The First Law
Encyclopedia
The First Law is a fantasy
series written by British author Joe Abercrombie
. It consists of a trilogy
and two stand-alone novels set in the same world.
The trilogy is published by Gollancz
in the UK and Pyr in the USA. The stand-alone novels remain with Gollancz in the UK but will be published by Orbit Books
in the USA.
Standalone books
The trilogy centers on the fortunes of three major characters: Sand dan Glokta, a crippled torturer in the Union's Inquisition; Jezal dan Luthar, a self-centred nobleman and swordsman; and Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian warrior of the North forced into an uneasy alliance with the Union to defeat his sworn enemy, Bethod. In addition to these characters, the story follows Collem West, an anger-prone and constantly worried Union officer; the so-called Dogman, a world-weary and experienced northern scout; the fierce southern woman Ferro Maljinn, an ex-slave bent on revenge; and the scheming wizard Bayaz, First of the Magi.
The books of the trilogy do not contain maps, as the author prefers not to use them and he was supported in this by his UK publisher, although he did not rule out maps appearing in the future. In fact, maps feature heavily in his stand alone novel 'The Heroes'.
Best Served Cold is set in the same universe as the First Law series, roughly four years after the trilogy. It takes place in a new location, focusing on a different set of characters. Some are minor characters from the original trilogy given more depth and others are new characters. Major characters from the trilogy sometimes appear in cameos or are mentioned in passing.
"The Heroes" (2010) focuses on a three-day battle set in the same world as the First Law Trilogy. Union commander Lord Marshal Kroy leads the Union forces against the much smaller Northern army lead by Black Dow. The story features many characters seen in previous First Law novels like Bremer dan Gorst, Prince Calder, and the Dogman.
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
series written by British author Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie
Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy writer and film editor. He is the author of The First Law trilogy.-Early life:Abercrombie was born in Lancaster, England...
. It consists of a trilogy
Trilogy
A trilogy is a set of three works of art that are connected, and that can be seen either as a single work or as three individual works. They are commonly found in literature, film, or video games...
and two stand-alone novels set in the same world.
The trilogy is published by Gollancz
Gollancz
Gollancz often refers to the British publishing house Victor Gollancz Ltd.Gollancz, a family name originating from the Polish town Gołańcz , is mainly known as the name of a prominent British Jewish family, including:* Sir Hermann Gollancz , rabbi* Sir Israel Gollancz , scholar of...
in the UK and Pyr in the USA. The stand-alone novels remain with Gollancz in the UK but will be published by Orbit Books
Orbit Books
Orbit Books is an international publisher that specialises in science fiction and fantasy books. It was founded in 1974 as part of the Macdonald Futura publishing company...
in the USA.
Novels
The trilogy- The Blade Itself (2006)
- Before They Are Hanged (2007)
- Last Argument of Kings (2008)
Standalone books
- Best Served Cold (2009)
- The Heroes (2011)
Overview
The trilogy is set in an epic fantasy world reminiscent of medieval/renaissance Europe. There are three major nations involved: the Union, a large kingdom similar to Europe; the Gurkish Empire, which is similar to the large Middle-Eastern empires of antiquity; and the Northmen, a rough alliance of several northern tribes with Viking and Anglo Saxon overtones under the leadership of a warrior-king named Bethod. The Union is drawn into war against the latter when the Northmen invade the Union's northern province of Angland, and against the former when the Empire attempts to annex the city of Dagoska.The trilogy centers on the fortunes of three major characters: Sand dan Glokta, a crippled torturer in the Union's Inquisition; Jezal dan Luthar, a self-centred nobleman and swordsman; and Logen Ninefingers, infamous barbarian warrior of the North forced into an uneasy alliance with the Union to defeat his sworn enemy, Bethod. In addition to these characters, the story follows Collem West, an anger-prone and constantly worried Union officer; the so-called Dogman, a world-weary and experienced northern scout; the fierce southern woman Ferro Maljinn, an ex-slave bent on revenge; and the scheming wizard Bayaz, First of the Magi.
The books of the trilogy do not contain maps, as the author prefers not to use them and he was supported in this by his UK publisher, although he did not rule out maps appearing in the future. In fact, maps feature heavily in his stand alone novel 'The Heroes'.
Best Served Cold is set in the same universe as the First Law series, roughly four years after the trilogy. It takes place in a new location, focusing on a different set of characters. Some are minor characters from the original trilogy given more depth and others are new characters. Major characters from the trilogy sometimes appear in cameos or are mentioned in passing.
"The Heroes" (2010) focuses on a three-day battle set in the same world as the First Law Trilogy. Union commander Lord Marshal Kroy leads the Union forces against the much smaller Northern army lead by Black Dow. The story features many characters seen in previous First Law novels like Bremer dan Gorst, Prince Calder, and the Dogman.