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
- About: Introduces the First Law universe, following multiple anti-heroes.
- 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
- About: A revenge story centered on Monza Murcatto, a betrayed mercenary.
- 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
- About: Starts the Age of Madness trilogy, set during an industrial revolution.
- 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
- About: The second book in The First Law trilogy, expanding on characters and conflict.
- 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
- About: The final book in The First Law trilogy, concluding all storylines.
- 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
- About: Blends Western elements with fantasy, focusing on a rescue mission.
- 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
- About: A YA novel about a prince overcoming physical limitations to reclaim his throne.
- 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
- About: The second book in the Age of Madness trilogy, diving deeper into political intrigue.
- 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
- About: Concludes the Age of Madness trilogy, dealing with the fallout of revolution.
- 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
- About: Follows a young warrior on a personal journey in the Shattered Sea trilogy.
- 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
- About: The final book in the Shattered Sea trilogy, tying up all plotlines.
- 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
- About: A collection of short stories set in the First Law universe.
- 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.
