This is the fantasy you’ve been looking for

I’m on my second listen of the whole series, I just had to come back! This first book (currently 9 in the series and a book of short stories) set is this world, gives some incredible world building and immerses you instantly. Glokta, Bayaz, Logen are, in particular, incredibly vivid characters, perfect in their imperfection.

Stephen Pacey’s narration is extraordinary and brings everything to light.

Say one thing about this book, say it’s a must read.

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brilliant

after reading the book a couple of years ago I thought I'd refresh by listening to the audiobook. absolutely fantastic. brilliant story brilliantly brought to life by the fantastic narrator.

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expertly crafted Characters!

I've had this on my wishlist for a very long time but had other titles in front of it I wanted to get through first.

I wish I hadn't waited, such brilliant and nuanced characters that suck you into the story.

compelled to find out what happens next so it's on to book 2 for me.

10/10

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The best read story on audible, and my new favourite fantasy

I was looking for dark and bloody fantasy, boy did I get it, and so much more! The story is smart, surprising, visceral, touching, and refuses to flinch from the worst that people can be. But it does so in a way that is terrifyingly understandable and with moments - like life - that make you laugh out loud. I never thought my favourite character would be the broken, torturing inquisitor but, thanks to Steven Pacey’s quite frankly remarkable narration, that is now the case.

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A slow start, but it gets better....

I need to review this trilogy in a oner....

Initially, I found the first book too slow. Too much scene setting and character building for me - I needed more action and kept waiting for it all to come together. However, having completed the trilogy, I now understand why the first book was like it was - and it certainly has its place.

Great second book - all good action and great pace.

Third book, I think, is the best of the trilogy - plenty of pace and the story peaks, as expected, BUT, it ends with too many loose ends. Whilst I get why it ended like it did, I needed more.....I was left feeling as though there needs to be a 4th book where the wrongs can be righted and the bad get their come-uppance.

I'm a massive fan of epic fantasies, and this is just that. It's got loads of action, lots of battle scenes, and plenty of blood and swearing. Not really a "girlie" book (although I have to caveat that with an "I'm a girl and thoroughly enjoyed it" statement). All the characters are well developed, and fairly complex. Interesting how my feelings towards each of them changed as the story progressed and I got to know them better. Is it bizarre that my favourite characters turned out be a torturer and a schizophrenic killer???

If you're a fan of epics, and have a reasonably strong stomach, then this is highly recommended.
But if you start with book one, be prepared to go through all three, and then still feel like you haven't got to the end...

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29 people found this helpful

Abecrombie at his best

Another amazing book from J.A. looking forward to the others in the trilogy. Fantastic narration by Stephen Spacey too.

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Just great

The narrator does a really good job with voices and personality for the different characters. Really liked the plot and the humor a lot.

Looking forward to reading book number 2 in the series

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Excellent

A brilliantly written and told story, thoroughly entertaining. The narrator is fantastic. Cannot wait to begin the next book.

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Top tier fantasy story

I have been looking for another good fantasy series for a while and was recommended The First Law by Joe Abercrombie.

The story is well thought out, there are multiple character stories that travel towards each other throughout the book, brilliantly written, all enjoyable in their own way. Excited to start the second book. Highly recommend for any fantasy lover, why likes a bit of grit to their story.

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Good listening!

Took about an hour to get into the story, and I found the narration volume low but once I was into it the story flowed well and the 20 odd hours passed in a flash. Now for book 2. Great narration. I enjoyed the story, a departure from my normal listening so I don’t know how it faces up with its fellow books of this trope. Hello to Jason Isaacs (not to do with the story 😆)

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