The Devils

No — The Devils is set in an entirely new world, Abercrombie's first since the Shattered Sea trilogy. It is a dark historical fantasy analogue of medieval Europe with monsters and magic, unconnected to the First Law universe.

Yes — the epilogue introduces what appear to be Diaz's replacements at the Chapel of the Holy Expediency, indicating more missions to come. A sequel, titled The Heretics, has since been confirmed as the second book in the series.

No — The Devils is a clean entry point. It is set in a new world with new characters and requires no prior knowledge of the First Law or Shattered Sea books.

It shares the moral complexity and willingness to depict violence, but the tone is noticeably lighter and funnier than the First Law trilogy. It is dark fantasy with a stronger comedic current.

Yes — most readers and reviewers note that The Devils is his funniest novel, with comedic set pieces that run alongside the violence rather than being undercut by it. The ensemble dynamic lends itself to darker humour.

Brother Diaz, a monk appointed to lead the Chapel of the Holy Expediency — a secret Church office that uses morally questionable means for ostensibly righteous ends. He serves as the ensemble's straight man.

Diaz's crew includes a cursed knight, a pirate, a werewolf, a vampire, a magician, and an elf. The elves of this world are the primary external threat — merciless invaders rather than noble beings.

The sequel is titled The Heretics. Abercrombie had completed a second draft by early 2026 and read an excerpt publicly, but as of September 2026 the publisher had not confirmed an official release date — retailer listings have circulated a tentative May 2027 date.