The First Law: SPOILER TALK - Red Country by Joe Abercrombie

This episode of Mike's Book Reviews continues his journey into the world of Joe Abercrombie's "grimdark" fantasy tale The First Law. This is a full spoiler review for Red Country, so use caution if you've not read the story yet.
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[@timswabb]

There’s nothing to gain from Logan’s POV. We know him. I found it much more enjoyable to see other characters discover who he really is, good and bad. It’s also scary knowing that he might kill anyone at any time, even the POV characters he loves and protects. It’s like living on the side of a volcano. As for Cosca, he’s drinking again, okay? He’s not being redeemed by the woman who was like a daughter to him. He hasn’t sworn off drink. He’s fallen off the wagon, and what’s worse he has money and mercenaries to help him get what he wants. But what does he really want? He thinks it’s money, but it’s not. He wants another chance, but he’s going about it all wrong, because he’s stopped caring. That’s why he likes Temple and Spillion Sworbreck, precisely because they feel the sense of disgust he has lost. And that’s why they both betray him. I’m sorry it didn’t work for you, and I’m glad it did work for me! By the way, my favorite moment in the entire book was when Friendly’s eyes lit up at the mention of prison! I could not stop laughing! While this could work as a stand alone, I found it much more enjoyable because I knew several characters after reading the other five books. Also, I highly recommend the audiobook.

[@rolandburnett9171]

So...Nicomo Cosca. I really liked him too. He was my favorite character in Best Served Cold; but I think it was good honest writing on Abercrombie's part to have him end as he did. Once you got past the charm and charisma he was always just greedy, self-destructive and self-serving. Once time and the booze eroded away his competence and charm that's all that was left. A lesser author might have given him some last redeeming moment of glory, but Lord Grimdark don't roll like that.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I’ve heard that argument and it makes sense. I just don’t have to like it. Heh.

[@rolandburnett9171]

@@mikesbookreviews I hear you. I felt Joe did him dirty the first time I read Red Country also. I loved him during the siege of Dagoska and he really was my favorite character in Best Served Cold.

[@chasemarkart6592]

Xactly! I feel like this is just how cosca would act once he regained his power over the 1000 swords or whatever the name is now

[@darbyhardy1118]

100% agree with this

[@juju10683]

I agree with this. You have to be realistic.

[@LocoDirewolf]

I feel that Lamb's character was well done. He's the man with no name, a mysterious stranger with a hidden past. I think that a POV from him would have spoiled it. (Logen/Bloody-Nine/Lamb is one of my all time favorite characters in all genres.) He's older, wiser, and trying hard to change. You have to be realistic about these things 😉

[@mikesbookreviews]

He was the bright spot in an otherwise drab adventure for me. The dragon people and Shy just made it a slog.

[@melodicmarc7368]

When I first read this book I felt exactly the same as you did about Cosca and that this book ruined his character and it didn't make sense. However after rereading the series, I respect Joe so much for how he wrote Cosca. Cosca wasn't a great likeable character in the original trilogy. When we meet him in best served cold he is at rock bottom. He stops drinking just to best Morveer. He is a very likeable person when he is sober. However you can see that he doesn't really care about others besides Monza. But you also learn that he was betrayed and kind of had it coming because of his drinking problem. At the end of Best Served Cold he starts drinking again because Morveer is dead. Once Red Country starts Cosca is a drunk asshole who doesn't care about anyone else and is very unlikeable. Basically drunk Cosca and sober Cosca are different people and alcohol ruined his life. Which feels very real and is good writing in my opinion.

[@LocoDirewolf]

I've always seen Cosca in the light that he was portrayed in Red Country. A selfish drunkard.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, he's totally a drunk uncle...but he was MY drunk uncle.

[@GiraffeFeatures]

The fact it took you till red country to notice this is more on you than it is on Cosca, he was like that from the beginning, it’s also why people love him.

[@LocoDirewolf]

@@GiraffeFeatures, LOL

[@hellobill5329]

Undoubtedly my favorite of the stand alone books! Lamb is what made the book for me, I just like the character so much. And having Shy be lost about the whole thing while I’m sitting back and reminiscing about the Bloody-Nine made the whole book super enjoyable. Plus, with shivers lurking around I had to sit on the edge of my seat hoping Lamb made it out of the book alive. Not to mention Cosca, the greatest general to ever live! A sad ending, but I’d expect nothing less from Joe.

[@primalbatin]

i think u missed the point. they didnt make Logan boring, they aged him. Logans whole thing is he hates the fact that once he becomes the bloody nine both foes, and freinds are just meat for the mud. The way they started this book and then slowly began to tell who he was had me YELLING when i got to that part. im not mad at your opinion but this was Abercombie showing off to me. its a must read and i enjoyed so much of just logan fighting and coming to terms with the fact that the past will always catch up and to protect what you love you may have to become who you hate.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I wouldn’t say I “missed” anything as much as it just didn’t work for me.

[@primalbatin]

@@mikesbookreviews i see how some could feel that way, i just love these charecters so much that i accept that there will be change, things get old, people betray. Logand weary and wimpy personais the farthest thing from the bloody nine, so i felt the pain when he made the decision togo back. Where Cosca's arc went its all understandable for this grim dark world. keep doin whatcha doin man i like your review style.

[@Auron200004]

I do agree that Shy South as a protagonist is kind of meh. But I loved pretty much everything else. I felt Logen was done well. He's terrifying from other people's POV. It actually adds to the grayness of Bethod's rise to power when we get to see what other people see of Logen. The Glama Golden fight in particular is one of my favorite moments in the whole of fantasy. His oh shit that happens once he realizes who the man hes fighting is was both awesome and terrifying.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The circle is always the best part in a First Law book, I agree.

[@rolandburnett9171]

Oh yeah. When he's getting his ass beat into the mud and then the switch flips and he starts giggling; rising up again as the Bloody Nine.....chilling.

[@aaronjudkins8314]

I loved Red Country. I respect your opinions and see where you’re coming from but I feel that Cosca got a fitting end. How he was portrayed in the book is what I’ve always seen him as. To me Lamb is exactly how his character would likely behave after seeing and doing what he’s done, trying to make a new life for himself and reverting back to old ways to do what needs doing.

[@ryanvanvossen]

I loved this book. I liked Shy but I don’t think she was really the main protagonist. This book was about Logen, how he moved on since the scene with Black Dow, and how he continued to lie to himself like he has from the beginning. He couldn’t wait to get bloody again, which admitted to multiple time in this book. It also sets the table a little bit for the second trilogy. The ending with Shivers and Logen was satisfying to me because I love both those characters. Nicomo wasn’t going to get more likable with time and I completely think this was a realistic portrayal of what his character would look like as an older version of himself. Also, I think I came away from this liking Shy more than I did Monza for some reason. By the end of BSC, I was pretty exhausted with Monza’s never ending vengeance and definitely more interested in most of the other characters around her.

[@kevinl4711]

I'm just glad you reviewed it even if our opinions are different. I liked the more mellowed out bloody nine trying to redeem himself. Keep up the great reviews!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Heh, I was kind of scared to, but I said I was never going to lie on these reviews. Most of the First Law community accept the divisiveness in regards to the stand alone trilogy though.

[@hajdukovic12]

I like this book! Red country is one of my favorites. Logen is my favorite chracter and i enjoyed in every mention of him. Logen fight in Beacon, side by side with Savian, was awsome! I like he managed to have a friend and family, who actualy cares about him. End of the book, also was satisfying for me. Shivers decision to not to fight is also a happy end for him, proof that people can change ! P.S. Great Channel! :)

[@mikesbookreviews]

This seems to be the most polarizing book in the series. Many love it, others can't stand it. I actually come down in the middle. I liked about half of it. Shy South I hope to never have to read again and the Shivers plotline just seemed exactly like the one in LAoK to me.

[@da3m0nic_79]

⁠​⁠​⁠@@mikesbookreviews Shivers had literally no plot line in this book, he appears in 2 chapters at the beginning and the end, so I don’t understand how this is a rehash of LAoK since he’s barely in this book, and he’s a major player in the former.

[@SonOfSeth]

I can understand that, that's similar to how I felt about Best Served Cold. Cosca was always just a narcissistic douche to me, didn't get any disconnects there. One of my favorite movies of all times is Unforgiven and Red Country reminds me of that, not that it's on the same level as Unforgiven, but pacing and all around deconstruction of "romanticized" rogue is all there.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can see that. I loved Cosca, so that's probably a big reason I didn't connect with this one. But I certainly didn't hate the book by any measure. I don't think Joe could write a story I'd hate. It just isn't one I'd revisit on a re-read.

[@matthewjudge3763]

My favorite book in the series. I listened to it as an audiobook, and I have to say it's the best way to consume Abercrombies books, the Narrator is the best I've heard. He absolutely nails the dark humor and voice acting. My advice just try it as an audiobook.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Oh, I've been told. I'd say 50% of the comments on my First Law videos are about the audiobooks. I just can't do audio. I'm too ADD while listening and I miss the big moments.

[@micah7492]

I gotta just point out your comment about the dragon people! I kind of agree they were a little boring, but remember they were working on some big machine made by Kenedias. They referred to it as his most important creation. I wonder if it will come in to play in the future?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Hmmm. Didn't even consider that. Good catch.

[@adamdeitrick8226]

Red Country was actually my favorite of the stand-alone books, but I totally get why you’d rank it lower. I just loved Crease and it’s filthy atmosphere and gang rivalries, plus I have a huge soft spot for Temple haha. Love the videos, man. Keep it up!

[@mikesbookreviews]

I mean, I have to love any cat who jumps out of a window when the big bad shows up.

[@rolandburnett9171]

@@mikesbookreviews Great moment. Seems not every everyone's cut out to be a hero! One of the things I appreciate the most about Joe's writing is that he stays true to his characters.

[@leslieoliverii9035]

@@rolandburnett9171 not to mention, whether Shy wants to admit it or not... his decision saved her life. If Temple had stayed, they would both be dead. SO I would say his cowardice won the day.

[@mrcliff3709]

I got Deadwood vibes when I think of Crease

[@russtin1]

I agree it was the bottom of the 6 but I still enjoyed it. Logan wasn’t the character we wanted, but his soliloquy after being asked “does death fear you?” was awesome. Logan is in purgatory paying for his past sins.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Very well said.

[@rareearthwalker4536]

I absolutely support you and your work that you do reviewing books. Watched almost all of them. I find your work very enjoyable. Though, in a way I disagree with you on some points. There were a few moments that i felt the pacing could have been better. I also agree that I think he should have fleshed out Shy south, to make her more enjoyable. I do have to say that I think Joe Abercrombie has a talent for taking expectations and turning them on its head, and that dedication to the grimdark reality throws some people off. Even if you expect it. We come in expecting one thing but never truly get it because you have to be realistic about these things. You expect Cosca to still be loveable rogue, yet was he ever? No. The reality is hardly like the storie, as joe likes to say. Lamb, is trying to be a better person, though, he truly isnt. A POV for him would have been nice, but I cant say I'm disappointed. Seeing him from alternate angles is very cool. Cause the bloody nine lives! An the unexpected resolving of Shivers was a suprise too. Not much turns out well in first law. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to more. Again, thanks for your work Mike. Keep it up!

[@mb.2247]

I loved that they never named The Mayor but we all know who she is. That woman is a SURVIVOR!!! lol

[@dontdoit6986]

I know. I thought a reunion with her and Shivers would have been great.

[@da3m0nic_79]

Lol IK, I had a feeling it was her and even though they never name-drop her I just KNEW it was her lol

[@j.o.4574]

Just finished! Sooo goooood!!

[@mirzunayedali1724]

Cant count just how many times my belly hurt from laughter "your boots are quite aggravating" "boots is boots" "what does that mean? boots is boots?" The practicals talking gave the familiar feeling of the northmen in the og trilogy But my fave part was th3 comraderie of savian and lamb Im a sucker for brotherhood(thas why i loved old guard so much) Their rrlati9nship made me tear up eep towards the end And uk It felt damn good seeing lamb meet an equal

[@robmcbride4576]

Just found your channel and I wanted to say thank you for the reviews and information. I drive a lot for work and prefer to listen to audiobooks. I go through them rather quickly and your videos have helped me in my selection of new series to look into. I love the first law series and I agree with most of your opinions with this book. Especially during my first listen. I just got done listening to all of them a second time in anticipation of the new book. I have to say that I found the second read-through of Red Country to be more enjoyable. I wasn't hanging on the edge of my seat, constantly hoping for more interaction with past favorite characters or some of the other things I kept wanting to happen (Like Shivers, Cosca, and Logan in the same room... how many ways could that go? haha ). Instead, I could just try to focus on enjoying the story I was being given. Having that mindset on the second read really helped. I dabbled in some historical fiction after going through the first law. Based on the beginning of your review, I think I will move onto the Prince of Thorns next. Thanks again!

[@mikesbookreviews]

No, thank you, my man. Nothing gives me more joy than being able to talk to others about these books, even if we disagree. I need to get back on the Thorns series soon. Got sidetracked by the Red Rising books.

[@AozoraZz]

I kinda liked this book. Maybe because I like westerns and so it made sense to me how the story was going. About Cosca, I'm glad he is finally shown in correct light. He always was a psychopath. I only struggled a bit during the fellowship scenes, where they were already traveling.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can definitely see why so many loved this one and I respect Joe for taking a chance and trying to keep things fresh. It just didn't click for me like others. And I disagree forever on Cosca. He was my favorite "drunk uncle."

[@AozoraZz]

@@mikesbookreviews Aye, a drunk and charming psychopathic uncle. =)

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@AozoraZz If he was like he was in Red Country for the whole series, I'd agree. But other than being a mercenary, I loved his charm in books 2-4.

[@SuperSuperdude88]

the beginning when lamb is at the bar and they track the first 3 goons was AWESOME i had chills within that dialogue back and forth

[@mikelewandowski425]

This one was actually my favorite stand alone. I clicked with temple for some reason but I do agree the Cosca portions were frustrating

[@gustabledance100]

Hey Mike, I discovered your channel last year and it was because of you that I got so interested in The First Law. Now I can say that I'm a huge fan of this universe and I want to thank you for it. That being said, when I was reading Red Country I just didn't feel connected with anything that happened there. All the previous books took me 2 days max to finish, they were that good, but this took me a week, it felt just so heavy because none of the characters where that engaging except for Temple which I actually enjoyed, but poor Nicomo, he had some great lines but I didn't like how he ended, I guess it could make sense due to the life he had, but to make him that despicable... And for the Logen arc, I think it was good that he wanted to be a different person, but I kinda wanted that he ended with that epic duel vs Shivers that never was, I thought these stand alones where some sort of preparation for Caul to fight him and the ending felt anti-climatic for me. I don't now if Logen will show up later because I'm just about to finish A Little Hatred (and I'm loving it), so I don't know if there's a reason Joe let him live, but as of now, I think it would've been a great end for ninefingers, even though I understand the reasoning that both Logen and Caul are trying to be better. But that's just my opinion, and I don't think it's a bad book, just that Best Served Cold was so amazing for me and The Heroes was great.

[@harmanpiano]

Really like your channel and I appreciate the differing opinion, but I have to disagree and say that I really loved that this was a western. SLIGHT SPOILERS: Small town shops, crossing the plains, circling the wagons, "injuns" (Ghosts), gritty prospectors, saloons, wagon chases, deuls and even that Mexican stand-off. It really felt like an adventure thru and thru, but then again I have soft spot for that time period. PS I also enjoyed the theme of transitioning into the industrial age.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! I'm perfectly okay with any dissenting opinions. This one just didn't click for me, as much as I wanted it to.

[@harmanpiano]

@@mikesbookreviews Say one thing for Mike's Book Reviews, say he's an honest booktuber. Keep up the good work, you're one of the top reviewers in my book (pun intended).

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@harmanpiano Ha ha I appreciate it. Better to be honest about a book review than live in fear of the thing. Less than a month until A Little Hatred!

[@rolandburnett9171]

This is exactly what I liked about it also. I thought Abercrombie hit the tone he was looking for really well. I had to struggle to keep from picturing characters wearing Stetsons and bonnets.

[@darbyhardy1118]

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve been on a massive Abercrombie kick recently and I think the returning characters and different story lines just make it all so much richer for me. So I’m finding that for the most part I’m enjoying each book more than the last. I think the end of ‘NC’ was great and shouldn’t of played out any other way (obviously I just wish he could go on forever though, because he’s amazing and hilarious). I also loved the other returning character. He is my absolute favourite and did not disappoint (didn’t disappoint me at least), and honestly I was just excited to have him back haha. I’m a big fan of the cowboy and western theme anyway, so there’s that. Aside from that there is some awesome action, different settings, and a great amount of dark humour. I’m about 3/4 of the way through a little hatred and it’s probably my least favourite so far. I’m not too concerned though, because I’ve heard nothing but great things and I’m sure once I get more emotionally attached to the new characters I will be right into it. Unfortunately so far none of them are really doing it for me yet though. Afterthought: I think another reason I loved this book so much is I just finished the heroes and throughout that book Nine Fingers was mentioned quite a lot, but never ended up showing up. So when he unexpectedly showed up here I was super excited. Especially when he started doing nine finger things haha.

[@alibaba0428]

Hey I loved this book, and cosca end really felt like a natural conclusion . His whole speech about wasting all his gifts and potential really hit me . Joe did a great job writing a western all his description were awesome , I really enjoyed it . On to sharp ends and then a break with some Terry Pratchet before going into a little hatred

[@jasonkilmer7928]

I can see your point, but... Lamb's negotiations on the great plains are where you really feel Shy's terror of who he really is. And from that point on, the whole dynamic is awesome. I loved this book. Not #1 but not a weak entry by any means.

[@pyrosdestiny]

I absolutely loved red country.

[@youngwillis63]

Cosca's ending was so fitting. I agree the plot dragged but the ending for Logan and Cosca was perfect.

[@MrKylkyle1]

Respectfully disagree about Logan and wanting him to turn into the Bloody Nine instead of suppressing it. Lambs internal conflict and his deep introspection of knowing what he is, but hating the monster within is heartbreaking. Logan holds a special place in my heart. I love his character so much. In general, I enjoyed this story immensely. And the scenes where Ro comforts Pit for thousands of miles… gut wrenching. Love your content by the way. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@steelpenpirate]

We differ much on this one. Best Served Cold was actually my least favorite because of the lack of any semblance of a protagonist. Red Country actually gave some characters that you can actually understand their ideals and intentions. Logen was so well written in this book, as it shows his growth as a character and how much more control he has over his demon.

[@jericosha2842]

Interesting. You got me into First Law, but I loved this book. I liked the wilderness western influence and I loved Shy and seeing Lamb through her eyes.

[@Desh727]

This was my favorite so far 😂

[@Slayereyez]

It's unforgiven with logen ninefingers taking Clint Eastwoods role. I really enjoyed this book. I do understand your criticisms of the book for sure.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I can see that. It was still good, just my least favorite of the original 6 books. Which means it was still better than the best book in most fantasy series.

[@bobj2447]

Agree but had saccharin ending.

[@liamo7759]

Fantastic read characters excellent again

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

Thanks my man. Finishing Argument of kings, but wondering after the third book if I should keep going. Love these books though

[@andyappleton3353]

Just two cents from an Abercrombie fan, the stand alone books are definitely worth reading. Especially "Heroes"...and BSC is good too. I agree that "Red Country" is the weakest of the series but still worth reading just because it's Abercrombie's world. "A Little Hatred" seems back to his usual, trusted and expected style...if not even better based on something about the prose in his writing.

[@zacturf-n-sports6203]

@@andyappleton3353 well thank you, Im on the second trilogy now and man.... It took me a while to get past the old characters not being POV anymore, but after Hatred, the Trouble with Peace is absolutely one of my favorite books EVER, and Im only on track 11 out of 65. Just genius. I love clover too, what a breath of fresh air.

[@SirDawkinsthemad]

I personally loved Cosca in this book. I felt that his being a complete bastard was great and very in character. His villainy was the one bright spot in this entire novel, and getting killed the way he did was great to me. I think it fit very well thematically (the words I'm trying to come up with are basically just piling up and not coming out).

[@adamtideman4953]

This is how I would rank the standalones: 1. Best Served Cold 2. Red Country 3. The Heroes

[@grahamcrawford4773]

Just completed the two main series and all the stand alones - & it's clear Joe wanted to play in different genres with the stand alone books - The War Story, The Western, The Revenge, & Collected Short stories. I suspect he envied the freedom Andrzej Sapkowski was able to jump from genre to genre in the Witcher books with Central European literary abandon. I also think he suspected the traditional English fantasy market is uncomfortable with this type of tonal whip lash within a single novel - hence all the different flavours of books. Red County is an odd pastiche - the plot a collage of moments from Lonesome Dove, Blood Meridian, and even Deadwood. I think a lot of folk have found this an uncomforable fit for the First Law universe. For me, it was interesting to view these characters through the lenz of non Fantasy genre and see what happened to the character tropes. Obviously a Condottieri like Nicomo doesn't play well in the Wild West, where as the silent stranger with a mysterious past fit's Logan like a glove. Overall an interesting thought excercise but I understand why many readers will feel cold to one or more of the stand alones - esp Red Country

[@redheadbandanna1973]

I didn't like how Lamb kind of became a superhero in Red Country. 15 years ago I thought he could die at any moment. In Red Country he just hulked up and plowed though huge odds

[@VoidToForm]

I think that is what any scene with logan would look like not from his point of view, its just when we are in logans POV we get to hear him measure everything up, run the numbers, and all that. Then, instead of living afraid of doing it, he does the thing.

[@MysticXombie]

Just finished the book. I really enjoyed it overall. Started off a bit slow, though there was interest enough to keep me going. I liked seeing the travels of the characters going through the far country trying to save the children. I also liked the side plot and looming threat of the mercenaries causing havoc across the countryside. I know you say you disliked Logans character, but for him being an old man he sure did some terrifying things as The Bloody Nine still, like him taking on those mercs in the end. I personally liked seeing Cosca go down his path. We've seen the type of person he's always been. Temple even made mention that he saw the decentness in Cosca too at first, but old age has caused him to go crazier. Him turning back to the drink earlier in the series, I can see this dark turn for him being realistic. I was curious how they were going to end his character, since it's rare a main character dies. At first, him just being taken off as prisoner I was like "yet another main character has plot armor and will survive to the next book", but no. I was pleasantly surprised to see him pop back up and have the pathetic death he deserved in the end. He was the villain of this book in my eyes, or at least one of them. He had a fun character arc to read through and I'm satisfied with his end. The final duel between Shivers and Lamb had me on the edge of my seat. I was thinking there's no way Shivers could beat the Bloody Nine, but I also figured this would be a good time for the author to take him out. For Shivers to turn and let go of his grudge was an outcome I didn't see coming. The whole time I was waiting for their final duel and I must say I'm satisfied with how things turned out. Feel good endings are nice every once in awhile too.

[@mas.f.g9958]

I quite liked it tbf, had an almost western feel to it. I do agree that the characters weren't the strongest but still a unique take on the fantasy thing IMO.

[@AndrewsWizardlyReads]

Currently 50% into Red Country and it’s my favorite first flaw book so far

[@SuperSuperdude88]

YESS! im finally ready for this video. just finished it and i love it. i read a lot of comments saying nothing happens? and its a very SLOW western ish story? man they couldnt have been more wrong in my opinion. sure- i can see the " western" influence but thats it

[@wildbillhiccup4766]

I thought it was great, caught those western vibes right from the get go. These 3 one-offs are the equivalent of Abercrombie walking around the stage and playing solos with 3 different instruments. I think him pushing genre boundarys as him growing as a writer. Im hoping for steampunk vibes with a little hatred, between the cannons at the heroes, the coal boom and the talk of agricultural machines in red country I feel like its very possible. I only follow a couple of fantasy stories these days, and I think big fans of fantasy will probably side with you on this story and the heroes.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I definitely feel some of that with A Little Hatred. It has reached the industrial age.

[@wildbillhiccup4766]

@@mikesbookreviews Thats great, Ive got it sitting here, havent decided if I want to jump right in to it or not though.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@wildbillhiccup4766It was very good, but you will have to wait since it's a cliffhanger.

[@SuperSuperdude88]

OHHH i never figured the mayor was possibly carlot eider!! wow

[@cynthiaholmes5124]

I really enjoyed this book just like I did with best served cold and I actually love the character of shy she along with monza are my favorite characters in the first law series 😊🥰🤗👍

[@frmaha]

I liked this one and enjoyed reading it but it felt a lot more like a guilty pleasure than the others, which felt like they had more literary value. I liked Temple though and hope we see him again!

[@jimjohnson6944]

My favorite part of finishing each of these books is watching your reviews :) I don't agree with the issues you mentioned about pacing.... This was my favorite of the standalone actually. Hated Monza and found the heroes kinda boring. But enjoy listening to your thoughts!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for the kind words! I love when people disagree. That's what generates conversation. It seems that the stand alone trilogy is very divisive among First Law fans.

[@rigohook1160]

Talk for yourself. That was my favourite of all his books. Still is, and i've read them all.

[@adammalone2909]

I don't agree, still gave it the ol' like haha. I think all his works are fantastic, I love his style. He could talk about anything and I'd buy it. I enjoyed this one like I did the others, if not as much.

[@danrich7640]

This is Joe's western..through & through. I'm old enough to know just how dominant the genre was in pop media for the young boomers (gen-X, myself). The overarching plot is from John Ford's "The Seekers", Lamb/Logan's story is "Shane", the two-faction town is "Fistful of Dollars", Cosca & Temple are straight from "Unforgiven". There are so many other, but less chunky & obvious influences to mention. Cosca is not just a familiar skin over villian 2....this is the entirely possible, if not inevitable destination for a character who lives in the moment. The Western tropes are all here...fresh starts for villains, opportunities for adventure, risky escapes from poverty...and where else could a merc captain get work in peaceful times? Doubtful to be employed by the nicest folk, either. The writer himself, and the lurid tales he writes are based on Ned Buntline & his work. This is what a kid in the UK knew about USA history in the first half of the 20th century.

[@davewade30]

The Shivers/Logan duel that didn't happen made very little sense to me. I guess it was a small glimmer of Shiver's conscience shining through that he left Logan be, but based on his behavior in the last couple of books, it seemed out of character to me. Also, disappointing to build it up for the whole book just to have him walk away. IDK. As much as I didn't want Shivers to kill Logan, it would've been a fitting end to his character. But, I guess Logan Ninefingers truly is loved by the moon!😁

[@SuperSuperdude88]

in best served cold i figured cosca was about 50's and red country hed be about 70s. and logan maybe was 40s? and now in red country 60s

[@thatsci-firogue]

Just finished it. It's my least favourite First Law book so far but still an amazing read. My main issue with the book is that everyone is more interesting than Shy South. She doesn't have as strong a personality as other Abercrombie protagonists. Great seeing Logen Ninefingers again, he's my favourite First Law character. Not gonna lie, I think Cosca's depiction in this makes sense. Really does feel like he's truly fallen even lower.

[@joshuanowlin443]

I liked red country, and temple especially, I really got Saul Goodman vibes from him. I really liked getting logan as a character from another persons pov because it made him scary. But that ending with shivers and lamb was just a stupid anticlimactic cop out. I think you have rose colored glasses with Cosca, it seemed on point for me. I would rank this one 2nd to last, best served cold was the worst for me.

[@Threedog43]

Don't really get the idea cosca is done dirty. This is his exact character the whole time taken to logical conclusion

[@tyrandorp]

I agree with a lot of what you said - worse of the first 6 book by far. Shy South and her sibblings left me uncaring. Temple is the best character even tho he's not that great and i am pretty sure the mayor is Karla (sp? Audiobooks here) and no, it wasn't revealed. Lamb is also nowhere as exciting as I thought he would be - but i believe the same reasons that apply cosca that i'll go over soon also apply to him, even if that doesn't chance the fact he is a bit of a disappointment. However, I disagree about Cosca - he's always been a terrible person and has they stress in the book, the years have made him worse. Keep in mind that he is a major pov character in BSC and that the other major pov character is Monza, which for all her conflicting opinions of him, does have a lot of fondness. Abercrombie is good at making people come of differently when they are seen thru other's pov - Dogman for example seems a very reasonable and even civilized man in his own pov, but West makes him seem like an animal. And I felt that this what happened here - An older Cosca, full of bitterness and regret, shown through the eyes of people who despise him. It was a fine character portrayal imo, not an assassination... althought of course you are more than welcome to disagree :). Keep up the good work Mike, I really enjoy picking up the stuff you've reviewed and comparing my opinion to it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

That was it for me and Lamb. While it was cool to see him again, it didn’t feel like the last ride I wanted to have with him.

[@mb.2247]

I feel like with all of Joe Abercrombie books you have to focus on perspective - who is the story being told from. Everybody is a justifiable hero in THEIR own story….but in someone else’s that would appear to be a straight villain. Cosca is not absolved from this.

[@SuperSuperdude88]

YA! at first i LOVED and was so excited cosca was in it! but then boy oh boy i hated him! love the writer and his back and forth

[@thomsbooth4906]

It is a Western, Watch "The Seekers" John Wayne (his best in my opinion). Then re-read Red Country, I think you will gain new respect for this book.

[@connoriquada5429]

I agree that Cosca was a “shit heel” in this book but I don’t agree that it was out of character. Cosca has always been a selfish prick. Him being the way he is in this book made perfect sense to me. I love Cosca and it’s a shame he’s gone, as much as I like him, but he got what was coming in the end. I felt bad for friendly tho. His “what do I do now?” Was so genuinely sad to me idk why.

[@coleton7048]

Best Served Cold still number 1 baby! Oh yeah! lol

[@mikesbookreviews]

Of the stand alone books, it is far and away my favorite.

[@coleton7048]

@@mikesbookreviews mine as well. Have you seen the teaser trailer for The Witcher TV show on Netflix? Looks fucking amazing if you ask me.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@coleton7048 Absolutely. I was stunned at how awesome it looks.

[@coleton7048]

@@mikesbookreviews Same here. The last two shots in the trailer sold it for me. Looks so epic. I'm really hyped for the show. :)

[@thomaswootress-reidt101]

I finished this book last night and I agree, most of this book missed for me. Didn't like what he did although I respect what he tried to do.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Same. Joe couldn't write a bad book, I just am not crazy about Westerns and it felt out of place in this universe. But I understand why others love it.

[@briangallagher3106]

I liked Best Served Cold, Loved Heroes but I think this was my favourite of the standalones. I loved this book, maybe because I half read many reviews badmouthing it so my expectations were low but this book sucked me in. Boring did you just call him boring? Hahaha. No, this was great when he went nuts on the ghosts near the start of the fellowship was insane. Great book. I just read the first chapter of A Little Hatred. My expectations are impossibly high that’s a shame. I have to calm myself down a bit. Haha

[@llywyllngryffyn8053]

There are some good points in this story but the most memoralbe is actually a jarring anachronistic fail by Joe Abercrombie that knocked me out of my immersion and had me sputtering at the silliness. This story is clearly drawn heavily from the TV show Deadwood in so many ways but the rest of this world is not. The printing press exists, gun powder exists and cannon have only just appeared. So, 15-16th century equivalent to our own but with many other areas lagging behind, possibly because magic is real and some things are just no pursued as fervently. Yet, in this Deadood like town, in the ass crack of the world past a thousand miles of wilderness, savages, storm swept natural disaster alley, treacherous river fordings and people's abandoned furniture strewn along the trail... in a dilapidated hostel in this frontier town there is a room where you can bounce upon the SPRINGS OF AN OLD MATTRESS! Springs? Really? In the late 19th century when Deadwood was actually happening the first spring mattress in our world was crafted, no time for it to become widespread and certainly not old. So are we to understand that this world has had steel springs for decades before the steam engine? And that people cold afford to put them into mattresses? Clearly people who were not fabulously wealthy nobles? Such that they could be available in a seedy and rundown frontier flop house? Is there no editor for this man? I just finished this book so I haven't watched the rest of the video yet, but I will...

[@Vinnie2501]

Just finished it. I have to disagree. There were just elements I think you didn't see. Or feel. But they were there. Abercrombie isn't my favourite but in terms of Cosca and Lamb he did Great. So much we get of Lamb is through Shy.

[@night_waves_usa9518]

Thanks for this it's refreshing to hear someone finally give an objective opinion about Red Country.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I took some heat for it, for sure. But I will never bullshit anyone on these reviews. The problem was Abercrombie had been money on every other book at this point that it became kind of a surprise to me how meh this one was.

[@night_waves_usa9518]

@@mikesbookreviews I definitely appreciate the honesty. Some fantasy readers are a little on the fanatical side. Those people act like taking a critical approach to reading a piece of literature is a personal attack on their favorite author even though that's literally the purpose of an review. I agree with you that I still enjoyed Red Country, but it doesn't compare to Abercrombie's other works.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@night_waves_usa9518 Very true. This is why I have to preface every Wheel of Time review with "criticism does not mean I did not enjoy the book" because I didn't want to make the mob angry.

[@currangill430]

DON'T COME BY THE REDDIT PAGE EVER AGAIN MIKE!!!!!! Honestly, I really liked this book. I had more of your opinion on the Heroes. I literally had to use the audiobook to get through that book because I was sooooo bored. I don't audiobook (just like you) but for me I really dug this book. I think Cosca is well in bounds with his character but I do agree with that Lamb was pretty boring until at least he went Bloody Nine.

[@youngwillis63]

I agree dragon people part was the worst

[@bloodynine9017]

This book gives me problems man. Just finished it, all I have left to read is the age of madness trilogy. The biggest problem with this to me is shivers and Logen in the ending, Shivers would 100% have killed Logen I don’t understand any of this

[@irishknight6893]

Hey Mike, just finished this book..man I was so dang excited for it,fantasy western?!( I looove westerns),return of my favorite first law character in a unforgiven/old man Logan style but I have to be honest this book was really disappointing to me, absolutely butchered all that I loved about Cosca, he was such a complete POS, hated that he reverted back to being a bumbling drunk…I agree with you in in shock that my fav first law character was made… kinda… boring lol…but I do respect how they didn’t say the bloody nine or name Logen through out the whole book, but Jesus this book is the shortest of the first 5 books and it FELT the longest…still gets a 3.5/4 out of 5 but as disappointed as I am it was still just “good” but not fun and amazing like I’m used to…

[@mikesbookreviews]

Preaching to the choir. Hate what he did to Cosca.

[@irishknight6893]

@@mikesbookreviews yeah whole book was a big disappointment after reading 5 FL books in a row I did not need a break after any of them until now :/

[@irishknight6893]

@@mikesbookreviews what’s your discord?

[@SpencerDragonMonster]

I had a lot of mixed feelings about this one too, particularly the pacing and a saturation of forgettable supporting characters...to the point where so-and-so would suddenly turn out to be relevant to the plot, in a way that's played like it's supposed to be a reveal, and I'd be like, "Wait, who's that again?" And I'm glad to hear that wasn't just me about Cosca. That said, the series of emotional climaxes in the back end felt like some of Joe's strongest, most evocative writing to me...so it closed out on SUCH a high note that it overall feels somehow like both my most and least favorite of the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Such a waste of a great character.

[@SpencerDragonMonster]

In the OT, he always came across to me as basically a drunker, more grotesque-comedically scuzzy version of Bronn from GoT. One COULD play devil's advocate and argue that who he's become by Red Country is once again Joe cruelly fucking with our expectations for his characters...but nah, he really does seem like a completely different character. And no beating around it, I'd call him unambiguously the villain of this piece (can't think of a character from any of Joe's other books of whom I'd say that, but it applies here). His unexpected philosophical, introspective, regretful side near the end was an interesting dimension to him, though.

[@McKnightosaurus]

Lamb got to have another family. Cosca got what he deserved. To give him some kind of redemltion arc would have been disingenuous. This book continued the stories of well known characters in a remarkable way. I loved the new characters. I loved the world expansion. #2 First Law book. BSC is #1, but it's like really close.

[@SuperSuperdude88]

ya!! was disappointed with shivers! poor guy.

[@danielpenn5265]

I just finished the book, early on when it was unclear who took the children and why, and when they kept mentioning the gold coins etc., I kind of thought the Gurkish were buying the children to turn into Eaters lol, kind of wish that were the case, didn't like the Dragon ppl a whole lot

[@mirzunayedali1724]

... That idea sounds so much better

[@paragon1782]

I honestly rank this 2nd to last of the books in this world, heros was very underwhelming to me. This one is still very enjoyable but not as good as best served or the trilogies.

[@andyappleton3353]

I stopped the video at 3:31 because I'm only half way through "Red County." This book has disappointed me completely thus far. I feel the Abercrombie style but am disinterested in the characters. I feel like I'm reading this so I can get started on, "A Little Hatred" with a clear conscience. I have to read through the entire series. This is a chore rather than a pleasure.

[@andyappleton3353]

Having finished "Red Country," sadly, my opinion never really changed. This is the first Abercrombie book that disappointed me completely. It's not that I hated it at all. It's just that it's kind of like watching, "The Godfather Part III" after having watched the first two. It's alright for what it is on it's own merit...but what did it do to leave a lasting impression? Nothing. It's painfully obvious that Abercrombie wanted to do a traditional western complete with all the tropes but in his medieval fantasy style. But I have a few complaints. One was the seemingly incessant need to make the entire novel essentially a copy of any grand western we've seen before. I mean, everything from the duels at high noon, to the holdup surrounded by enemies, to the Injun attacks, to the hangings, and even down to the "Shane" speech. I just didn't love it because all those mores took me out of the Abercrombie experience that'd been building for the previous five novels. And another complaint was the needless use of previous characters. No spoilers ahead...but did the presence of Glama Golden or Caul Shivers really help this story in any way? Were they needed? And Cosca...last chapter....why? The Dragon People...did their entire subplot really matter at all? For a feared people...they sure were easy to dispatch. They had the feel for me like some random alien race encountered once and once only in a Star Trek rerun from the original series. Shy, Sweet, Savian, the Mayor, Cantliss, Papa, Majud, Waerdinur, Lestek, Corlin...did you ever really know or care about any of these characters? Even though we repeatedly read the story through Shy's POV, there's never any depth to her that makes her an interesting character to me. Temple is the one new character who made me feel anything. I feel like I did know the character...but didn't necessarily care a whole lot about him. That all being said, I still liked the overall feel of the novel well enough, but didn't love it in the slightest. If this was my first venture into Abercrombie land, I probably wouldn't have been back for a second time.

[@IamROSO]

My god I'm disagree with this review. Cosca is perfect in this book his exactly who he was haven't changed at all we didn't focus on him being an evil bastard because he was always surrounded by devil's like Monza Morveer, Shivers or Glokta. Mercenary groups kill, rob, burn and rape Cosca doing it whole his life I don't know why you think now he's looking like a villain. Apparently I'm in the group that loves this book ;-)

[@nbamaniac]

Cosca was already a piece of shit ever since the prev books. You just got charmed lol. Remember, POVs of the prev books always sort of unreliable. It's in this book that we see the grisly details of Cosca's mercenary life.

[@KenjuStorm]

Shame, I gotta strongly disagree. I liked this more than Heroes. Felt Shy was a great protagonist and Costco had it coming. Entertaining as he was, glad that bastard is in the mud. Overall one of my favorite books

[@eroz84]

Thick your love for cosca ruined the book for you. I actually think the new character are better than heroes and enjoyed the spaghetti western themes.

[@johndrake3472]

I agree, this wasn’t very good, disappointed.