The Blade Itself

by Joe Abercrombie
The Blade Itself cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99 Hardback • £18.99–£25.00
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 2262
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780575091504
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-06-18
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

The Blade Itself introduces readers to a gritty and unforgiving world where the characters are as complex and flawed as the landscape they inhabit. Inquisitor Glokta, a former soldier turned torturer, embodies the harsh realities of power and survival. Captain Jezal dan Luthar, a nobleman with a penchant for self-indulgence, finds his comfortable life disrupted by forces beyond his control. Meanwhile, Logen Ninefingers, a warrior with a bloody past, struggles to escape his violent nature as he faces off against a formidable enemy. The arrival of Bayaz, a bald old man with a mysterious agenda, sets the stage for a tale of intrigue, magic, and brutal conflict. This novel is celebrated for its dark humor and intricate character development, offering a fresh take on the fantasy genre. The author's vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue bring the characters to life, making their struggles and triumphs all the more compelling. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where every decision has consequences and alliances are as fragile as they are necessary.

Reviews
Calliope's Prisoner · 2020-07-29
excellent 4.00

The characters are rich and their experiences, ranging from lost love to bloody combat, are impactful. The book is a triumph of character-driven fantasy.

This reviewer was delighted by the depth of the characters and the impact of their experiences. They appreciated the range of emotions and situations the characters go through, from lost love to gritty combat. The reviewer found the book to be a triumph of character-driven fantasy, praising the way it explores the complexities of its characters. They highlighted the emotional resonance and the gritty realism as key strengths.

Quick quotes

    I was delighted by the richness of the characters and the impact of their experiences.

    Ranging from lost love, to gritty and bloody combat.

    The Blade Itself is a triumph of character-driven fantasy.

Grimdark Magazine · 2014-09-05
brilliant 4.50

The book is a joy to read with its complex world and morally grey characters. The ongoing wars add depth to the narrative.

This reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the richness of the world and the morally complex characters. They enjoyed the ongoing wars and the way they added layers to the story. The reviewer found the book to be a brilliant example of grimdark fantasy, praising its depth and the way it keeps readers engaged. They highlighted the characters' moral ambiguity as a particular strength.

Quick quotes

    A brilliant, complex world with morally grey characters and ever ongoing wars.

    The Blade Itself truly reminds me of what a joy it is to read a book.

    The characters' moral ambiguity is a particular strength.

Doing in the Wizard · 2012-03-08
mixed 3.50

The story is fascinating despite the excessive use of profanity, which feels out of place. The characters are well-developed and engaging.

This reviewer found the story captivating and the characters well-developed, but they were put off by the frequent use of strong language. They felt it interrupted the flow of the narrative and was unnecessary. Despite this, they appreciated the depth of the characters and the intricate world-building. The reviewer's overall impression was positive, highlighting the book's strengths in character development and storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Too many F-bombs interrupting the otherwise fascinating story.

    The characters are well-developed and engaging.

    The story is captivating and the world-building is intricate.

Appears in Lists