Interview With The Author: Joe Abercrombie | Author of The First Law & The Shattered Sea

Mike has a sit down discussion with his favorite modern fantasy author and the creator of The First Law, Joe Abercrombie.
You can purchase the First Law trilogy here: amzn.to/2VUaQfC (physical) amzn.to/3yrbm48 (audio) amzn.to/3gJ8JVE (digital)
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#MikesBookReviews #JoeAbercrombie #TheFirstLaw

[@reaper2r]

Say one thing about Joe Abercrombie, say he’s a master craftsman.

[@user-py3ct3wj5d]

With a blessing of being a great fantasy author comes a curse of not being able to enjoy someone ' s else work without subjectively consnstructing a better prose.

[@JLchevz]

he's very witty

[@CTOOFBOOGLE]

Also he delivers. A book every 1-2 years for the last decade and a half, always hits his release dates. Some other authors could learn a lot from that.

[@yeahbutwhytho]

You gotta be realistic about these things

[@dougo753]

@@yeahbutwhytho I think you are the only one that got the Logan Ninefingers reference here.

[@fatir_9923]

"When the lights are turned up, the shadows are even harder" Its almost like this guy is an author.

[@goldenspiral6008]

This feels like seeing how your buddy finally gets a date with the girl he´s been in love with for the last 4 years.

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂

[@nataliethompson5266]

Nice interview! I find Abercrombie so interesting and some of your questions were great!

[@Terkoo1]

Best booktuber and best fantasy author together. So great.

[@Dwish305]

I’ll never forget how impressed I was reading how Glokta was struggling to get out of bed and negotiate stairs. As a physical therapist who helps treat patients with chronic pain, difficulties completing transfers out of bed, and negotiating stairs, I was amazed at the accuracy of it all. I knew Joe had some experience with these ailments when he wrote how Glotka would complain that going DOWN the stairs was always worse than going up, so true.

[@jennyjustjenny7634]

I struggle a lot with chronic pain, especially in my back and left leg and I really felt Gloktas stress with getting the simple things done. There are times I can't even use the toilet alone or get out of bed. It's so accurate in the books.

[@harrietimoukhuede3019]

Having broken my legs last year, the most terrifying thing when I was allowed to start walking again was going down the stairs. Going up was super tiring but okay. Going down was super tiring AND scary. Read the first 3 books before I injured myself but still very relatable now.

[@randomname4726]

I have chronic illness, am stuck in bed 95% of the time and find Gloktas dark thoughts so relatable. Incredibly well written.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

I once had a slipped disc in my back very relatable, wasn't able to move for a week

[@tamber9893]

Same for me. While working as a nurse, and with physical therapists, I see alot of people struggling with mobility. Loved to get in the head of Glokta

[@PetrikLeo]

For a video consisting of a grimdark reviewer chatting with my favorite grimdark authors, this video put a smile on my face. Such a wonderful interview, Mike!!

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Phenomenal interview! Excellent questions, and brilliant answers. Too many points to discuss in a comment, but I loved Joe Abercrombie’s answer to the question about whether Malazan is grimdark. The relative lack of cynicism is a terrific answer. Are you convinced, Mike? 😁 Thanks so much for this - a huge highlight of the year for me!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Both are Grimdark. But at least First Law makes me laugh.

[@etluxaeterna]

Oh damn shots fired! P. Chase 1, Mike B 0. j/k

[@3choblast3r4]

@@mikesbookreviews Bro malazan is so confusing... some call it grimdark.. others claim it's YA .... I see there are two different malazan by two different writers... and neither have particularly high scores on goodreads yet I always hear peope hype up malazan

[@GeraltOfArabia]

Joe Abercromie is honestly the most observant fantasy writer I've ever seen. Makes sense as he's good with characterization.

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

I keep reading the title & have started the video and still can’t believe it. Too cool!

[@lucifer2133]

The audiobooks are so convenient for me, as I work on a PC all day and don't feel like staring at a page in the evenings. Steven Pacey is indeed the best I've heard, ever!

[@MyBoomStick1]

I love audiobooks cuz I can ‘read’ while walking the dog, driving, cooking, cleaning, etc.

[@zerohero6602]

Steven Pacey takes the books to another level. He's a master

[@tiagocruz6769]

Too good! As he has somewhat ruined other audiobooks now for me haha

[@BryanErskine]

Steven Pacey is one of the best narrators I’ve listened to. Wild how good he is. I prefer him on 1.5x speed though.

[@IndyJoner]

‘The Muse comes to those who are already working’. That’s some profound shit right there

[@mikesbookreviews]

He does have a way with words.

[@Johanna_reads]

Fantastic discussion, Mike! I especially loved your question about how Abercrombie balances violence, heartfelt relationship dynamics, and humor. His response about not seeing these things as separate speaks to what I love about Abercrombie's writing so much! Everything feels integral in his stories, and yet he is a master at refining each aspect! Thank you both!

[@thebrothersgwynne]

Mike, this was so enjoyable to watch. We could listen to Joe talk all day, especially with your top-notch interviewing and awesome questions. Looking forward to reading Wisdom of Crowds! Ed & Will

[@JerodimusPrime]

Love you guys channel. Keep up the good work.

[@gator7082]

I had never heard that quote from Tolkein about Gandalf using the ring if the stories had been based on the great wars. That is pretty significant if you think about it.

[@theandrewcummins]

Kind of blew my mind tbh.

[@spyroskamilalis2515]

A Joe Abercrombie project, for which he's reading history of Byzantium and lives of saints, that has more fantasy creatures in... I never knew I could be an even bigger far of this guy! I don't care if takes years before this project lands, I'll be here to read and reread it! Congratulations for this great interview.

[@JLchevz]

that sounds insanely good

[@meatsack3938]

I was at a online book event for the release of his last book where he discussed it. Explained it as a sort of priest vs demons exorcist story

[@emmettfitz-hume9408]

@@meatsack3938 Take my money!

[@herrschneider5310]

sounds like gurkhul as a setting, maybe after the things that happened in age of madness we get to see ferro again.

[@jacknixon2812]

"He's a sword guy,he swords a lot of orcs," Wiser words have never been said

[@praetorxyn]

The one about Glokta's teeth was mine. I'm claiming at least partial credit for stumping Lord Grimdark 🤣

[@jujubean9063]

I’ve been on an Abercrombie binge. He is the Shakespeare of modern fantasy. I’m always blown away by his characters and their arcs. The stories are a bit depressing at times, but I appreciate the realist approach. I love Sanderson, but Abercrombie might be my favorite at this point. I like his books more that the lord of the rings, more than the wheel of time, more than a song of ice and fire… He is an incredible writer. Btw, the audio versions narrated by Steven Pacey are phenomenal.

[@currangill430]

I kept saying "I'm going to just stop after the first trology and read Witcher" but I couldn't stop. His writing style is so good and addictive!

[@avantgardenovelist]

@@currangill430 which do you recommend after first law?

[@currangill430]

@@avantgardenovelist Farseer by Robin Hobb

[@avantgardenovelist]

@@currangill430 onnit, thnx

[@currangill430]

@@avantgardenovelist I don't actually reccommend the Witcher books. They're....fine? First Law is 9/10 and Witcher would be a 5/10 tbh. Robin Hobb hower is right up there with Abercrombie. I do reccommend also checking Abercrombie's influence David Gemmell. His books are nice and short and packed with action like Joe's books. Book one is a bad look into Gemmell's writing.

[@Octavius0]

Good interview! The Heroes is possibly my favourite work of fiction.

[@theandrewcummins]

The Heroes is outstanding. Best Abercrombie book by far.

[@blueeyed5074]

@@theandrewcummins I'm not alone..

[@jn4126]

Really? Wow, I've read first law countless times, and recently done age of madness but struggled getting through best served cold for some reason so not done the Heroes. But if its that good I will have to plow on

[@ivanlovrin1161]

My God, how can an hour and a half fly by so quickly?? Such a great interview! :D Mike, your shelves are awesome, but Joe's... Totally out of this world!

[@sethdavidirwin3918]

How does it feel to achieve badass level, Mike? Awesome interview. Joe Abercrombie is such an awesome individual. I bought his books because of your adoration and now I am glad I did because of how he handles himself as a person. Bravo. All around. Bravo.

[@derylminnich2489]

Joe is by far my favorite author. And I have you, Mike, to thank for the introduction to the first law world, so thanks to both of you!

[@tannerteague4595]

Man the parts about him reading a lot of non-fiction were dope, particularly in regards to Cosca. A lot of authors seem to use their non-fiction reading to influence their world building and plot devices, but Joe channels that into his characters to a higher degree it would seem. It's probably why so many of them seem so fuckin real. Great interview!

[@notthis9586]

"I like taking all of the magical thinking out of it." He cements himself as my favorite author more and more with every word!

[@BaldBookTuber]

Awesome interview. Been looking forward to this, and it was even better then I expected!

[@atomicbaby832]

going through Before They are Hanged right now, absolutely loving it!

[@xHierrox]

Im half way through it myself! Cheers!

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

Enjoy! It just keeps getting crazier.

[@lawd.8354]

The first book I read that Joe made was "Before they're hanged". Yeah, I know it is the second book of the "First Law" trilogy, but, there I was in a store (2-3 years ago) looking for some interesting books to buy when I suddenly saw this one. This only one really caught my attention, though. I bought it, I read it and I can say that I was really excited about such amazing fantasy book. I might say that Joe has an incredible mind to make fantasy books!

[@tylerblack301]

I finally finished The First Law trilogy so I felt like I could finally watch this! It’s definitely in my top 3 series of all time. The characters are what made it so good. Great job on the interview Mike.

[@thelemmiebee]

Wow! Thanks for bringing us this great interview Mike. I love Abercrombie and all of First Law. What a treat

[@YourBrainonBooks]

Great interview Mike! Thank you for bringing this to all us fans

[@giannimanzano9266]

I have seen over 3 hours of Joe Abercrombie content in the last 24 hours. I guess it's safe to say that I've decided what I am going to purchase and add to my TBR. Thanks for another fantastic interview with another fantastic author Mike.

[@grnberet9401]

Such a great interview. I am happy for you, to get interview one of your favorite authors. And I am glad we got to come along for the ride!

[@jackmorgan0]

I have watched a few of these interviews, and this one he seems most at ease and enjoying his time

[@rorymerrick9153]

Such a great interview! The Blade Itself got me back into reading a few years ago and Joe Abercrombie has been my favorite modern author since. This was great listening to him discuss the stories, characters and his inspirations. It's awesome to see that such a popular author is not a stuck up asshole, he seems genuinely down to earth.

[@alibaba0428]

I honestly can’t think of a writer I enjoy more than this man

[@ShelfCentered]

Literally the books have maps as covers, come on! :D Loved this interview, thanks so much to you both. Can't wait to read and reread all my first law books

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Great interview!! Abercrombie is one of my top authors now!! Excited you got to interview him.

[@odiums_taint]

thanks for such a great interview... Love Abercrombie! thanks for fielding our questions Mike!

[@beansandtoastplusbutter4168]

Thank you both for a wonderful interview. It was a pleasure to watch. Hopefully we'll see more of Lord Grimdark on this channel.

[@LOCATIONREDACTED]

Brilliant. Watched this in the gym of all places, thanks for making it. Brian Cox IS Nicomo Cosca!

[@t20sgrunt36]

Thoroughly enjoyed the interview. Joe is a treat and his books have been my favorite for years (read the first trilogy 4 times by now). Been checking your channel for years, probably back when you were under 1k fans. Glad to see you are having success.

[@LuxVi7]

I’m so existe to read Abercombie’s works. I’m getting to know such wonderful books thanks to this channel! Awesome interview Mike!!

[@jellevanbreugel325]

Brilliant chat! Joe is a joy to listen to. Well done Mike!!!

[@plungeybabie]

Great interview mate, really enjoyed watching this.

[@TheRealAlexSpitzer]

So glad this happened. Congrats Mike!

[@darren2880]

Love this!!! More interviews Mike 😊👍

[@roxieswonderousworld]

This is my favorite author interview you have done. I loved all of them but this one is my favorite.

[@thethreebears1]

Congratulations on this interview Mike. I’m so happy for you. He is just favourite author and you’re my favourite KZbinr. Win.

[@xHierrox]

So awesome getting the notification for this vid dropping as im reading Before they are Hanged with some coffee.

[@oniflrog4487]

Awesome interview Mike! Abercrombie seems so honest and genuine, and that sense of humor is 👌

[@IamROSO]

Great interview Mike, loved every minute.

[@ErikGuin]

Love Joe Abercrombie! I'm finishing up Heroes now but this is the first time ive ever heard him speak lol. He seems like such a cool dude. When you have a great author that has an equally great personality it makes you want to read more of their work that much more. Great interview Mike! Cheers to the both of ya!

[@ducky36F]

Awesome interview Mike! Always love hearing from Joe Abercrombie, very funny man.

[@madisongoodyear5040]

Excellent! Thanks for doing this.

[@DavidDecero]

Loved this discussion! All it took was my first read through of The Blade Itself to make Abercrombie one of my favorite authors.

[@Paul_the_Bookworm]

After watching an interview with an upcoming debut author where the interviewer felt everyone wanted to know about his life instead of his guest this was wonderful to watch. Thoughtful and interesting questions and you gave Joe the time to answer.

[@brianl6151]

Incredible video loved every minute. Joe is down to earth and very open which made it better.

[@_rohan_bhandari_]

Great Interview Mike! Always a pleasure to listen you discuss with authors! On a side note, the thumbnail indeed makes Joe look like a proper Lord! Next up should be Brandon Sanderson! Cheers

[@EnglishTheif]

Loved this. Great interview.

[@JamesHay1983]

Fantastic stuff! 1 of my favourite authors being interviewed by 1 of my favourite booktubers. I can think of worse ways to spend 83mins 😁

[@cap-tavating5862]

Wow I’m also a huge fan! Congrats Mike!

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

Great questions, Mike, and great answers, Joe

[@thomaswootress-reidt101]

Great interview. Mike, excellent as always out there representing the boys and girls. Joe, you absolute Giga Chad. Loved this video!

[@Leroy510]

I love that he mentioned Dragonlance. That series doesn’t seem to get much notice in the booktubesphere...

[@iCocaColaZombieGod]

Joe just knows how to make amazing story’s! Keep them coming !

[@BobShacklock]

Thanks Mike and Joe!

[@Bizarro69]

I love the legends but there's something about seeing a fresh faced writer of dense fantasy that feels incredibly heartwarming.

[@jericosha2842]

You're the reason I pulled the trigger and read Abercrombie despite my apprehensions of "grim dark." It's my favorite series I've read.

[@AverageJoesLibrary]

"bloodshed and tragedy in the sun" should be a tagline for his next series.

[@dpeady78]

Great interview. Man I love his dry English sense of humour

[@currangill430]

I watched that the full interview. That was the best Joe Abercrombie interview I've seen and I've seen all of them! Say one thing about Mike say he's a great interviewer.

[@johnmendez7829]

Great interview. I've never read anything behind him, but now I want to.

[@wizkeyjack]

19:19 Reminds me of how Steven Erickson feels about wanting to keep QuickBen's backstory in the shadows. Thank you for bringing us this sick interview Mike! :j

[@Lily_James]

This was such a great interview and had some very cool questions I haven't heard Joe answer before, well done! His new project The Devils sounds awesome already. I hope to catch him n person at one of his UK signings in the upcoming weeks. Btw, Mike, you might want to put some spoiler warnings in the description. I understand you were trying to keep it spoiler free and luckily I've read all the books so I actually enjoyed hearing Joe discuss some plot points / themes from the books but you might make some viewers sensitive to spoilers annoyed.

[@barrilrayder]

Great interview.

[@stewartmiddleton4527]

Excellent interview. Joe is my favourite author of fantasy...right up there with Robert E Howard. Great characters, and phenomenal battle scenes in every one of his books.

[@billyalarie929]

that non-answer is the best deadpan i've seen since that one scene in The Birdcage where the father stands up and does his... uh.... monologue

[@JLchevz]

Gonna enjoy this a lot

[@demidrek-heyward]

thanks Mike! I bought all three First Laws this year and am looking forward to finding time read them. Currently need to get through Crown of Swords & Valor..

[@trlspann]

Man, Joe is a great communicator. Wonderful interview.

[@danielsitaras8396]

Just subscribed, then check your videos to see this! Thank you Mike 🙏

[@nagamata]

Joe Abercrombie is the master of wedding humor and violence. Think about it, in real life, sometimes when something bad happens, it’s not long before the brain conjures up some ironic backward thought that’s usually left unsaid. Through his characters, Abercrombie illustrates this human quality quite beautifully.

[@KofiKrules]

Thanks mike! Great content!

[@Paul_Bond.]

Joe is a wonderful author and the fact that he knows Splatter-Punk makes me love him even more. Even though I have no love for that genre my self it speaks to me of reading. Read a lot of that stuff, some good, some bad. I suppose it's like any genre you choose to read.

[@ragnarvolorus2925]

Would i be wrong in saying that outside of Sanderson, Abercrombie is the most active Author in Sci-fi or Fantasy? He comes out with stuff pretty regularly, on average every 12-16 months?

[@JLchevz]

and with great quality

[@ragnarvolorus2925]

@@JLchevz Absolutely....Also, think we are in just an amazing time for Fantasy readers.... In short we are spoiled...lol

[@JLchevz]

@@ragnarvolorus2925 for sure

[@Kaladin_Stormbringer]

Say one thing about me, say I must have his bookshelves.

[@farhad_s]

Loved the interview, and looking forward to the day I can reread First Law. Do need to read Age of Madness first though. If he ever does return to the original trilogy, more Bayaz please!

[@djsuth7727]

Great interview & questions. I look forward to the First law TV series adaptation and Joe's ghost-writing of Winds of Winter ;)

[@alvinmarcus5780]

Good interview. Great questions. Did the job. And that's enough.

[@tommonk7651]

Some time ago, I read Abercrombie's Heroes book, completely out of sequence with any of his other books. I enjoyed it, and after watching this interview, I will be reading some of his other work. Seems really down to earth and someone who is a craftsman and thoughtful about his work.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@willforlife_]

Great interview Mike you did great

[@joseph_b319]

Mike is becoming the Larry King of booktube. Im sure in a few months will be The Master of Horror.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Nah. Blake Crouch’s publicist shot down my interview request in about 5 minutes. You could tell she wanted to hit me with an LOL, too.

[@joseph_b319]

@@mikesbookreviews Aghh bummer!! Well best of luck with future videos. I know they will come for you.

[@IskarJarak]

Ok, you convinced me to give the Lord of Grimdark a shot. Picked up the age of madness since I could still get hardcovers. Cheers!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Outstanding! I know you’re going to love it.

[@pillarmusic1641]

How Awesome! Go Mike! I love Abercrombie

[@spineknife2386]

Holy crap Mike. Congratulations

[@JudeauChop]

Damnit, I didn't know book 3 (6/10) was coming out so soon. Now I need to make sure I schedule to read it right when it comes out!

[@txmatt2112]

Let’s do this! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@TheGberg56]

Wish I could like this more than once. Awesome shit!

[@carterdahl9654]

The term grimdark cones from the table games called Warhammer 40k where the tag line is: "In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war."

[@sergiolopez6505]

I love his reference to James Ellroy. To me, his novels are Ellroy in a medieval setting. And I love them! 👍