J
Joe Abercrombie
The First Law
The First Law
3 books
Complete series
About this series
The foundational trilogy introduces a world caught between the civilized but decaying Union, the savage northern clans, and the mysterious Gurkish Empire. The plot subverts epic fantasy by focusing on characters trapped by their own worst impulses.
Subseries
Books
Similar series
Readers suggest
Frequently asked questions
What is the recommended reading order for The First Law series?
The core of The First Law series is a trilogy: The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, and Last Argument of Kings. Following these, there are standalone novels set in the same world, and a second trilogy that continues the story years later.
Are there other books set in The First Law world?
Yes, beyond the original trilogy, Joe Abercrombie has written several standalone novels and a collection of short stories that expand the world and feature returning characters. There is also a follow-up trilogy, The Age of Madness, set decades after the original events.
Do the standalone books in The First Law world need to be read in order?
While the standalone novels can largely be enjoyed independently, reading them after the original trilogy provides a richer understanding of the world and character developments. The second trilogy, The Age of Madness, directly follows the events of the earlier books.