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The Blade Itself

by Joe Abercrombie

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ISBN0316387312
Joe Abercrombie

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Joe Abercrombie

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The Blade Itself

by Joe Abercrombie

Preview · not reviewed yet

The Blade Itself is a fantasy novel following three morally ambiguous protagonists—a barbarian, a nobleman, and a torturer—whose paths converge as war approaches and political conspiracies unfold. The story weaves together military conflict in the frozen North, political intrigue at the centre of government, and the mysterious influence of an old wizard, blurring the line between heroism and villainy.

The Blade Itself follows three main characters whose paths are drawn together as war approaches. Logen Ninefingers is a barbarian whose feuds have caught up with him and left him close to death. Captain Jezal dan Luthar is a nobleman and officer who spends his time gambling with friends and practising fencing in hopes of glory. Inquisitor Glokta, a cripple turned torturer, works to uncover treason within the Union through confessions. Their lives are complicated by the arrival of Bayaz, a bald, ill-tempered old man who may be the First of the Magi or may be a fraud.

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What this preview is based on

Amazon listing (bibliographic data, cover & pricing) — Amazon

Open Library work record — Open Library

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The Blade Itself is a fantasy novel following three morally ambiguous protagonists—a barbarian, a nobleman, and a torturer—whose paths converge as war approaches and political conspiracies unfold. The story weaves together military conflict in the frozen North, political intrigue at the centre of government, and the mysterious influence of an old wizard, blurring the line between heroism and villainy.
Who is it for?
Readers who enjoy fantasy featuring morally complex characters, military conflict, political intrigue, and secondary-world settings will likely find this relevant. It appeals to those interested in dark, character-driven narratives rather than conventional hero's-journey stories.
What are the main themes?
The book explores violence and its consequences, loyalty and betrayal, the corrupting nature of ambition, and the blurred boundary between heroism and villainy. Questions about power, morality, and what it means to be a hero in a brutal world run throughout the narrative.
Who wrote it?
Joe Abercrombie is a British fantasy author known for complex, gritty narratives.
What format or source is it?
The Blade Itself is a fantasy novel, the first book in Abercrombie's First Law series, available in standard book formats.
What's this book about?

What's this book about?

The novel follows Logen Ninefingers (a scarred barbarian), Captain Jezal dan Luthar (a vain young officer), and Inquisitor Glokta (a crippled torturer) across multiple settings as they become entangled in wars, conspiracies, and the arrival of a mysterious old wizard named Bayaz. Their interconnected stories explore feuds, political betrayal, and the consequences of ambition in a world where traditional notions of heroism don't apply.

AI-generated from publicly available information, ahead of our full review · LuvemBooks

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Answers are AI-generated from what's known, ahead of our full review · LuvemBooks