Before They are Hanged (Paperback): https://amzn.to/4eeYIL4
Last Argument of Kings (Paperback): https://amzn.to/3AUSRw5
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