Best Served Cold

by Joe Abercrombie
Best Served Cold cover
Good Books rating 3.6
Fantasy, Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £25.00
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Technical
  • ID: 10393
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780316044967
  • Publisher: Hachette Digital, Inc.
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In the war-torn land of Styria, Duke Orso attempts to seize power by eliminating his popular general, Monza Murcatto. However, his plan backfires, leaving Monza severely injured and her brother dead. As she recovers, her thirst for vengeance drives her to plot a deadly revenge. The story is a gripping exploration of betrayal, retribution, and the brutal politics of a fractured kingdom. /n/n'Best Served Cold' is a dark fantasy novel that delves into the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The narrative is rich with political maneuvering, brutal combat, and a cast of morally ambiguous characters, all set against the backdrop of a world on the brink of collapse.

Reviews
Grimdark Magazine · 2020-07-20
engaging 3.20

This is a fun read with great scenes, despite the main character being dislikable for most of the time. The story is engaging and well-crafted.

This review highlights the book as a fun read with memorable scenes. Although the main character, Monza, is described as dislikable for much of the story, the narrative remains engaging. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and the way it balances humor and serious themes. The characters are complex, and the plot is well-paced, making it a satisfying read despite some flaws.

Quick quotes

    A fun read, with great scenes.

    Although the main character Monza was totally dislikable in a whole new level for most of the time, I still ...

    It's a story that balances humor and serious themes effectively.

Aidan Moher · Aidan Moher · 2010-02-11
compelling 3.60

This is a novel about revenge with little room for redemption, making it a dark and intense read. The characters are complex and the story is compelling.

The reviewer notes that this novel is a dark and intense exploration of revenge, with little room for redemption. The characters are complex and the story is compelling, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and the way it balances dark themes with engaging storytelling. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a satisfying read despite some flaws.

Quick quotes

    Best Served Cold is a novel about revenge, but, unlike the best revenge stories, there is little room for redemption.

    The characters are complex and the story is compelling.

    It's a dark and intense read that keeps the reader engaged.

Elitist Book Reviews · Steven · 2009-08-21
thrilling 4.00

This is a fast-paced, action-packed tale filled with twisted humor and a woman's pursuit of revenge. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish.

The reviewer praises the book for its fast-paced action and twisted humor, making it a thrilling read. The story revolves around a woman's pursuit of revenge, and the narrative is filled with clever one-liners and powerful visuals. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a standout in the genre. The reviewer particularly enjoys the book's dark humor and the way it keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Quick quotes

    It's a fast-paced, action and twisted humor-filled tale of a woman's pursuit of revenge.

    They say Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

    The pacing keeps readers interested, and the characters are fantastic.

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