A Chat With Joe Abercrombie

I got to sit down with the mastermind behind the First Law series, Joe Abercrombie!
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[@ThePhilosoWhisper]

A little anecdote about Joe. When I finally finished the first trilogy, it was very late into the night. The ending kept brewing in my head, over and over. I decided in order to get some sleep I needed to message Joe demanding a violent death of a certain character. I went to his website, saw his email address for inquiries, and fired off a message that went something like "if you don't confirm right now that you will kill off CHARACTER in a spectacular and violent fashion in the name of justice I don't think I can sleep ever again." Thinking he'd probably never respond I started getting ready for bed. Not five minutes later I got an email response from Joe that simply said, "I predict many sleepless nights." When I met Joe at a book signing in London for A Little Hatred and told him this anecdote he grinned and looked over to his colleague and said, "Damn, I'm clever!" It's no contest really - he's my favorite author now.

[@callum7081]

Who was the character?

[@pickledsandwich7201]

Callum my money’s on Bayaz

[@callum7081]

Cristian Crespi that’s what I was thinking

[@henrytortor2530]

@@pickledsandwich7201 has to be.... *spoiler warning for book 3* towards the end of last argument of kings I expected (and was hoping for) ferro to kill bayaz....but well we all know how that ended

[@ag0n1an]

Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he's a funny bastard.

[@ducky36F]

“Forgive your enemies, but not before they are hanged” That quote in that book was just fire.

[@andrewsmall4865]

There was a Glokta quote from A Little Hatred about the role of government which was also just fire.

[@ChristmasLore]

All the opening quotes of his books are very carefully chosen, and they're great. Usually, both said in the book by one of the characters, and also, coming from our own "real" history and real ancient writers/ philosophers/rulers. The author is usually explicitly quoted on the excerpt in the first pages.

[@meris8486]

@@andrewsmall4865 “The goal of government, you see,” and Glokta prodded at the air with his bony forefinger, “is to load the unhappiness onto those least able to make you suffer for it.”

[@grippingrope9937]

It's maybe not as commentaryish as some of his other quotes but Glokta's warning to Savine about Valint and Balk gives me chills every time I see it. "They won't be satisfied until they own the sun and can charge the world interest for letting it rise every morning"

[@Smo1k]

“Mine is a most peaceable disposition. My wishes are: a humble cottage with a thatched roof, but a good bed, good food, the freshest milk and butter, flowers before my window, and a few fine trees before my door; and if God wants to make my happiness complete, he will grant me the joy of seeing some six or seven of my enemies hanging from those trees. Before death I shall, moved in my heart, forgive them all the wrong they did me in their lifetime. One must, it is true, forgive one's enemies-- but not before they have been hanged.” ― Heinrich Heine

[@harrymcneill901]

If there’s one thing you can say for Daniel Greene, say he gets the best interviews.

[@jonbaxter2254]

You've got to be realistic...

[@ZamWeazle]

I do concur, do you concur?

[@cihuacoatl1887]

He has great guests i reckon

[@rolanddeschain6089]

Why did I find this just now? And there is another Abercrombie interview here which I also never seen before. What?

[@ag0n1an]

Say one thing for Harry McNeill, say he gets his quotes slightly wrong.

[@kilgour22]

"I like my thinkers clever and dead." - Joe Abercrombie, 2020

[@afk2514]

Lord Grimdark and the Dishevelled Goblin.

[@ChristmasLore]

Now, that's a title!

[@alfredodepesto5020]

Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie... say he's back for another interview!

[@jonbaxter2254]

Oh and you can never have too many knives.

[@iceTime999]

@@jonbaxter2254 Unless they're pointed at you, and by people who don't like you much.

[@ag0n1an]

@@jonbaxter2254 unless you're at the bottom of a river...

[@Joshmosis2.0]

Joe Abercrombie looks like he'd make a good character in one of his own books.

[@jackinthebox1993]

The more fantasy I read, the more I just love and appreciate this man's writing ✍

[@jonbaxter2254]

He got me back into the genre after so many years of so-so authors

[@deanryanmartin]

Orbit is lucky to have him on the team. Joe Abercrombie is a strong brand and it spells $$$ to them.

[@wokjock]

He’s my first step into fantasy, on the second book now and can’t put it down.

[@coleton7048]

@@wokjock How far are you into First Law now? Finish the trilogy yet?

[@wokjock]

@@coleton7048 I’m on the the first standalone now, Best Served Cold. I had planned on reading The Expanse series afterwards, but I ended up buying the standalone’s after I finished the third book. The Expanse will have to wait.

[@maaaate]

The First Law trilogy is currently sitting in my shelf, judging me for not reading it yet. Joe Abercrombie seems like a super nice dude!

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

I can only speak on interviewing him but yes! Very nice and funny.

[@ChristmasLore]

In the way serial killers can be "super nice dudes" yes he is 😁 Seriously, he's an amazing writer, don't hesitate to pick them up, you won't regret it!

[@maaaate]

Christmas Lore need to finish Oathbringer first but First Law is next on the list! Absolutely stoked to read it

[@coleton7048]

You should own all 9 current books and read them all, it's the best fantasy series, and book 4 Best Served Cold, is still my favorite book of all time, years after reading it.

[@MetalGildarts]

@@coleton7048 BSC is my favorite of the standalones.

[@lockelamora6188]

I wasn’t expecting another interview with Joe Abercrombie any time soon. I mean, you have to be realistic about these kind of things...

[@rosseller2045]

Plan to write all three ahead of time??? Maybe Star Wars should have listened to this fine man...

[@jonbaxter2254]

Star Wars has been meh for a long time. Abercrombie is forever...

[@jackinthebox1993]

As if writers could actually have a... Plan for a multi-million dollar trilogy? Inconceivable!!

[@fistinlek100]

Was Star Wars always planned to have the first trilogy? I always thought it was success that led to more movies

[@rosseller2045]

@@fistinlek100 whats your point? Yeah succes may have led to the prequels getting made, but Lucas... wait for it... wrote an actual story and told it coherently throughout the trilogy. Novel idea I know. Most folk these days groomed from Disney and MCU don't quite understand originality, and good story telling, let alone a well thought out plot (or any plot).

[@janhavi1977]

Michael J. Sullivan does that too. He finishes his whole series before publishing the first book.

[@JacobManning]

You’re getting so close to that Terry Goodkind interview, I can feel it.

[@nachikahn4923]

that's what we're all waiting for

[@cihuacoatl1887]

This books take 12 years to make each.

[@ungoodthinkful]

He just died, so unfortunately not.

[@nachikahn4923]

@@ungoodthinkful well now everyone feels bad... srsly tho that sucks

[@dillonaugust2212]

Daniel must be in heaven. He gets to interview all of his heroes. He deserves it, though. He's worked for it.

[@MagusMarquillin]

Still no Tolkien or Jordan interview though - then he'd definitely be in Heaven.

[@ZamWeazle]

@@MagusMarquillin Once he gets himself a medium....lets see! 😆

[@Abken.]

Joe is such a wholesome person. I can't wait to finish Oathbringer and start his First Law World.

[@andrewsmall4865]

It's one of those things that is so, so good that you wish you could experience it again for the first time. He's pretty much ruined other fantasy writers for me, and the audiobooks are far and away the best I've ever heard.

[@shosty575]

@@andrewsmall4865 my thoughts exactly. I can't really pick up other books these days

[@brazenjavelina4571]

Oh, btw Daniel, Congrats on 200K!

[@therabbithole993]

Logen Nine Fingers is still my all time favorite character.The embodiment of Death on one side a repentant killer on the other

[@David-se5ph]

Daniel Greene is the only channel I have where I like his videos before even watching them

[@orcanimal]

Abercrombie = instant like + click. But as I'm beginning to watch this vid, a burning question is searing my mind - did Daniel read Red Country yet?? It's his last remaining in Abercrombie's standalones.

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

Soon! Very soon hopefully

[@jonbaxter2254]

Red Country absolutley sped by and I loved every minute of it.

[@dereko4471]

Literally the only one I haven't read... in my defense though they didn't have it in my bookstore

[@orcanimal]

@@dereko4471 You are doing yourself a disservice not listening to the audiobook narrated by the incomparable Stephen Pacey. Abercrombie's unique characters, combined with Pacey's unmatched voice alterations, and it's like watching a movie. I actually love Red Country so much I bought both the book and the audiobook. Must've listened to it at least five times now, end to end.

[@mateuszzawisza8425]

don't forget the Sharp ends! i'm reading it right now and it's as good as other books, so a must read for any Abercrombie fan

[@august3777]

Is it me, or is Joe Abercrombie the funniest guest on this channel? Absolutely delightful and fun to watch?

[@alexnieves]

Joe seems so chill and cool. It's long overdue that I start the First Law.

[@UdyKumra]

"Are you sitting down for six hours with a bowl of peanuts and music" sir that is literally beat by beat what Brandon Sanderson does was that on purpose 😂

[@DanielGreeneReviews]

yes it was lol

[@UdyKumra]

@@DanielGreeneReviews I see you Daniel I see you. 👀

[@ChristmasLore]

No peanuts any longer. Also, not peanuts as people usually eat them, already roasted and salted, but the real thing, that you have to open yourself. Sanderson has switched to other seeds with less calories by now.

[@ebonymartin7040]

the quote for titles thing is so true, His Dark Materials, comes from a line in paradise lost and I love that trilogy name it just fits so well, and made me want to read Milton

[@JoeK7]

Currently reading The Heroes, looking forward to starting the Age of Madness series soon once i get through this and Red Country

[@jonbaxter2254]

Favourite character so far?

[@JoeK7]

​@@jonbaxter2254 Probably Logen or Glokta :) The usual suspects. I also like Shivers and Cosca a lot too

[@DjemSo]

Don't forget Sharp Ends!

[@andrewsmall4865]

Red Country is a lot of fun. I liked it the most of the standalone books.

[@coleton7048]

Why you gotta do Sharp Ends dirty like that though?

[@ASiKKEntertainment]

200k Subs, Congrats man you deserve each and every one!

[@KiDeadpool89]

It is beyond me how nobody decided to make First Law TV series

[@Jacob-og6ju]

Just started reading his novels this year. Probably has moved to the top of my favourite fantasy author list.

[@Sophie703]

One of my favorite authors. Love his writing and sense of humor. Thank you Daniel! Edit: Got a signed copy! Super excited. Thanks for the link!

[@Mark-iv6yg]

These interviews are just awesome, a silver lining during this troubled year, really great of the authors who are willing to give us their time!

[@UdyKumra]

I haven't read his books yet, but they coming soon for me. But I watched the first interview and the guy seems super cool, so I'm really excited to read them.

[@jonbaxter2254]

You are in for a treat, they're all amazing.

[@andrewsmall4865]

Get the audiobooks. They elevate the books tremendously.

[@UdyKumra]

@@andrewsmall4865 I don't enjoy audiobooks that much tbh, so I only listen to audible originals and The Dresden Files. I've already got TBI on ebook so I'm gonna be reading it on that :)

[@andrewsmall4865]

@@UdyKumra I would be shocked if you didn't love them regardless of how you feel about other audiobooks. They seem mediocre by comparison.

[@UdyKumra]

Andrew Small ok I might check them out then! Thanks! :)

[@Gillian.Ashcroft.66]

Daniel you always look & come across as being so respectful & really appreciative of whoever you're interviewing, you always know your subject & they ( all your broadcasts ) are a pleasure to listen & watch ,thanks.

[@McDowski]

Great interview. Always enjoy these, specially when it involves my all-time favorite author!

[@BackAlleyTANGO]

Joe is such a legend. Super excited for the new book!

[@mizuescueladenatacion5368]

Love that man. Started reading him in quarentine and is becoming one of (if not the) my favourite author

[@anywherelife585]

I absolutly love this author. Joe is an incredible Writer, and i read all of his Books three times.

[@griffincooper9534]

Great interview with a great author and a very cool guy. Loving The Trouble With Peace (no surprise there). Finally arrived day before yesterday and I'm already nearly done, September 2021 can't come soon enough!

[@davidchehab3450]

I aspire to be as happy as Daniel is interviewing his favorite authors

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Great interview! Very interesting to hear about the social change theme. I’m excited to pick up The Trouble With Peace as soon as it’s out.

[@jonbaxter2254]

Love Joe so much, he got me back into reading fantasy. Looking forward to the next book.

[@coleton7048]

I love Abercrombie so much. His writing is so unique and inspiring.

[@heygus20]

What a god damn mad lad you are, Daniel!!! I love that fantasy authors recognize your amazing platform as a great marketing tool, and a source for great conversation.

[@ComandaKronikk]

The trouble with peace has to be his best work to date! While I love all his books you can see how far he's come as a writer

[@therabbithole993]

The blade itself and the hero's are probably my favorites but I definitely enjoyed a trouble with peace I'd rank it higher than A little hatred.

[@mrmr9201]

Having finally finished the TwP I can appreciate this interview much more.

[@marshalsea000]

My favourite Abercrombie used quote has always been: "Life being what it is, one dreams of revenge" - Paul Gauguin. Think I saw an interview where he claimed he had a "Beginners Guide to Cynical Quotes" or something. Good ol' cynical British humour.

[@saldeanfarmgirl7224]

great interview !

[@becklebooks]

"Theme is what emerges naturally - or so you'd hope." Yessss, Joe, yes!! It's so great to have commentary that isn't so direct and it's awesome to see him so self aware of this in his writing. I've pre-ordered the audiobook and I can't wait. These characters and the world and the way themes are just a simmer in the book but not rammed down my throat... it's incredible. It always feels condescending when themes aren't handled the way Joe's handled them. Make them simmer, don't direct them into my face hahaha Rad interview, by the way!

[@Hippie2089]

I can't wait. I already have it pre-ordered and I've been putting off starting other books so I wasn't in the middle of another for this book and Battle Grounds.

[@TheBoomrecter]

Joe Abercrombie has become my favorite author over the years. Thank you very much for the great Interview :D

[@mr.orange8205]

I can't wait to read this book!

[@advena5620]

Congrsts on the 200k!

[@teanlit2949]

author interviews make me appreciate the work even more.

[@GetWriteOnIn]

Great interview! Freaking love Joe, good job with this interview man.

[@mrmr9201]

The signed UK edition arrived at my doorstep yesterday and now he is once again keeping me from studying😬. Abercrombie's the best.

[@aarongomez7033]

I cannot wait for it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@coleton7048]

This is amazing!

[@briani8785]

I’m on an argument of Kings, I like the book so much. If I was falling off a cliff with the boom in my hand I’d finish the last page in mid air and die happy.

[@briani8785]

Book*

[@nicholas4727]

This is great, I'm in the middle of reading "before they are hanged" right now.

[@josemartins7766]

Saw your top fantasy books and now im in the middle of the first law trilogy and i gotta say im loving the books. Joe Abercrombie really knows how to build atmosphere and character with deep deep layers!

[@kalebjarrett2948]

Love me some Joe Abercrombie! Great interview!

[@LoyaFrostwind]

Thanks for the interview! Just finished The Heroes. Moving on to Red Country, and then the new ones.

[@Nasser851000]

Lord Grimdark Returns! :D

[@am3703]

These author interviews are fantastic! I look forward to reading first law when they finally arrive at my doorstep. Would you consider having an interview with an author focused around the publishing industry in general? Maybe a self-publishing perspective in there too, they deserve all the love.

[@alexanderfyock9042]

By the way, congrats on 200k! It seems like you were just at 100k! Well done!

[@AAAAAAAAAA225]

daniel thanks for existing

[@silvertongue.242_99]

I love quotes at begining of chapters really nice touch. I remember ink heart did that was nice especially rereading the book/chapters

[@Ink129]

Abercrombie is probably writing my favorite fantasy at the moment - can't wait for this book!

[@farmageddon2978]

reading this book now!!

[@jeanerasmus7]

Can't wait to get my hands on this one. A Little Hatred became my new favorite Abercrombie book. Dude's a crazy genius. 😂

[@shosty575]

AAAAAH! the author whose writing I am in love with. Thanks Daniel.

[@deanryanmartin]

I am in love with his writing too. Are we having a bromance love triangle here., LOL

[@shosty575]

@@deanryanmartin lmao

[@mikepizzi6879]

Great interview as usual. Joe's a great author, I put his new book in my video of top 5 most anticipated fantasy releases of 2020. Cheers!

[@ianmartinezcassmeyer]

I'm listening to THE BLADE ITSELF right now, and I'm enjoying it thus far. Each of his characters are quite multifaceted and interesting. Oddly enough, Glokta is my favorite. He's tough and ruthless, but he's also clearly a shattered man and a shadow of who he was.

[@lordramoth3416]

Awesome video!

[@sinkhole420]

I've seen joe Abercrombie on panels with 6 or so other authors and he is always the best of the bunch. Quick to joke and never takes himself to seriously.

[@ceberuss_yt8266]

Lord grimdark himself 👌 hooray ! Kudos from a Belgian fan to both of you

[@rupen42]

Joe Abercrombie is a joy to listen to in these interviews. I haven't read any of his books but I want to. I wonder if some of his personality carries through to the books.

[@irockmajorly]

It really does actually! Some of the most unique prose I've read!

[@Lily_James]

Here I am patiently awaiting your The Trouble with Peace review and you surpass my excitement by hitting us with this interview. I've read (basically devoured) all 8 First Law books in the last 2 months on your recommendation and am now obsessed with this world and its horrid, damaged people. Thanks Daniel (and Joe)! Can't wait for the book, especially after seeing your facial expressions when discussing the character journeys in this book. xD What the hell is Leo up to again?

[@charonpluto1085]

He is so damn funny and witty, wasn’t expecting that! 😎Love his books🤩

[@thorkalel2851]

Simply:Great! !from Italy!w Nine fingers. .Best Warrior! !!

[@Kaimalek3]

Daniel for the win again. I'm impressed

[@TokyoBlue587]

one of my favorite writers!

[@patricksoares3742]

Best modern fantasy author. And it's not even close.

[@ChristmasLore]

My take also. Best prose (and everything else) there is right now in the genre. By far, indeed!

[@alexandravladmets8206]

Fun thing to do on a re-read in covid-times: Apply any British accent/dialect to Logen and read out loud. Preferably something like Cap. Hastings from Poirot!

[@zerozaku1468]

Sorry abt ur car Daniel. Thanks for continuing to upload despite that. Ur a good lad.

[@MrToddinoz]

A man lost in the desert must take such Abercrombie as he is offered

[@chrisgreaves8855]

sat at home .... in front of a screen... playing video games ( as anyone knows Joe.. he loves his games )😁

[@Grimscribe732]

You can never have too many interviews.

[@LucianC137]

He always has the coolest covers...

[@usurperthe8669]

Got the first law trilogy spoiled not knowing this series is a kind of sequel as it's taking place in the same world. "The king" is a surprise and a shock but I suppose he's far better than the one in the blade itself.

[@buggy89]

First Law is awesome!

[@grendelentertainment9642]

The fact you call him Joe is the most badass moment on the channel (so far)

[@Vishnu6]

Joe A. is one of the best looking writers out there. Oh and his books are straight up amazing

[@KeepitABuck50]

Lord Grimdark!!!!Joe is the MAN!!

[@XalitusSales]

I come here from Alexelcapo, you do great content dude, keep going!

[@some5794]

LITTLEFINGER!!!!! I've been wondering for DAAAAYYYS who his voice reminds me of.... I could hear Jose saying "Knowledge is power"

[@wardog3248]

In my mind: Sand dan Glokta - Christopher Waltz, Jezal dan Luthar - Cary Elwes, The Dogman - Guy Pearce, Bremer dan Gorst - Brock Lesnar, Ferro Maljinn - Summer Glau, Collem West - Jason Statham, Logen Ninefingers - Scott Glenn

[@JJuliaSmile]

I am praying for Stephen King to be here one day🙏🏼

[@vaishnaviyadav2641]

Hadn't heard of the series until now but seeing how cool an author Joe is, now I can't wait to pick up the book P.S. BTW congrats Daniel on 200K subs

[@SourceNinjaOne]

This is the second trilogy in the First Law universe, start with The Blade Itself if you're interested in his works (the universe is composed of the first law trilogy, three standalone novels, then this trilogy)

[@vaishnaviyadav2641]

Thanks for the information

[@joshualillard782]

Daniel Greene I highly suggest reading Blood Song if you haven't already

[@The_Default_User]

oh boy i envy you :D Good Job keep the good stuff coming please!

[@bandgweddings]

Please could you also get an interview with Ben Aaronovitch. Have you read Rivers of London? Him and Joe are my favorites!

[@SS-rr7by]

Awww yiiiiiiiiiiiiis