The First Law Standalones | Are They Good and Should You Read Them?

Mike discusses the 3 standalone books within the First Law universe (Best Served Cold, The Heroes, & Red Country) and if he thinks you should read them.
Purchase Best Served Cold here: amzn.to/3Csdy0V (physical) amzn.to/3CjoEoG (digital) amzn.to/3xWQowD (audio)
Purchase The Heroes here: amzn.to/3ChKFEf (physical) amzn.to/3ChBSCd (digital) amzn.to/3RgrKy9 (audio)
Purchase Red Country here: amzn.to/3SBnbPK (physical) amzn.to/3UR1eyq (digital) amzn.to/3fuhOnp (audio)
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#MikesBookReviews #FirstLaw #JoeAbercrombie

[@destro6971]

My wife just started The Blade Itself. She's disabled and uses a cane or walker to get around, and shortly after she starts Gloktas first chapter I hear her yell out. "Yes! F'ING STAIRS!!!" Glotka has a new fan.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

That's great! Not that she's disabled, but her response to the book! I'm laughing 😃

[@tdraghi70]

I’ve never related to a character more then when Glokta laments the existence of stairs.

[@hhumca]

Great

[@ralphmurphy1659]

Glotka somehow ends up being the best character in the series, which is amazing when you consider what he does. But that is one of the strengths of Abercrombie’s writing.

[@Darkstar_Dayne]

​@@tdraghi70I had a back problem 3 years ago and it was terrible, I can feel Glokta's pain it's awesome

[@petararmanda8342]

In my opinion, you should absolutely read anything that is a part of first law series. It's grim dark at it's finest.

[@RPGcozMyLifeSucks]

Mike is the fantasy book reviewer for adults. No stupid voices, or shouting. Just a normal guy passionate about fantasy.

[@TheEternalElir]

That's what I love about him. DG puts his bare feet in the screen, bends over and does all kinds of weird things these days. Mike simply talks, and that's entertaining enough.

[@evanholdsworth6231]

@@TheEternalElir DG’s target audience is more young adult introducing them to some of the highest quality fantasy around its still admirable but Mike is more analytical and it feels like you’re conversing with someone who has just as much passion as you about books

[@stevenstewart782]

I struggle with DG s videos quite often. I like reviewers who get to the point of their video So many books do not do that the same with podcasters they just ramble On and on with no apparent Point point at all

[@connor_moriarty]

The Gorst POV chapters in The Heroes are some of my favorites in the entire series. He's a pathetic, self-loathing man but, he's also the best swordsman in the Union. His shrill voice and imposing size are cherries on that cake. Plus knowing how badly he's been unknowingly screwed over by Bayaz and other characters adds a nice sympathetic touch to him. A character that could only exist in Abercrombie's world.

[@farhad_s]

Gorst is the GOAT

[@mcnasty3758]

You guys think Warren would've taken him without a random spear happening? Or goust would've beat him 1v1?

[@Corlwow]

@@mcnasty3758 we’ll never know - that’s the beauty of it :D. I dont remember the specifics anymore but if i had the two against each other on paper i think Gorst could win.

[@mcnasty3758]

@@Corlwow I respect all of that comment. Buttt I have to fan boi to wirren of bleigh. He not only matched, but caught, goust in quite a few blows/match ups, that even goust himself was pumped that he finally had a "friend" to call his own in that fight and that ge was getting gassed. And was basically like 'who the fuck is this guy who is just as crazy as me?' Then the spear hit wirren and it all melts from there with craw who is the most moral and greatest guy I'm first law next to west I think

[@Corlwow]

@@mcnasty3758 you may be right, i havent read the scene in a while so am not too fresh on the details! :)

[@VenusEscapesToRead]

I absolutely loved Best Served Cold, can't wait to read the rest of the standalones!

[@RedFuryBooks]

What I love most about the stand alones is how different they are, and it reveals that Abercrombie is an author with tremendous scope. And I always find interesting how everyone has their favorite and least favorite that are usual quite different!

[@kennedypt]

If any of you listen to audiobooks the first law books narrated by Steven Pacey are superb. He is a fantastic narrator and really adds depth to the characters with his accent and inflection changes. Even if you have already read the books listen to the audiobooks. You won’t be disappointed.

[@SINW]

His Cosca is IMO one of the most memorable characters in all of fantasy. He brings all the characters to life for me.

[@kaiju_k5042]

Thank you, I had some Audible credits to use up and got like 5 Abercrombie books so can't wait to give them a listen.

[@kennedypt]

@@SINW Cosca, Glokta, Yulwei, Ferro, Black Dow, Whirrun, on and on. They’re all so much more memorable hearing them. How about Prince Ladisla? “Capital!” Say one thing for Steven Pacey, say he’s a talented narrator. Now I’m gonna have to listen to them all again. Lol

[@triciahon8043]

totally agree! I just finished my 2nd full listen through all nine books.

[@FKDotFitzgerald]

Shivers is one of my favorite characters in all fiction. His arc from the original trilogy, these 3 standalones, and then the Age of Madness is just sheer brilliance. Best Served Cold is my favorite of the Caul Shivers trilogy. Monza just gets shit done.

[@ericlusk343]

Red Country was my favorite standalone, which I hear is uncommon. I think I was just in the mood for a western when I picked it up. They're all great though. I'll be starting Age of Madness before too long.

[@beardfromtadcymru9714]

I'm with you there

[@angelaholmes8888]

It gets better in the age of madness trilogy

[@Tremain]

My favorite too

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

My fav too

[@BestnameIcanThinkof89]

Same! Red Country is one of my favorite books in the series.

[@teksnotdead902]

I'd also throw in Sharp Ends, his collection of First Law related short stories. Its much more satisfying than typical short story collections.

[@juerfe]

I started reading The First Law thanks to you and I'm loving it. You have a great channel!

[@BlissfulCounterstroke]

I'm roughly 100 pages from the end of the Last Argument of Kings. Never before have I looked forward to the commute as much as I have while reading this series. I'll be picking up the standalones after I switch back and finally finish the Expanse.

[@alexklozano]

I just finished Best Served Cold and I enjoyed it. Morveer and Cosca were the highlight for me.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Glad you enjoyed best served cold I read it last year 😎

[@NicolesBookishNook]

I have a bunch of Joe's books on my TBR. I'm absolutely going to check my library and see if I can get the ball rolling for this series!

[@bridleybateson5622]

As someone who has only read the original trilogy this was a huge help with knowing where to start next. Thanks Mike!

[@MaxwellCrafts]

Just finished Best Served Cold today! Amazing read, throughly enjoy everything by Abercrombie

[@titans1fan93]

I just finished the first law trilogy and watched your spoiler video of last argument of kings. Perfect timing with this one. Makes me excited to read these

[@TowerBooks3192]

perfect timing. I have been thinking of grabbing these and the 2nd trilogy.

[@eddiepolo6047]

It makes no sense to skip the "stand-alones" imho, to me they are "book 4/5/6 in the First Law series. With Sharp Ends being "book 6,5".

[@SuperSuperdude88]

i got into abercrombie through the discovery of youtubes " booktubers" yourself included! AND i went a weird way into the books.... i bought the heroes and read that first and i really liked it. felt like i was walking into an already established world- but was awesome still. NOW ive made my way through first law, almost done last arguments of kings! there is NO slowing down! these books have gotten me out of my " slump" lovin your channel, thanks for getting me excited to read again

[@tuffguy0134]

Mike, your review of First Law convinced me to give it a try a year ago. Man what a great trilogy.

[@formulaeternal]

I’ll check them out… great video

[@BaldBookTuber]

The Standalones are packed as The Great Leveler Trilogy in the UK/EU, and I tend to think of them as a trilogy. The intro was entirely correct, but the meat of the video was obviously fantastic. I rate them The Heroes/Best Served Cold/Red Country, and The Heroes is one of my favorite not just Abercrombie books, but books overall that I’ve read.

[@triciahon8043]

The stand alones are all magnificent imo! Best Served Cold is just awesome. The changes of Shivers alone is worth it as you read through them.

[@deelak2329]

I hear ya with red country but my favourite fantasy character of all time is in it, and the unfolding of him is just tooooooo sweet. Y'all know who I'm talking about hhaha.

[@KakashiHatake-ou7mp]

The PoV switches in the Heroes fight is all sorts of awesome!

[@some5794]

HA! I looooved that intro. I was like “is he gonna give a straight yes” and the whole “thanks for watching” was the cherry on top

[@Michael_L_Morrison]

Thanks . . . this is a very valid question for me, having just completed the First Law trilogy. I suppose I will go ahead with the standalones.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryantrippel6456]

I’m with you mike, absolutely adored Best Served Cold and The Heroes. Red country is meh. I don’t think I’d read it again if I were to reread the whole series. But yeah anyone who likes the original trilogy enough to want to read the sequel trilogy absolutely should read the standalones. They’re that good.

[@kylerieman221]

I'll probably be reading Best Served Cold in December.

[@angelaholmes8888]

I hope you will enjoy it the book is really great

[@Paromita_M]

That opening 😄 👌.

[@imaproblem4youtubecom674]

First 100 pages aside, The Heroes, for me, was easily the best of the three. Bremer Dan Gorst is a legend.

[@brandonatchison4769]

My first introduction to First Law was actually Best Served Cold. I picked it up randomly while shopping and absolutely loved it. I picked up the first trilogy not long afterwards and blazed through them. Definitely one of the best fantasy trilogies I've ever read and Best Served Cold might be my favourite fantasy standalone. I haven't read the other books in the series yet but they're on my shelf. Also Mike, I think I remember you mentioning you're not a massive fan of westerns and is that why Red Country didn't gel with you as much as the other standalones?

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

Red Country was my fav then Best Served Cold. I think Sharp's End is a fun thing to read because the short stories connect and point to a certain something included in First Law.

[@flyingsquirrel1486]

YAAAAS PODCAST

[@ivanlovrin1161]

I read the original trilogy earlier this year, absolutely loved it, then made a little break from the First law and just started reading Best served cold a week ago, I'm around 200 pages in. Loving it this far! Not having a single doubt about choosing to read the standalones before the sequel trilogy, especially after watching this video. Can't wait to start The Heroes since I really enjoy Joes battle scenes!

[@alexsav7427]

I'm fascinated with the original trilogy. Chapters with Glokta are just so delicious, my favourite character so far. Lines are so witty, writing style reminds me a bit of Mat from the Wheel of Time series

[@PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy]

Hell, yes! 😁

[@leedonnelly3103]

I got a gift voucher for my bday and bought the first 3 books bcoz of your recommendation, it's on my list to read but as it's Oct I'm reading Stephen Kings fairy tale which you talked about , also dracula and frankenstein ( which I have never read 😱 )

[@invisiblewok4108]

Loved the intro. lol

[@AmeiWasHere]

I plan to once I finish the First Law trilogy, almost done!

[@adamtideman4953]

Now this is a great video to watch... While I'm currently reading The Heroes 😅

[@farhad_s]

Really liked Best Served Cold and Red Country a lot. But Heroes was easily my favourite. That changing POV chapter! While Cosca and Shivers get a lot of well deserved attention, Gorst is my favourite from these books.

[@knotslip8862]

Thanks Mike, great video. Question, Is there a specific order these three stand-alones should be read in? An order you recommend? I'm thinking the published order but wasn't sure. Thanks!

[@jcwoodman5285]

YES!!!!!!!🤗

[@HotTakesDiscussion]

I love Best Served Cold and The Heroes - they might be my two favorite Abercrombie books. Red Country wasn't really for me but it was worth reading.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I didn’t like Red Country that much when I initially read it ten years ago (though I certainly didn’t hate it), but I just finished reading it again & really enjoyed it this time around.

[@SINW]

First Law standalones are some better standalones of any series. Each book is so tonally different, but still distinctly Abercrombie and First Law. They are must reads IMO.

[@Ulmo90]

Read Best Served Cold and loved it, I'll get to the Heroes soon

[@Ribshack2012]

I haven't been as high on the First Law world as it seems everyone else is. The character work is good but I've found a lot of things to be fairly predictable. I liked the Bayaz twist in the original trilogy but recently when I read The Heroes, I didn't like that he re-used the same plot point of Bayaz was behind it all. It's fine, but it just felt used and like he's making ways to set up the sequel series. I'm excited to read Best Served Cold and the sequels (less excited for Red Country, but still on my list to read), and I hope I like them a lot more than the ones I've read so far, which I'm just lukewarm on. Glad to hear your thoughts though, as always Mike!

[@ArtSnob101]

Dude I don't care about production value on book tube I just care about your opinions and thoughts and sometimes it's a little icing on the cake to see some cool art of my favorite books

[@brentasmith]

I have a really hard time of picking a favorite of these between BSC and TH. Also wonder if I might like RC more on reread, but I don't think it really could rise to the level of the other books for me.

[@Speed202]

That opening chapter of BSC is something that gets better and better each time I read it. There are so many subtle hints there foreshadowing the tragedy to come. Listening to Stephen Pacey's audio is excellent as well for the text.

[@jttavares]

One of your best intros! 😂

[@MrHellgate82]

Yes of course, and in correct order Shivers, Bremer dan Gorst and Nicomo Cosca absolutely shine in these books

[@patrickspencer5033]

Great Intro

[@Juanpa_SC]

Very excited to read the standalones! NGL, I need some answers after how LAoK ends...

[@hikethemike7349]

yes

[@reaper2r]

Should we start calling the standalones the Shivers Saga?🧐

[@WildWolfGod]

Honestly, that's essentially what it is.

[@In-hoc-signo-vinces]

read it for tunny and yoke! Its like blackadder and baldrick

[@paulyoung6070]

short answer yes

[@stevenstewart782]

I've seen them referenced as the Leveled trilogy when sold as a group

[@joshdoe3507]

I think my favorite thing about Abercrombie is writing is his ability to take even the background characters, the noise, the soldiers just marching in the army and make them feel like real people.

[@firvantavan2793]

Yes. Yes you should. Still looking forward to watching this video later tonight, tho.

[@markusbisma5015]

Yes and I can recommend Best Cold Serve as entry point for the series. Cause some people prefer standalone book.

[@SINW]

I think that is such a weird recommendation as foundationally yes it functions as a standalone, but you are missing so much on some of the main characters in the story.

[@markusbisma5015]

@@SINW I know some people who are not going to read series of books. It's great to hook them to the series.

[@beardfromtadcymru9714]

Definitely! (I'm one of those of those people who thinks Red Country is the best)

[@angelaholmes8888]

I did enjoy red country 🙂

[@ericlusk343]

I love Red Country as well. Nicomo Cosca is great.

[@SINW]

@@ericlusk343 Cosca is one of my all time favorite characters in fantasy. The audiobooks are extraordinary.

[@Winegarner]

I have not read them yet I'm about to finish little hatred but I think im going to read these 3 first before I continue with age of madness I want to know everything about this world

[@danielmarklund3555]

Should you read the standalones in order? I’ve just finished Best served cold but The heroes was out of stock at my book store so I could only get Red country. Should I wait until I can get my hands on The heroes or could I start with Red country already?

[@alexandruteodor3585]

I have about 3 more hours to listen from Best Served Cold. I like it a little more than the original trilogy, except the parts from The First Law with Glokta , who I missed in this book. I struggle to convince someone to read Joe Abercrombie's books. She reads books completely unrelated to fantasy and I thought maybe it would work to read Best Served Cold first, despite the heavy spoilers for the original trilogy. Do you think it would be a good idea? I read on Goodreads that it made some people interested in First Law.

[@readingwithrobson3911]

😂😂😂 in the opening scene I was typing “roll…..’yes’…..and cut”

[@rickylanglands4727]

I read the first law trilogy about a year ago now, I have struggled to get into a new book since! Should I go back and re-read the trilogy and then go onto the standalones afterwards?

[@Verlopil]

Can I ask the reverse? I've not read any of Joe Abercrombie's books. Can I read Best Served Cold without reading any of the other books, just to read a standalone to see if I like what he does?

[@royalewithcheese5639]

I feel like revealing shivers is in al 3 books is a slight spoiler especially in Abercrombie's unpredictable world, but I forgive you😂(just started best served cold btw)

[@someweeb4110]

dude, Red Country IS INSANEEEEEEE Best start to a book i've read in ages. We got "Lamb" dropping sick quotes and slowly cementing suspicion and HYPEEEE COSCA CHAPTER 2 I WAS LAUGHING PURE JOY FUCKING SHIVERS HAS COME FOR A NINE FINGERED MAN WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO IM ONLY A FEW CHAPTERS IN NO SPOIL OR YOU GET THE BLOODY CROSS

[@MetalGildarts]

Best Served Cold. Nuff’ said.

[@eroz84]

Just read the Trilogy and Best Served Cold… should I continue in order of publication?

[@theenoogie]

Great intro 😂

[@adamborst]

Slowly going through audiobook on initial trilogy due to slow access via the library, but it's worth the wait. Waiting on Last Argument of Kings currently. I cannot believe the humor. Mainly from the Northmen. I'm not sure if it'd hit the same way if I read it vs audio, the guy that reads them is so F-ing good. That said, you need to be realistic about these things.

[@stevenharper4160]

I also did the original trilogy and standalones on audiobook and so far I think they are best audiobooks I ever listened to

[@ethanr6394]

Personally, I find the Heroes to be my absolute favorite book in the series (I've only read the first 6 though). It's actually my favorite fantasy book of all time, and a top 5 book of all time for me, period. I also found Red Country to be just as good as the first trilogy. Best Served Cold has been my least favorite book in the series (which may be controversial...), but it is still excellent. In short, the standalones are amazing, I don't know why you wouldn't want to dive in!

[@s.p.8508]

Hey Mike, question: would you say The First Law is around same graphic violence level as Malazan? And also, does it contain graphic sexual content? I won’t read ASOIAF because of the sex and stuff, was just wondering if TFL has that stuff. Because if it doesn’t I may give it a try.

[@Corlwow]

Missing the standalones is like missing the second unofficial trilogy - “the great leveller trilogy”. There is one character in all of them and their story is my fav across all the books. Plus imo bsc and the heroes are 1st and 3rd best of all the books so skipping the trilogy would miss 2 of the top 3 books to offer. Sharp ends at the end of this trilogy as well is just great.

[@ToriTalks2]

"Best Served Cold is Lord Grimdark writing the Count of Monte Cristo" ... well alright then where do I start? XD

[@SINW]

The Heroes is Battle of Helms Deep if that makes you excited to read that lol

[@ToriTalks2]

@@SINW 😱😱😱 YES IT DOES

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I've read and enjoyed them, but I miss Logan. Caul Shivers would've been best off in trying to be a better man. I really resisted having to see Bethod's sons as people, rather than entitled psychopaths. Do you think we'll see Logan again?

[@SINW]

I think when you have a character like "the bloody nine", it makes it hard to write because of his berserk ability and the deus ex machina possibilities that comes with power. You end up losing some of the tension and I think as a writer those are some of the most difficult characters to write. Craig Alanson in Expeditionary Force series has a character that is quite "useful" and for me it can feel less like tension and instead how is this character going to use his world-breaking skills to get out of this one knowing well they aren't really at risk. Shivers being just a man means every fight the stakes are always raised because death is on the table.

[@daveedmunds1109]

That's like asking "should you drink coffee?" Mike

[@george65517]

I mean, no

[@j1gsaw]

red country is great I couldn't pick between it and best served cold. Sharp ends could have done with a mention in this vid too.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I talk about Sharp Ends for a full minute at the end...?

[@j1gsaw]

@@mikesbookreviews apologies that should have said "a bigger mention". Keep up the good work, reading the red rising series on your recommendation and it's not disappointing.

[@michaelshaffer3339]

You should read them for one very big reason: Shivers.

[@angelaholmes8888]

Absolutely yes you should read the standalone books my favorite is best served cold my least favorite the hero's love the character monza from best served cold

[@judditmore2701]

Overall I enjoyed the 3 standalones even more than the First Law Trilogy. I think Best Served Cold is the best of the 6 books. Haven't read Age of Madness yet, so can't compare them to that trilogy..

[@nikk345]

Finally, books that I think have better UK covers.

[@mikesbookreviews]

100 percent true.

[@MrHellgate82]

I like the Polish version even better (the latest edition from MAG)

[@nikk345]

@@MrHellgate82 I'd love to see it but I am having trouble finding it unfortunately. is it a black & white image of a woman holding a 2 handed sword?

[@dandickson3370]

Best Served Cold is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@PnutButtaJllyMan]

I'm so mixed on first law. Some of it I really like. Other parts I don't. I gave best served cold 2 stars when I read it last year and it kinda soured my desire to continue. I think a big part of my problem is my disdain for Cosca. I do not find the character remotely interesting.

[@hhumca]

Mike you are good. I had no interest of buying the stand alones. 3 minutes in your video...I am buying and reading all of them. Thanks.

[@PreppinShootinLivin]

100% should...I mean, what are you doing if you just skip them, if you love the first trilogy and plan to read the second trilogy then you have no reason not too, they are every bit as good as the trilogies and maybe even better in some cases. But yes....just reading everything all the way through is very satisfying.

[@thedeathstar420]

YOU SHOULD

[@bodybydre1470]

Can you read the stand alones without reading the original trilogy?

[@SuperSuperdude88]

i read the heroes first, and now that ive read the first law trilogy i would say i feel like i did miss out on some already established characters... but the book was still great.. prob best to start from the beginning.

[@tiananesbitt7156]

🏴‍☠️

[@alynam82]

I can't wrap my head around this whole idea of cherry-picking books. Can I skip the First Law trilogy and just dive into Age of Madness? Can I skip Dark Tower books 1, 4 and 6? It's like people don't want to enjoy the journey, but just jump right to the destination... Hey, can I read Wheel of time but just skip the slogg books?

[@jellevanbreugel325]

This should've been a 20 second video 🤣🤣🤣

[@numapompiilius]

For once the US covers are worse than the UK ones.

[@geocaching69]

Ultimately the characters are great but there is no plot. The books kind of suck and are very unsatisfying

[@Tremain]

The standalones are better than the main story, there... I said it

[@kylerieman221]

I'll probably be reading Best Served Cold in December.