Summary: In this article, I have ranked all of Joe Abercrombies books according to popularity and story. Here are my top 3 choices:
Joe Abercrombie’s books are known for their gritty, character-driven stories full of dark humor, flawed heroes, and moral ambiguity. As a leader in the grimdark genre, he flips traditional fantasy on its head, focusing on anti-heroes like Glokta and Logen Ninefingers, who wrestle with both personal struggles and external conflicts. His fast-paced plots, sharp dialogue, and blend of action with introspection make his work perfect for fans of Game of Thrones looking for something even darker and more thought-provoking.
1. The Heroes
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Focuses on three days of battle in the North, exploring the perspectives of soldiers and generals in the midst of war.
- Style of writing: Multiple POVs, gritty and realistic, with sharp humor.
- Length: ~210,000 words
- Year written: 2011
- Emotional impact: Leaves a strong impression with its dark portrayal of war’s futility.
- Difficulty level: Moderate, due to the military focus and shifting POVs.
- Why read it: A masterclass in battle writing with deep character insights.
2. The Blade Itself
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Introduces the First Law universe, following multiple anti-heroes.
- Style of writing: Dark, witty, and violent, with sharply drawn characters and world-building. Abercrombie’s humor is sharp and often cynical.
- Length: ~191,000 words
- Year written: 2006
- Emotional impact: Memorable for its unique characters and humor.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: A must-read start to the First Law trilogy with great character development.
3. Best Served Cold
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: A revenge story centered on Monza Murcatto, a betrayed mercenary.
- Style of writing: Brutal, action-packed, with intricate plotting and moral ambiguity.
- Length: ~224,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Intense and satisfying, leaving readers with mixed emotions.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high.
- Why read it: A gripping standalone with an unforgettable anti-hero.
4. A Little Hatred
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Starts the Age of Madness trilogy, set during an industrial revolution.
- Style of writing: A blend of grit and dark humor, similar to Abercrombie’s earlier works, but with an emphasis on the clash between old ways and new technologies.
- Length: ~165,000 words
- Year written: 2019
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, with reflections on progress and chaos.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: A fresh entry to the First Law universe with new characters.
5. Before They Are Hanged
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The second book in The First Law trilogy, expanding on characters and conflict.
- Style of writing: Dark and character-driven, with a mix of high-stakes adventure and political intrigue.
- Length: ~196,000 words
- Year written: 2007
- Emotional impact: Builds emotional investment in its characters.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: Essential for understanding the deeper arc of the trilogy.
6. Last Argument of Kings
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The final book in The First Law trilogy, concluding all storylines.
- Style of writing: As in previous books, it’s filled with dark humor, brutal violence, and moral ambiguity.
- Length: ~200,000 words
- Year written: 2008
- Emotional impact: Memorable and unexpected, with a lasting impression.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high.
- Why read it: A powerful conclusion to a brilliant trilogy.
7. Red Country
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Blends Western elements with fantasy, focusing on a rescue mission.
- Style of writing: Gritty and action-packed, with moments of dark humor and emotional depth.
- Length: ~175,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Leaves a sense of nostalgia and rugged determination.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: Unique genre-blending story in the First Law world.
8. Half a King
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: A YA novel about a prince overcoming physical limitations to reclaim his throne.
- Style of writing: Accessible, with a mix of Abercrombie’s trademark dark humor and philosophical musings.
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Inspiring, with moments of emotional resonance.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate.
- Why read it: A fast-paced, accessible entry to Abercrombie’s writing.
9. The Trouble with Peace
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The second book in the Age of Madness trilogy, diving deeper into political intrigue.
- Style of writing: Dark, philosophical, and full of sharp, cynical humor.
- Length: ~170,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Builds tension with its complex plot.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: A gripping continuation of the industrial revolution arc.
10. The Wisdom of Crowds
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Concludes the Age of Madness trilogy, dealing with the fallout of revolution.
- Style of writing: Dark, with deep political insights, action, and emotional complexity.
- Length: ~185,000 words
- Year written: 2021
- Emotional impact: Provokes thought on societal change and chaos.
- Difficulty level: Moderate to high.
- Why read it: A fitting conclusion to a dynamic trilogy.
11. Half the World
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: Follows a young warrior on a personal journey in the Shattered Sea trilogy.
- Style of writing: Gritty, with strong character development and an exploration of themes like vengeance, survival, and identity.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Emotional growth and character development stand out.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: A thoughtful, character-focused story.
12. Half a War
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: The final book in the Shattered Sea trilogy, tying up all plotlines.
- Style of writing: Dark, with a balance of action, political intrigue, and personal growth.
- Length: ~120,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Satisfying, with themes of redemption.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: A strong conclusion to the trilogy.
13. Sharp Ends
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- About: A collection of short stories set in the First Law universe.
- Style of writing: Dark, witty, and sharply satirical.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year written: 2016
- Emotional impact: Offers nostalgic moments for longtime fans.
- Difficulty level: Moderate.
- Why read it: Perfect for fans wanting more from the First Law world.
Conclusion
I think Joe Abercrombie’s books stand out for their blend of dark humor, complex characters, and gritty realism, making them a must-read for anyone into grimdark fantasy. In my opinion, The Heroes, The Blade Itself, and Best Served Cold are the best of the bunch. These novels show off Abercrombie’s talent for crafting morally gray worlds packed with action, sharp dialogue, and emotional depth. Whether you’re drawn to intense war stories, deep character studies, or thrilling revenge plots, I believe these three books really capture what makes Abercrombie’s writing so engaging and are great places to start exploring his universe.
