Why You Should Read: The First Law Trilogy by Joe Abercrombie (Spoiler-Free)

[@mollygrubber]

For a real treat, listen to the audio books narrated by Steven Pacey. He's SO DAMN GOOD.

[@currangill430]

I really don't like his Logen voice.

[@currangill430]

Apart from Logen's voice I love his voices. Especially the Dogman chapters.

[@mr_noob5931]

Glokta and Vitari o for me..

[@caluminnes579]

mr_noob vitari is the worst have to say i rolled my eyes every time she started speaking 😂 all the other voices i love tho

[@currangill430]

@Justin Smith 😂

[@cloudbloom]

Around 5 months ago one of my nieces asked what I would like for Christmas this year, and this video is the reason I told her that I would really like to read these books. I was beyond thrilled when i opened her gift to see the trilogy box set, I had totally forgotten that I mentioned an interest in this series😁 Can't wait to start reading em!

[@Rbeavs]

Stop everything you’re doing and read the stand alones. Best Served Cold, The Heroes, Red Country...they are amazing...especially if you’re unhappy with the trilogy’s end

[@mikesbookreviews]

Rbeavs Ha! I’m already about 1/3 through Before They Are Hanged, so I’ll be there soon.

[@Unlitedsoul]

Glokta is one of the best written characters in all of fantasy fiction. I've often described him to those interested as an odd mix of both Jaime and Tyrion Lannister. Before his capture, he was Jaime Lannister all the way. Arrogant, charismatic, and an incredible swordsman and military leader. After captivity, he was physically broken, marred and ugly, and now had to survive on his wits and intellect rather than his physical ability. He has all of the intelligence, humor, and scheming of Tyrion wrapped up with the military experience, killer instinct, and general disconcern of morality that Jaime possesses.

[@artemislogic5252]

and some theon after his torture

[@cloudbloom]

Have you read Berserk? I see parallels with some characters

Now I have to read to read these books

[@coleton7048]

Oh boy... You're going to really love Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country. Some of the best book I've ever read!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Coleton Donaldson Can’t wait.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Finished (and reviewed) Best Served Cold yesterday. You were correct; it is fantastic.

[@gablo1089]

i read the spinoffs first, and yea they're amazing. Was also cool learning about the Bloody Nine from everyone elses perspective also, even though I had no idea who he was at the time.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

Oh and one more comment. If you haven't listened to the audiobooks then stop doing to reread on hardcover and BUY THEM. They are like a completely different story told over again, the narrator, Steven Pacey brings the characters to life! Trust me, as good as the series is, Steven Pacey makes them 100% even better. Please... PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE listen to the audiobooks.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It isn't a me doubting that the audiobooks are great thing, it's an ADD thing. I do not struggle with ADD while reading, but when listening, my mind wanders if I miss too many small details. Trust me, I've tried. Audio books & I just don't mesh.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@Tyler Kadle Even after the numerous suggestions on the First Law series, I listened to the sample on Audible and tuned out after about 2 minutes. It's a shame, because Mr. Pacey sounds very good.

[@tjthegreat7]

I gotta disagree with you on that one I am not a fan of Steven Pacey I tried the first book and nah he just didn't do it for me. Then again I am not a fan of audio books in general haha

[@prog112]

Aight damn it, I'll read it! Seems like everyone's raving about this author these days. Will have to balance him with my Sanderson dosage.

[@mikesbookreviews]

He’s very gritty, but he’s considered the best of the grimdark sub genre for a reason. The man can write fantastic characters.

ever read it? I couldn't get more than half way past the first book

[@gasjet2000]

Agreed- Abercrombie should finish ASoIaF. His books already carry the torch Martin lit, and Abercrombie knows how to finish.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Not only would he finish them well, he'd probably finish them in a year or two.

[@damp2269]

@@mikesbookreviews is a fine choice but honestly i just want more books in his first law world. i'm willing to leave ASOIAF unfinished for that...

[@captainkal2582]

Just finished the First Law. Thanks for the recommendation. I flew through them. Not quite in a week like yourself, but I got through the trilogy in a fortnight :P

[@matguerra333]

I don't hear anyone talking about the fact that the Abercrombie/Pacey audiobooks are better than reading any books and better than any audiobooks, ever. It may as well be time traveling.

[@danielvanrooyen9602]

I started First Law two days ago, hooked confirmed.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome! Enjoy.

[@DanielRodrigues-oe1bw]

Noooo!!! Joe Abercrombie SHOULD NOT finish ASOIAF! Joe and Martin have completely different writing styles. Martin in very detailed and takes his time to work out the details of a place, object or character. His prose is more complex than Joe's. Joe, on the other hand is more straight to the point and doesn't use very complexes words. While Martin writes in a more "expensive" way (for lack of a better word) Joe writes in a more simplistic way. Even if Joe tried to write like Martin, I think it would still look off in ASOIAF.

[@richardparchment275]

Hopefully no one else has to finish ASOIAF.

[@Mors_Umber]

I'll probably not read it if it isn't finished by the man himself. Looks bleak but I hope he gets to finish them himself. You're right. GRRM's strong suit is his unparalleled prose. I simply can't imagine reading anyone else's take on ASoIaF. It's him or nothing. Not saying other writers won't be able to write competently, it's just that George's prose is unique.

[@vincentl.9548]

You did it, I'm starting First Law today !

[@mikesbookreviews]

Buckle up. It’s a wild ride.

[@allbookedup8802]

Just found your channel - great content! I literally just today finished my own re-read of this trilogy and I agree with you, it deserves more than its cult status. I love how Abercrombie sets up the story with lots of the normal narrative beats that you'd get in a typical fantasy story (war against an "evil" empire, wizard mentor, quest for a mysterious magic item, etc.) but totally subverts all the tropes. I decided to go for the audiobooks for the re-read and Logen Ninefingers comes across really well when you actually hear his dialogue. Can't wait to get on to some of the other books in the world! Keep up the good work man!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks a ton for the kind words. You just nailed what makes this series stand apart from every other fantasy series for me. It has those tropes that you'd expect in any traditional fantasy tale and then pulls the rug out from underneath of you without insulting your intelligence. All of Joe's twists are earned and have an impact.

[@irockmajorly]

The audiobooks add SO MUCH to the characters honestly. Love that he gave Glokta a lisp even though there's no mention of one; the narrator was very attentive to details like that.

[@rosinegrean]

Just got them, after I finish the last 2 volumes of Malazan, will start reading

[@mikesbookreviews]

Yes!

[@darkrurouni1]

I've had a copy of First Law on my bookshelf for at least 10 years. Finally going to dust it off and give it a read. 4

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@ThroatJunk]

I’m going through all the videos I haven’t, but should have, watched by you. I’ve read ASOIAF more than 11 times and got obsessed with KZbin because of theory videos. (Preston Jacobs mostly) I read first law the first time and didn’t know why I loved it until Best Served Cold. After reading everything, I re-read everything. Then, I re-read everything. It has taken my top spot in fantasy. Your love for this series is the reason I trust you as a book review/ KZbinr. This video is as vague as you can possibly make without spoiling things. Your ability to walk this line is incredible. I find every re-read of this series to be infinitely better than the last. It is honestly the most fantastic book series I’ve ever read. The new series is blowing me away already with one book. I love your content. Keep on keepin on.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks for feedback. I was pretty raw at this back then but always wanted to have the approach of talking to a friend at the bar after work. I’m just glad this vid has gotten so many people to try this fantastic series.

[@cihuacoatl1887]

I got into these similarly and now i love them the same as ice and fire, maybe even more in dialogues and tone.

[@mikesbookreviews]

The fact that Joe actually writes pushed them over ASOIAF for me.

[@damp2269]

the dialogue definitely is better in First Law.

[@damp2269]

@J K you are right, the fact that i can't really quantify it means a good measure of my taste influenced this but somehow the first law characters seem more real, not going to lie ASOIAF characters seemed more real than everything before tome as well but first law takes it up a notch in that department and i'm not the only one that thinks that way. Also the banter and witty retorts are just ...... i got no words for how good they are. so TLDR it's was my opinion not fact and i forgot that i have to preface everything with IMO these days. fyi i think of myself has a noob reader and authority on nothing.

[@AdoreYouInAshXI]

This is the best fantasy series of all time, for me. Most people think of A Song of Ice and Fire when they think of the best, and it's right at the top, but First Law beats it out in my opinion. Especially if the book series (ASoIaF) ends in the same way the show did. The show has left a sour taste in my mouth for Ice and Fire. First Law is just so much more of a tighter, cohesive and entertaining read. It may not be as complex, have as many characters or as much world building by any means, but it's still more FUN to read. PS I love your expression of "YA GARBAGE!" and Ice and Fire ripoffs. Way too many of those out there. Have you read the spin offs yet? I'm so jealous, I wish I could go back and read them again for the first time. They're every bit as amazing as the First law trilogy.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha ha I get a lot of pushback about my opinions on YA material. Some of it good, to be fair, and you need some "candy" once in awhile that's easy to chew. It's just when all people my age read are YA stuff that I just don't get it and I find myself on somewhat of a high horse about it. Also, a decade ago I would have said ASOIAF might be my #2 fantasy series all-time (behind LotR), but his lack of desire to actually finish the story has muted that enthusiasm quite a bit.

[@sherryberry6558]

Reading last argument of kings right now

[@mikesbookreviews]

Dude. That ending. Get ready.

[@Lanterns_light]

New sub. I chose your vid review to watch being that you are an older person and I’m looking for things that appeal to older audiences. Very happy to hear your comments about YA trash :) My interest wained half way through the first wheel of time. Planning on going back I guess.

[@mikesbookreviews]

D Howison Wheel of Time is definitely more traditional with clear cut good and bad guys. Abercrombie doesn’t do that. They’re all real bastards. But bastards you find yourself rooting for.

[@Dragoon803]

Bought The Blade Itself. Expecting it today. Can't wait to dig into it. I tried reading the Wheel of Time, but like you said it's very black and white with the characters and I just didn't feel like I connected with anyone in particular. I much prefer a story with messy characters as opposed to clean cut "good" vs "evil" type of stories. Great review. You got me hyped. Thanks.

[@guiledazen44]

I keep getting distracted by that Shallan artwork at the back. So beautiful.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It really is. Signed by Lord Ruler Sanderson, himself.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I dig the screen name, by the way. Currently on book 2 of Lightbringer.

[@guiledazen44]

@@mikesbookreviews Then I'll be looking forward to your review of it. Book 3 was probably my favorite by far but it was the 4th that made Andross my favorite character.. hence the screen name. Really hope your channel blows up man. I follow a lot of booktubers and you're already better than most of them.

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@guiledazen44 Thank you so much. That means a ton since I'm still a rookie at this and all. I'm loving Blinding Knife. Can't wait to see what's in store.

[@DanClapp]

Really need to try these again. I got through the first 2 and wasn't too crazy about them so I I just never finished the 3rd one.

[@AozoraZz]

I had a withdrawal too after a while after the Trilogy, sort of mourning phase. One day, I got so bored and started reading Best served cold and I was sold just like that at the first chapter. I can even say Joe's writing just got more refined in that book. Reading The heroes now.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha, same. Except I never read BSC until earlier this year. Felt like an idiot, but also happy because I had a new First Law book.

[@Unlitedsoul]

Same issue myself, and then I realized Abercrombie had another trilogy available: The Shattered Sea. It's not quite up to the standard of the First Law books, but that's only because it is more of a YA level. It was rather satisfying overall.

[@davistalhone9482]

Convinced! Will be doing the series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

You will freaking love it. So great.

[@briangallagher3106]

I’ve been meaning to read these for a long time now. I started the audiobook but after about 6 chapters I said I would stop and physically read them instead. I just bought perfect copies from a second hand bookshop in my town. I think I’m gonna love these books.

[@mikesbookreviews]

It's so fun, man. Hope you enjoy the ride.

[@davekaiser4726]

when are they going to make a movie series of Abercrombie books?

[@michaelshaffer3339]

you did that monologue perfect bud. abercrobie probably owe you a royalty for it, thanks for introducing me to this series

[@MrKevmomoney]

I know I know Dungeons and Dragons and the Forgotten Realms series are mainly popcorn camp trash but has anyone ever read the Erevis Cale series by Paul Kemp? It’s really Good!!!

[@mikesbookreviews]

It has been recommended a few times in other videos.

[@thebloodweaver7212]

That was the paragraph (at the beginning) my friend showed me and now I show people to get them to read the book.

[@mikesbookreviews]

theblood weaver Its one hell of a hook.

[@turtleanton6539]

So cool

[@JCaylor2099]

Honestly if they need a new writer to finish A Song of Ice and Fire it'll probably end up being Brandon Sanderson since he's done Dune novels and finished the Wheel of Time

[@divyanshtiwari3547]

Just like u think that Joe deserves more popularity , i think ur channel deserves more views and subs......ur reviews are top notch man

[@mikesbookreviews]

That’s very kind coming from watching a video on this channel from when it was still in its infancy.

[@adampender2482]

Anytime someone says a book doesn't contain fantasy tropes it's an instant turn off. I want fantasy tropes. I want elves dwarves, magic, dragons. Why has so called fantasy abandoned these? If it doesn't have these, its NOT fantasy. If you claim to be a fantasy writer and dont have these, your not a fantasy writer. Trash is all that is put out now.

[@matguerra333]

Na, Joe Abercrombie is the best to finish AsOIAf but completely different styles. Chat Gpt could do it tho.

[@justinmonisit5932]

I've recently gotten back into reading - and have fallen in love with fantasy books (or looking up people reviewing them for the moment). I've heard so much about this series, but this video convinced me. Thank you!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Awesome! Happy to hear it. The whole purpose of this video was to inspire others to give it a try. Enjoy the ride!

[@redghost1567]

ive never read a book in my life but listened to the first law like a year ago re listening to it now its the best ive listen to one other book and that got being a huge fan since season one and i think the first law is better well i pref it at the very least

[@mikesbookreviews]

Everyone tells me how great the audiobooks are. I have some audible credits so I might give it a try in the future.

[@richardfrankel2134]

Abercrombie writes action scenes like nobody else! So visceral and cinematic. Totally awesome!

[@mikesbookreviews]

No doubt. I'm reading "Best Served Cold" by him right now and the first chapter had me hyped.

[@richardfrankel2134]

@@mikesbookreviews cool! Gonna check out those three books after I read The Shattered Sea trilogy. On book two. Enjoying it =)

[@mikesbookreviews]

Richard Frankel I have the SS collection, it just feels weird with it being YA. But I love his writing style, so I’m going to read it for sure.

[@richardfrankel2134]

@@mikesbookreviews It doesn't feel YA. It does feel very succinct though being only 350 or so pages for each novel though!

[@infoprivate8243]

Their is not one decent character in the series. I'd have liked to see them all die...kind of defeats the purpose of a book if you can't root for anyone.

[@robertjenkins2948]

Yup, it's a fantastic series, read it nearly a decade ago but I'm now torn between the book and audio when recommending it to people. Normally only ever have one format of any one book but fell on this one by accident after listening to London Fields narrated by Steven pacey and saw he'd also done the first law so got those as well and glad I did.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I struggle with audio books because my mind wanders and I don't realize what I just heard. But I did listen to some of them the first read through and Pacey is excellent.

[@robertjenkins2948]

@@mikesbookreviews aye, that's understandable and it's different horses for different courses with me, tend to use audio for history and other factual books while fiction I tend to prefer a page. Good review though, you're right Abercrombie isn't given half the attention he deserves but I'm also glad he's not subjected to the kind of pressure that attention brings and it can still feel like a hidden gem to those who know. Cheers boss and good luck

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@robertjenkins2948 Funny thing is, I used to say the same thing about the Song of Ice & Fire books and now I don't know a single person that doesn't know who George RR Martin is.

[@robertjenkins2948]

Agreed, Martin is a phenomenon but I do worry what impact that has on a writer, being a hunted man and not being able to move online without someone casually pondering whether I'll be dead before finishing the book and whatnot. George seems pretty grounded and its kind of an unusual situation I guess with a series not finished and TV show going off on it's own tangent, but it's a good thing for well written dark fantasy to be firmly in the mainstream, bodes well for the future. I had quick scan through your channel and you've a lot of content, I'll probably check back in for book recommendations when I'm done with my current ones, cheers boss and keep it up

[@mikesbookreviews]

Robert Jenkins Fame can certainly be a curse. Any time GRRM sends a tweet, the first couple hundred replies are something about how he isn’t writing.

[@tyrandorp]

Yeah the monologue at the beginning sold me hard, picking this up after The Stand.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@marioandwes]

Thanks for the recommendation! I bought the trilogy for 10 dollars on kindle!

[@wheeljack0]

Sounds really good, will have to read it one day, Have you seen the Babylon 5 tv series. A lot of charactors in that change your mind of them as it goes on, Its one of my favorite series.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Absolutely. I ranked it #2 on my favorite sci-fi TV series video I did a couple months ago.

[@shannonwhittington119]

You should Review The legend of Drizzt series. Its finished basically and can scratch a fantasy itch

[@mikesbookreviews]

I'll add it to the ever growing list!

[@londonlemons]

I’m reading The Blade Itself right now and absolutely love it! I went ahead and bought all the First Law books, the rest of his books soon to follow I’m sure.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@StevePowwersDayZ]

You've convinced me, I'm in!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Steve Danger you won’t regret it.

[@anjuthanm]

You finished the series? I read first book an year ago. It was so boring that i didn't get interest to read further. But fans tell that it'll get awesome later. What's your opinion?

[@StevePowwersDayZ]

@@anjuthanm If you didn't like the entire first book then I wouldn't continue with the series man.

[@peterbaelish]

Hi, I want to buy the series in hardcover format. Which edition do you recomend? The normal or the anniversary (dark blue ones)?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I didn't even know about an anniversary edition hardcover. I might have to double dip! I got mine when the books were still relatively new.

[@sunsin1592]

They're great if you need to fall asleep. Dude is a hack.

[@MilkshakeEnthusiast1992]

Been a long while since I’ve read the series. I remember that I loved Nine Fingers the whole way through. I was waiting for the trope of Jezal finally coming into his own and becoming the brilliant King like I’m used to in every Fantasy story. When he didn’t I was actually pissed off (lol) because I wasn’t expecting the subversion and it put me off the Trilogy after that. Maybe I should re-read it now that I’ve read more modern Fantasy books since then.

[@mikesbookreviews]

On a re-read I found a lot of things that bothered me a decade plus ago to be brilliant now.

[@happilyeggs4627]

You're right. Abercrombie is very underrated. I think he is easily the best fantasy writer around. While his plots are interesting , the thing that grabs you by the throat, and makes you read his books, are the characterisations. His characters do nothing without motivation. Every deed, every action, is explained. As you so rightly say, a book full of heroes so flawed as to make them indistinguishable from the villains. Yet Abercrombie builds the personalities of these characters in such a way that you cannot help but want them to win. It is a miracle of his craft.

[@jarred.shane10]

Who’s artwork is on the thumbnail?

[@anushanthuthayakumar3191]

Thanks for the recommendation bro..I have read first 2 books already..I love each and every characters and the dialogs are brilliant..And I went and bought the other 4 books in first law world..Thanks to you..😊

[@waltermatthewberg]

Hard words. Hard words are for cowards and fools.

[@mikesbookreviews]

If you mean to kill, you’re better getting right to it than talking about it.

[@gunneratijuf8915]

I’m reading it now on book 2 you were right Mike you were right! Haha

[@Astropuppers]

The fandom is in desperate need of more Severard artworks. The man is comedy gold. And an overall badass to boot.

[@mikesbookreviews]

"You have to be realistic about these things."

[@hanak69]

Will give this series a try, later on this year, thx for the info.

[@itstrbo]

Finished the first book in two weeks couldn't put it down

[@mikesbookreviews]

It only gets better.

[@iantaran2843]

Legit my favorite series BECAUSE, it made me a fan of fantasy again and helped me get back into starting and finishing stories again. Also I will always add this but, the narrator for the audiobook... Absolutely amazing, my favorite narrator I've ran into and the fact he does the whole series 😅😍

[@MrKevmomoney]

The audiobooks of The First Law is on KZbin and The person reading is awesome. I read the trilogy years ago and listened to it recently on a long road trip. Plowed through a fucking deer while listening and just said “back to the mud you go!!!”.

[@mikesbookreviews]

😂

[@shosty575]

😂😂

[@teshameless4924]

Holy fuck dude I spit my milk out when I read that. Yes!

[@OnMeds1]

The reading aloud falls flat

[@barry1369]

Im reading the first book rn. Icl I’m finding it really tough to get through. I really like Logen as a character but it doesn’t seem like any plot is manifesting to me. I will persevere though

[@mikesbookreviews]

It is an investment but it is worth it.

[@fredbarker9201]

I’ve nearly finished the first book and I’ve enjoyed this one, and look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy? Also do u like dune?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I finished this trilogy, but have only read the first couple of chapters of the second trilogy (takes place 10 years later). Dune is my personal favorite book of all time.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Wait, I'm sorry. I got my videos mixed up. Thought this was for Red Rising. Yes, I've read every book in the First Law series. It is a journey very much worth taking.

[@fredbarker9201]

Mike's Book Reviews & Geek Media Corps Podcast Favourite books of all time ! Damn that speaks volumes but I agree Dune is awesome I’ve only read book one though. I understand there’s six Frank Herbert Dune books, did you enjoy all of them?

[@mikesbookreviews]

@@fredbarker9201 Oh, no. Stay away from the Brian Herbert books at all costs. As for the Frank novels, none of them come close to the original. But Messiah/Children read back to back are a satisfying follow up.

[@bryanvalerius1992]

Your review of this series was awesome. I just had to let you know that I ordered it as soon as I got off work today. Can't wait to start reading it. Thank you again. Keep the reviews coming.

[@paulhenri5902]

Reading The Blade Itself right now, great stuff.

[@JaySmith-uf2ku]

Is there a magic system?

[@nicholaskelley6909]

I’m so jealous of your hardcovers.

[@akashas6012]

Very Good Review 👍🙂

[@Ralaacj]

For me the best I have read really enjoyed everything bout it..

[@joejawson5264]

The first book I read was The Heroes. Then I read Best Served Cold. The reason why, I was looking for something new to read and that is what Half Price Books had at the time. Never heard of Joe before that. I believe I lucked out because it gave even more flavor to The First Law Trilogy when I finally read them.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Tarantino style.

[@nickrusso1005]

You should do audible

[@Antaury97]

all right, I'll read it! Love your reviews!

[@mikesbookreviews]

Thanks! Enjoy the ride, my friend.

[@demidrek-heyward]

thanks Mike!

[@wardog3248]

In my mind: Sand dan Glokta - Christopher Waltz, Jezal dan Luthar - Cary Elwes, The Dogman - Guy Pearce, Bremer dan Gorst - Brock Lesnar, Ferro Maljinn - Summer Glau, Collem West - Jason Statham, Nicomo Cosca - Benicio del Toro, Bayaz - Jon Voight, Logan Ninefingers - Scott Glenn

[@matthijsclaessen8152]

Maybe asked by others... but have you tried The Black Company by Glen Cook. Certainly the first three are very much worth it.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I have the entire set, but it got bumped down in favor of the Malazan read. But I'm hoping to get to it in 2022.

[@matthijsclaessen8152]

I’m currently reading the most recent addition which takes place in the time of the original trilogy. I’m pretty happy with how it is going.

[@fredbarker9201]

We should forgive our enemies, but not before they are hanged

[@mikesbookreviews]

It’s good advice.

[@wardog3248]

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

[@816DawG]

I read Best Served Cold and Heroes by mistake first (before I knew about Booktube). I ADORED them both because it amazed me such a world could be the same from the two amazing different type of stories you got from these two. I read those two within 3 days and the trilogy shortly after in 9 days. I then read Red Country (though good, it's my least favorite). I agree with all you said in this video. I got it because I saw the cover of Best Served Cold had a bad ass lady (Monza Myrcatto) with a sword over her shoulder. Looking back, I am so grateful I read it in the order I did. Please tell me if you have read those. Thanks for the great content friend! Hoping to start my own Booktube soon. Got a few tags you have done that I want to discuss further.

[@mikesbookreviews]

BSC is such a fun revenge tale.

[@816DawG]

@@mikesbookreviews , did you also get a heist aspect to it too? I felt the characters like better fantasy versions of what we saw in the Oceans movies. Not saying the Ocean movies are bad, just I felt this was done very well. Or is that just me?

[@jackashworth3956]

is there the more fantastical fantasy tropes in The First Law series?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Not in my opinion.

[@NAFUSO1]

Okay, I need help. I just finished The Blade itself and have no idea why these books are so beloved. Zero plot, rather boring characters, and not terribly "grim." Please tell me it gets better. And that there's a plot....

[@avi6837]

Those intros always get me.. great job Mike

[@mikesbookreviews]

Ha, one of my first.

[@adrianofrota7103]

Got into your channel after KZbin recomended the Unpopular Opinion vid (the one about Name of the Wind). While I don't share your opinions entirely, it was refreshing to see a different viewpoint and I subscribed. After that, I'm digging into some of your material on Abercrombie. I'm still on book two on the first law. Got started on his work reading the Shattered Sea and was most pleasantly surprised. Really appreciate the way you're communicating about your reading experiences. Keep it up!

[@CanalPanendithas]

I tried this series many years ago; I didn´t like it, probably because I was too young for more 'serious' fantasy. But you've convinced me to give it another try, I will be reading it after finishing The Dark Tower. Which should happen... no time soon lol. But definitely will give it another go.

[@turtleanton6539]

Seems like I need to check these out.

[@mikesbookreviews]

I would highly recommend them, obviously.

[@turtleanton6539]

@@mikesbookreviews i did

[@turtleanton6539]

Wow that monologue 👍👍

[@mikesbookreviews]

That was what originally hooked me.

[@turtleanton6539]

@@mikesbookreviews me too

[@Aidin-1805]

If you’re keeping count, I also decided to start the first law trilogy because of your videos 😁 probably will receive it in a month : till then I’m going to 🤞🏻 try the name of the wind which I decided to buy despite your review. And last but not least, English is my second language and I’ve decided to read more in English :so far I’m choosing based on your reviews : so thanks a lot for the help and recommendations

[@puchi1388]

I love your ASOIAF zingers! I feel the same way 😔

[@mikesbookreviews]

Low hanging fruit.

[@moisheplatinumberg6016]

If that fruit hung any lower, it'd be potatoes. The first 3 books were as good as any fiction ever written. But I doubt I'll finish the series.

[@Koichi92]

Wow, this trilogy sounds interesting. I hope to read the books in the future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@mikesbookreviews]

Koichi92 For sure! It’s a wild ride that is absolutely worth the investment.

[@richardfrankel2134]

For the standalone "trilogy" does it matter what order I read them in at all? Are there any references in the third book for example that I won't get without reading books 1 and 2?

[@mikesbookreviews]

Richard Frankel I’m only about 1/3 through Best Served Cold and there are numerous characters from the trilogy showing up. Not sure, but since I know at least one of these POV characters is in all 3 stand alones, I’m pretty sure they need to be read in order.

[@richardfrankel2134]

@@mikesbookreviews cool. I'll read them in publication order then. I hate spoilers!

[@DrunkenCoward1]

Yes. Both Red Country and The Heroes basically continue telling the stories of many characters (the standalones are often jokingly called the "Shivers trilogy", mostly because he's the only character to my knowledge that has at least a minor appearance in each of them), so when not reading them chronologically you'll probably miss out on a bit of character growth and also heavily spoil the prior book.

[@ukandyh]

Make sure you read the in-between books as I think they are important to first and latest trilogy stories 😬 (red country is my favorite!)

[@fredbarker9201]

If Bayaz has manipulated all the Unions history and kings then why did he have to struggle to get on the council back in book one?

[@chris5201]

I don't know how my youtube recommendations landed me on your channel but I'm so glad they did. I used to love reading as a teenager and my last series was A Song of Ice and Fire where I fell off the reading wagon waiting for the next book. Started reading The Blade Itself this morning and I can't put it down. Thanks for this amazing suggestion!

[@Victor-kt6qn]

Yeah finished the first two within a week, currently on the third. A really good series.

[@bloodynine9017]

When I finish the dark tower series I am going to move onto first law because of this video. Do you recommend a break between installments?

[@ToddsBookTube91]

I had heard from another booktuber that in The Blade Itself he liked it, but the plot was lacking Mike do you agree?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I disagree with almost every other booktuber on this series. But book 1 is very much character introduction and the main story really kicks into high gear with book 2.

[@ToddsBookTube91]

@@mikesbookreviews thanks mike

[@simonedwards9450]

Got the trilogy for Christmas. Going to start it tomorrow - can’t wait

[@mikesbookreviews]

Enjoy!

[@simonedwards9450]

@@mikesbookreviews I’m doing that :-) one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Love it so much, I’ve gone out and brought his entire collection

[@fredrikgranstrom6743]

will try these fter I finish Witcher

[@mikesbookreviews]

You won't regret it. Amazing series.

[@amum4518]

Agree. This series is awesome. I am on book two. Like your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@fastbender8016]

Just wanted to say that this video turned me onto my favorite fantasy series ever, hundreds of hours of listening to the audiobooks over and over again is all thanks to this video. Thanks Mike!

[@shosty575]

What is the music at the reading u did at the beginning?

[@mikesbookreviews]

I really don't recall. It was just some royalty free music I found on KZbin when I first started.

[@shosty575]

@@mikesbookreviews thanks. If possible, could you share a link? Only if POSSIBLE. Tq. Love ur reviews 🙂

[@shosty575]

@@mikesbookreviews Found it. Check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXKuladrlNCegKs

[@turtleanton6539]

Thanks for geting me into this series