If you have not listened to the Audio, Steven Pacey is excellent and adding a lisp to Glokta when speaking but removing it for his inner monologue is so small but a genius move to show the severity of his disability but how he does not hear it or at least acknowledge it. Perfect.
I cannot agree enough. Pacey had narrated ALL of Abercrombies books, and each is better than the last. The books are great, the audio books are even greater.
Finished it ...thought it was a lot more of a slow burn than I was expecting but still a very excellent book especially towards the end ....that West chapter genuinely shocked me you know the one ....been a long time since I v been shook by a book ....the chapters on the exiled were my favorites...also Bayaz is best girl 😊
If you want, you two should absolutely do the audiobooks for the series. Steven Pacey was my favorite Audiobook narrator until I found Jeff Hayes but he's absolutely FANTASTIC.
I found this book from your previous video. Sold me on it. Just finished the third book of the trilogy last night. Can say with confidence this series is one of my favorite of all time. Joe Abercrombie is forever an instant purchase for me. Also, the best audio books, maybe of all time!
It must be an amazing feeling to have a couple of ramblers talking about your book and characters down to the minute details that you may or may not have intentionally added. I just hope to have the same thing happen to my WIP one day. Love the content lads!
Just finished The Blade Itself and loved everything about it. Unlike most fantasy fans, I didn't start with Tolkien or Robert Jordan. My first fantasy was The Dark Tower series. This absolutely scratched the same itch as that series and A Song of Ice and Fire. Looking forward to reading all of Abercrombie's work. I can't believe it's taken me this long to read him.
Strap in lads you’re in for a ride with this series!!!! The First Law universe is incredible. All 9 books in the series (10 books if you include Sharp Ends) are masterpieces. This is without question my favorite fantasy series of all time. I initially read the series and fell in love and have recently went back to listened to it on audible. Steven Pacey who narrates the series is so talented and has such a good understanding of the universe that Joe Abercrombie himself said in an interview that the man’s narration started to influence how he wrote the characters. I’m so excited, and slightly jealous, for you guys getting to dive into this series. Keep up the great work.
I read the first book 2 years ago and the rest very recently. I HIGHLY recommend to go through the entire trilogy without reading too many other books in between. As Austin points out. These books are INCOMPLETE imo when read separately, but the trilogy together makes an amazing story.
Yes! So glad y’all are covering this! Similar to Mark Lawrence, Joe can make morally gray characters super engaging (even though no one’s really a hero)
Okay so idk if I had the same thoughts on the plot before watching this video, but Rich might just have talked me into believing it. Applause 🤣 I think this series actually is underappreciated for its re-read value!! And true, Glokta is the BEST character, but Jezal is my personal favourite because he is just such a tragically entertaining hot mess lol. Thanks for the fun, can't wait for Austin to become a full-on Abercrombie stan hehehe
Joe Abercrombie has said many times this is his version of lord of the rings so the whole trilogy is basically one big book. I have the very same problems with the plot as I am mostly plot reader.
To me Books 1&2 are firmly great Book 3 takes them and makes them amazing. No spoiling but the way it decontextualizes the relationships and world is amazing
This is fitting cuz I got my best friend to read The Blade Itself as well. It's my favorite series so it was quite an experience to see someone else fall into the Circle of the World.
Just read the First Law trilogy this summer and it has really stuck with me. The scenes, the characters, the problems that the characters face all left such an impact and even though the experience reading the books was kind of strange, the way that those books have remained in my brain keep it a 5/5
I know you were trying not to focus too much on Glotka over the characters, but I think you missed out a key part of what makes him actually pretty sympathetic and human - he’s desperately lonely. That, along with his wit, is what makes him my favourite character in this book. Wanting to connect with other people, and struggling to in such a harsh world, is a theme throughout the book, not just affecting Glotka.
I’ve only read The First Law Trilogy. I want to try the standalones and the sequel series, but I haven’t yet. The Blade Itself was my favorite of the series with The Last Argument of Kings being number two. I actually disliked Before They Are Hanged so adamantly that I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish the trilogy, but I’m glad I did. I want to re-read the series to see if my opinion has changed though.
As for today I've read 5 books from the First Law universe, and currently it's my 2nd favourite modern fantasy series (behind The Witcher, but I'm Polish so super biased here). I hope you keep reading! I actually liked the first two standalones (Best Served Cold and The Heroes) more than the original trilogy.
What I think of when I hear people talking about this series is who else could have written this. The prose is perfect for what happens in the story, all the dark and dastardly things combined with the humor that just ever so slightly makes it lighter. Could Sanderson, Butcher, Erikson, GRRM, Robert Jordan, etc. Who else has this prose style that could fit this exactly right? Abercrombie is so good. And if you're into audio, Steven Pacey is GOAT level, high recommend! Thanks guys!
I've read 10 First Law books and it's not enough. I must have more First Law books. There is no slog. Each book better than the last. I hate every single character. I would die for all of them.
Also another question Josh directly from the 2toramble video editor. Out of curiosity what kinda device to you watch on? Phone, computer monitor, tv, etc. Cheers, & thanks for the feedback
I found the Blade Itself to be the perfect "turn off your brain and just consume, because what you're reading isn't that good, but it's not terrible" kind of book. Fun characters that are not very deep, plot that is interesting enough to keep turning the page, and pacing that is just consistent enough to not DNF it. I was confused by all the high-rated reviews, because I was thinking "Am I reading a different book? This is okay, but it's not great." Until I finished it, rated it a 2/5, a later found out that most of the high-rated reviews were coming from those that listened to the audiobook. That cleared up much of my confusion, as it made sense that a character-driven book like this would increase their quality. Good video!
@@2ToRamble I'm definitely more plot-driven in terms of what I like in a story. But that's kind of my point in the sense that the whole book is just "okay." In my opinion, if a story is centered around the characters themselves, that doesn't give any excuse for the plot to suffer overall. The characters are supposed to drive the plot forward, at least, that's their job as the crux of the story. If the plot isn't interesting, that means what the characters are doing isn't interesting. Abercrombie has stated that he didn't put a lot of time into worldbuilding, or plot, because he wanted to focus on the characters. My thoughts on that are: "Characters are supposed to be byproducts of the environment around them. So if the plot and world isn't expanded on or given priority, it makes your characters seem shallow." Sorry to ramble haha, thank you for the response, and keep making good videos!
Love the videos! One small request: any chance you guys could increase the volume on the Spotify podcast? It’s pretty soft right now and makes it hard to listen when commuting on the train
Im glad you guys loved it. My favorite abercrombie book is the heroes. The middle standalone book. I also think that the second trilogy is slightly better than the first. I hope you guys read them all. Ps. Dont listen to people who tell you to skip the standalones or not to read them in order. Yes they are standalones but there are charactwrs that cross over all 3 books and they need to be read between the trilogies in publication order
@@shughes5778 mainly just progresses the world and sets things up. The north is different in the second trilogy from where it left off in the original trilogy and you need to read the standalones to understand what happens. The standalones really just set up the the world for the second trilogy so you aren't confused about the way of things
I've got two holds for rereading from the library right now. The Wise Man's Fear and Golden Son. I know I'm breaking both of your hearts when I say that I prefer WMF by far.
Richard got me to read Lonesome Dove last month, so I'll be definitely reading this next! Excited to finish this episode once I'm done with the book! 😁
Checking back in here after finally finishing the book! This was a great introduction to Abercrombie's work and I already started book 2 after having so much fun with this one. I agree with Austin that the plot isn't the best, just basically getting all the characters together in one place. But I agree with Rich's enjoyment about everything else! Especially how deep and layered the characters are, complimented by the thought provoking nature of their backstories: Glokta the tortured turned torturer, Logen's trying-to-survive attitude contrasted with the Bloody Nine's bloodthirst, Baez with his calm wisdom, Major West the good guy character being destroyed by one single mistake, Ferro with her unquenchable wrath, and Jezal just being self-absorbed throughout the whole story. Not a perfect book, but a spectacular 4.75 rambler rating for me! On to book 2! :D
My brother is a teacher in a penitentiary, and he said the inmates are big fans of Joe Abercrombie. I found that so interesting and also not surprising and also a little bit horrifying 😅🤭
11:45 You are very welcome. It was a pleasure to bully you into reading this book 😆😆. To be fair ... You did promise me on 2 separate occasions that First Law was going to be "the next seires you take on". My bullying is justified 🤣🤣🤣 Also I finally agree with Richard on something 😂. This book is GOOD
@@2ToRamble We still have the First Law standalones after book 3 and then the Age of Madness trilogy after those 😆😆😆😆. After that we'll see what happens
I’ve read this and Before They are Hanged (getting to Last Argument soon) and like academically I know in hindsight there’s a plot but I definitely like some characters more than others (fuckin’ love Glokta and the audiobook narrator does a bang up job of switching the speech impediment on and off when Glokta thinks and when Glokta speaks)
The blade itself is my least favorite I've read. I've read everything except the Age of Madness Trilogy. It took me a while to get through it and I'm usually a fast reader. I knew going in that this book didn't have much in the way of plot though, so I was going to finish no matter what. The rest of the series I absolutely love.
Austin! Hurry up and read The Name of The Wind!! I’m telling you, you’ll love it! I think we have very similar reading tastes, so as someone who has read NoTW and loved, I really do think you’ll at least enjoy it. I mean my favorite series before reading NoTW literally were Red Rising, First Law, Stormlight, and Dune-all of which I know now you like/love. So please! Read NoTW soon! I’m dying with anticipation as to what your thoughts will be.
Finally the first law. I read the trilogy !! Bloody Logan 9 fingers. Sand dan Glokta. Joe Abercrombie!! Is the best. I wish he wrote Storm Light Archives/Cosmere. I wish you listened to the Audiobooks!! Man the Narrator is awesome.
I think that the trilogy has to be critiqued as 1 book, kind of like LOTR. Blade itself was definitely the slowest of the three. I did think Blade itself was a little too long and could have been cut in half but after finishing the trilogy realized why it was the way it was. The series is also a straight black comedy, not even grimdark. Grimdark is depressing (Dark Age), First law is funny. Even the last chapter of the first trilogy had me shaking my head thinking: this MF Abercrombie took me on this journey to end up here! Subverting all tropes and expectations, hilarious.
If we are being honest, the first book has no plot. It’s a great book with immaculate character work……but it’s widely agreed on that the plot is the worst part of the book. Giving this book a higher score for plot than any of the red rising books is CRAZY
Guys help, im tryna poo right now but im having trouble due to hemorrhoid issues and constipation. This is a grimdark situation and i need your support in this dark time.
Pretentious and correct here, but BOOK TWO, Before They Are Hanged, is not only the best book in the first trilogy…but the best book Abercrombie’s written to date (followed closely by The Trouble With Peace…another book two) 😤
I get why people liken First Law and ASOIAF. I don't think they are particularly similar though. ASOIAF has hero's, villain's, and morally grey characters. Bad things happen to good people however it is always earned and makes perfect sense why it happened. The story while dark has a constant sense of hope in it. First Law by contrast only has morally grey characters. A lot of the times the bad things that happen to the heroes is earned others it feels a bit malicious on the part of the author. There is not really any hope in it.
If you both think this book is this good, then the later books will floor you. I would say every other entry in this series is better than the blade itself, so there’s a lot to look forward to!
I’m with Austin, plot was the only weaker part of the book to me. But loved the characters and what was happening enough to still give the book a 5 for me.
I really disliked a lot of this book. Mainly because the lack of plot and there not being any characters I really connected with - but the action scenes were amazing. Any of the Dogman chapters (the band versus Bethods men - RIP Bad-enough lol) , Ferro and Logan’s chase with the practicals and anytime Bayaz used magic were my personal highs - if future books have action like this I’ll keep reading…
@@2ToRamble first video that it's happened on, and that's not just your guys' videos. I was streaming on my phone, too. Sorry, didn't mean for it to come across and blaming you. Just a little annoying
@@iOfTheStormm All good -- sounds like something on UA-cam's end -- if it happens again definitely let us know and we can fiddle around with ad settings if they allow
Say one thing for this book, say plot is definitely not better than characters. This is how I view the category when it comes to plot, I disregard everything characters, world, themes or anything at all and just think solely of the plot in the book. Also should've just given the character a 5, if the plot is a 5 since the characters are the reason why you would care for the plot at all.
We’ve been doing it since Episode #126 - in that episode we explain everything in annoying detail as to why we switched and how the reting system works
This is one of my favorite books of all time but come on, the plot is almost non existent lol. The character work is some of the best in all of fiction though. Straight up masterpiece.
I think the First Law and ASOIAF are completely different. One's grimdark, one isn't. ASOIAF is my favorite series. I personally loathed the First Law. No plot, passive characters, no character progression. It's essentially a slice of life in a cynical grimdark setting.
I (austin) agree plotwise wasnt anything grest- though I dont think it was incoherent. Characters and prose made this a really awesome read for me, but I see where youre coming from
@@2ToRamble By Coherent i mostly am referring to the Lack of an overall solid conclusion books 1 and 2. Book 2 felt especially hollow to me on a read. The Character writing WAS good, but the lack of narrative really felt like it was holding our characters back.
@@2ToRamble we often hear from other characters about all the horrible things that Logan did, but it’s not really clear how much of it was actually Logan or if near all of it was the bloody nine. Either way he doubtless has a dark past, a past he regrets.but thinking back over the books. I can’t think of a time where Logan killed or harmed someone that wasn’t in self-defense. Logan is very easy to cheer for.
@@2ToRamble glockta even puts himself at risk a couple of times to do what he feels is right and punishes people when he feels they have been unnecessarily cruel. I love the characters so much in this series. They all have so many layers. I think it is true that none of them are “heroes“
Mondays are no longer painful with 2 to Ramble uploads
❤️
Yeah the dcc videos have been rough lol
If you have not listened to the Audio, Steven Pacey is excellent and adding a lisp to Glokta when speaking but removing it for his inner monologue is so small but a genius move to show the severity of his disability but how he does not hear it or at least acknowledge it. Perfect.
It’s fantastic
I cannot agree enough. Pacey had narrated ALL of Abercrombies books, and each is better than the last. The books are great, the audio books are even greater.
_“I can be pretentious and correct”_ is my new motto 😂
“Once you’ve got a book to read, it’s better to do it, than live with the fear of it” ~What to say when recommending this book to a friend.
Austin NEEDS to read the standalones with Richard before moving onto the next trilogy
Finished it ...thought it was a lot more of a slow burn than I was expecting but still a very excellent book especially towards the end ....that West chapter genuinely shocked me you know the one ....been a long time since I v been shook by a book ....the chapters on the exiled were my favorites...also Bayaz is best girl 😊
Yeah The First Law might be my favourite fantasy series PURELY based on the characters. Also like you... I loved Lonesome Dove.
If you want, you two should absolutely do the audiobooks for the series. Steven Pacey was my favorite Audiobook narrator until I found Jeff Hayes but he's absolutely FANTASTIC.
I (austin) have been doing audiobook - did very little physical for first book but audio for 99% of the time. Its awesome
I love them too. Except when he pronounces 'grimaced' wrong (like its two words grim and aced) 😁
@@2ToRamble Fantastic to hear! I hope you two enjoy your ride through The First Law!
Body floating by the docks
I ❤ the audiobooks for the first law universe
I found this book from your previous video. Sold me on it. Just finished the third book of the trilogy last night. Can say with confidence this series is one of my favorite of all time. Joe Abercrombie is forever an instant purchase for me. Also, the best audio books, maybe of all time!
It must be an amazing feeling to have a couple of ramblers talking about your book and characters down to the minute details that you may or may not have intentionally added. I just hope to have the same thing happen to my WIP one day. Love the content lads!
Cheers!! (Also wishing best to you on your WIP)
Just finished The Blade Itself and loved everything about it. Unlike most fantasy fans, I didn't start with Tolkien or Robert Jordan. My first fantasy was The Dark Tower series. This absolutely scratched the same itch as that series and A Song of Ice and Fire. Looking forward to reading all of Abercrombie's work. I can't believe it's taken me this long to read him.
YES IM SO GLAD YALL STARTED THIS
I've had this on my shelf for a while... I'm excited to get to it soon! You guys pitch it well.
🙏 Hope you enjoy!
Strap in lads you’re in for a ride with this series!!!! The First Law universe is incredible. All 9 books in the series (10 books if you include Sharp Ends) are masterpieces. This is without question my favorite fantasy series of all time. I initially read the series and fell in love and have recently went back to listened to it on audible. Steven Pacey who narrates the series is so talented and has such a good understanding of the universe that Joe Abercrombie himself said in an interview that the man’s narration started to influence how he wrote the characters. I’m so excited, and slightly jealous, for you guys getting to dive into this series. Keep up the great work.
Finally dude, you review this great series. I was really wondering..
I know its been mentioned but the audio books for this series are utterly phenomenal. Made my experience so much more enjoyable
I read the first book 2 years ago and the rest very recently. I HIGHLY recommend to go through the entire trilogy without reading too many other books in between. As Austin points out. These books are INCOMPLETE imo when read separately, but the trilogy together makes an amazing story.
Yes! So glad y’all are covering this! Similar to Mark Lawrence, Joe can make morally gray characters super engaging (even though no one’s really a hero)
This is the one and only series where I would recommend the audiobooks over a physical copy. Pacey is just that good.
Okay so idk if I had the same thoughts on the plot before watching this video, but Rich might just have talked me into believing it. Applause 🤣 I think this series actually is underappreciated for its re-read value!! And true, Glokta is the BEST character, but Jezal is my personal favourite because he is just such a tragically entertaining hot mess lol.
Thanks for the fun, can't wait for Austin to become a full-on Abercrombie stan hehehe
😁
Joe Abercrombie has said many times this is his version of lord of the rings so the whole trilogy is basically one big book. I have the very same problems with the plot as I am mostly plot reader.
Richard with ANOTHER objectively perfect take, great review.
To me Books 1&2 are firmly great Book 3 takes them and makes them amazing. No spoiling but the way it decontextualizes the relationships and world is amazing
This is fitting cuz I got my best friend to read The Blade Itself as well.
It's my favorite series so it was quite an experience to see someone else fall into the Circle of the World.
Just read the First Law trilogy this summer and it has really stuck with me. The scenes, the characters, the problems that the characters face all left such an impact and even though the experience reading the books was kind of strange, the way that those books have remained in my brain keep it a 5/5
Hey awesome! Glad you liked it so much! I'll probably be diving into this next month.
I know you were trying not to focus too much on Glotka over the characters, but I think you missed out a key part of what makes him actually pretty sympathetic and human - he’s desperately lonely. That, along with his wit, is what makes him my favourite character in this book. Wanting to connect with other people, and struggling to in such a harsh world, is a theme throughout the book, not just affecting Glotka.
I’m so happy you guys are checking out this series. It’s my favorite. I don’t really think any author compares to Abercrombie, personally
I’ve only read The First Law Trilogy. I want to try the standalones and the sequel series, but I haven’t yet.
The Blade Itself was my favorite of the series with The Last Argument of Kings being number two. I actually disliked Before They Are Hanged so adamantly that I wasn’t sure I would be able to finish the trilogy, but I’m glad I did. I want to re-read the series to see if my opinion has changed though.
As for today I've read 5 books from the First Law universe, and currently it's my 2nd favourite modern fantasy series (behind The Witcher, but I'm Polish so super biased here). I hope you keep reading! I actually liked the first two standalones (Best Served Cold and The Heroes) more than the original trilogy.
What I think of when I hear people talking about this series is who else could have written this. The prose is perfect for what happens in the story, all the dark and dastardly things combined with the humor that just ever so slightly makes it lighter. Could Sanderson, Butcher, Erikson, GRRM, Robert Jordan, etc. Who else has this prose style that could fit this exactly right? Abercrombie is so good. And if you're into audio, Steven Pacey is GOAT level, high recommend! Thanks guys!
Totally agree!!
You two Are so good and funny, Thanks! First law Series (specially age of madness) is my top 2 Series of all time (Right After malazan). So great
Ahh thank ya 🙏
I've read 10 First Law books and it's not enough. I must have more First Law books. There is no slog. Each book better than the last. I hate every single character. I would die for all of them.
Beautifully said lol
Love the videos but I think sticking with the wide angle would be better than the odd split camera, just a suggestion.
Appreciate it, do you think the split is too zoomed in?
Also another question Josh directly from the 2toramble video editor. Out of curiosity what kinda device to you watch on? Phone, computer monitor, tv, etc.
Cheers, & thanks for the feedback
YEEESSSSS!!!! FINALLY!! 🎉
Fantastic video. I had the same reactions as Richard while reading it 😅
The day after I purchased the book, this comes out! You guys know me so well
😉
I am up to the second stand alone. This series subverts going back to the Arthurian legends for me. This series is magic!
I wanted to know more about Sand dan Glokta. That is a well-written character.
I found the Blade Itself to be the perfect "turn off your brain and just consume, because what you're reading isn't that good, but it's not terrible" kind of book. Fun characters that are not very deep, plot that is interesting enough to keep turning the page, and pacing that is just consistent enough to not DNF it.
I was confused by all the high-rated reviews, because I was thinking "Am I reading a different book? This is okay, but it's not great." Until I finished it, rated it a 2/5, a later found out that most of the high-rated reviews were coming from those that listened to the audiobook. That cleared up much of my confusion, as it made sense that a character-driven book like this would increase their quality.
Good video!
Thanks and that makes sense - what kind of reader are you, less character focused?
@@2ToRamble I'm definitely more plot-driven in terms of what I like in a story. But that's kind of my point in the sense that the whole book is just "okay."
In my opinion, if a story is centered around the characters themselves, that doesn't give any excuse for the plot to suffer overall. The characters are supposed to drive the plot forward, at least, that's their job as the crux of the story. If the plot isn't interesting, that means what the characters are doing isn't interesting.
Abercrombie has stated that he didn't put a lot of time into worldbuilding, or plot, because he wanted to focus on the characters. My thoughts on that are: "Characters are supposed to be byproducts of the environment around them. So if the plot and world isn't expanded on or given priority, it makes your characters seem shallow."
Sorry to ramble haha, thank you for the response, and keep making good videos!
@@calebfeliciano2099 Thank you and no worries on the rambling response!
Love the videos! One small request: any chance you guys could increase the volume on the Spotify podcast? It’s pretty soft right now and makes it hard to listen when commuting on the train
Oh shoot, is it like that for all episodes or this one specifically?
I’ve noticed it for all the videos, at least the recent ones I’ve listened to
I no joke finished this book last night after picking it up from your first video. This couldn’t have been better timed
Actually I finished it AN HOUR before this video was posted. Wow, could not get better timing
Damn!!
I loved it as well! And I may be picking up book 2 very soon...
Im glad you guys loved it. My favorite abercrombie book is the heroes. The middle standalone book. I also think that the second trilogy is slightly better than the first. I hope you guys read them all.
Ps. Dont listen to people who tell you to skip the standalones or not to read them in order. Yes they are standalones but there are charactwrs that cross over all 3 books and they need to be read between the trilogies in publication order
How important are the standalones to the second series? Especially if you already read book 1 of the second series?
@@shughes5778 mainly just progresses the world and sets things up. The north is different in the second trilogy from where it left off in the original trilogy and you need to read the standalones to understand what happens. The standalones really just set up the the world for the second trilogy so you aren't confused about the way of things
My #1 favorite series of all time. Nobody, nobody has made me love characters more than JA
DNFd this twice, I keep picking it up because others love it but we’ll see if I ever get through it.
10 total books 😁 there is also a collection of short stories 📚
I've got two holds for rereading from the library right now. The Wise Man's Fear and Golden Son. I know I'm breaking both of your hearts when I say that I prefer WMF by far.
🥲🥲
Richard got me to read Lonesome Dove last month, so I'll be definitely reading this next! Excited to finish this episode once I'm done with the book! 😁
🙏
Checking back in here after finally finishing the book! This was a great introduction to Abercrombie's work and I already started book 2 after having so much fun with this one. I agree with Austin that the plot isn't the best, just basically getting all the characters together in one place. But I agree with Rich's enjoyment about everything else! Especially how deep and layered the characters are, complimented by the thought provoking nature of their backstories: Glokta the tortured turned torturer, Logen's trying-to-survive attitude contrasted with the Bloody Nine's bloodthirst, Baez with his calm wisdom, Major West the good guy character being destroyed by one single mistake, Ferro with her unquenchable wrath, and Jezal just being self-absorbed throughout the whole story. Not a perfect book, but a spectacular 4.75 rambler rating for me! On to book 2! :D
@@philsajor6724 Fantastic review and you didnt anger rich or I because you agreed with us both lol!
Say one thing for 2ToRamble. Say their videos are amazing!
😇
You know how long I've been waiting for this?!
😁
Terry Pratchett is the only author that makes me laugh more the Joe Abercrombie! First Law is the best!
My brother is a teacher in a penitentiary, and he said the inmates are big fans of Joe Abercrombie. I found that so interesting and also not surprising and also a little bit horrifying 😅🤭
😂
I completely agree with Richard on the plot
11:45 You are very welcome. It was a pleasure to bully you into reading this book 😆😆.
To be fair ... You did promise me on 2 separate occasions that First Law was going to be "the next seires you take on". My bullying is justified 🤣🤣🤣
Also I finally agree with Richard on something 😂. This book is GOOD
Whats the next series youre going to bully about 😭
@@2ToRamble We still have the First Law standalones after book 3 and then the Age of Madness trilogy after those 😆😆😆😆. After that we'll see what happens
I’ve read this and Before They are Hanged (getting to Last Argument soon) and like academically I know in hindsight there’s a plot but I definitely like some characters more than others (fuckin’ love Glokta and the audiobook narrator does a bang up job of switching the speech impediment on and off when Glokta thinks and when Glokta speaks)
I'm on my 6th Abercrombie book, he's becoming my favorite.
The blade itself is my least favorite I've read. I've read everything except the Age of Madness Trilogy. It took me a while to get through it and I'm usually a fast reader. I knew going in that this book didn't have much in the way of plot though, so I was going to finish no matter what. The rest of the series I absolutely love.
Austin! Hurry up and read The Name of The Wind!!
I’m telling you, you’ll love it! I think we have very similar reading tastes, so as someone who has read NoTW and loved, I really do think you’ll at least enjoy it. I mean my favorite series before reading NoTW literally were Red Rising, First Law, Stormlight, and Dune-all of which I know now you like/love. So please! Read NoTW soon! I’m dying with anticipation as to what your thoughts will be.
I did read it! It was our Patron book club of the month. And we recorded the episode as well. Coming out this month 😈
@@2ToRamble Let’s goo!!! Perhaps I’ll consider becoming a patron if you give it a good rating🤔🤔
I'm looking forward to dissecting every complaint Richard makes about NotW.
Yay! Nothing constructive to add here, just that I love love love the First Law trilogy!
Finally the first law. I read the trilogy !!
Bloody Logan 9 fingers.
Sand dan Glokta.
Joe Abercrombie!! Is the best. I wish he wrote Storm Light Archives/Cosmere.
I wish you listened to the Audiobooks!! Man the Narrator is awesome.
Cant say I wish he wrote Stormlight, but yes he is great lol - and I (austin) did listen to the audiobook! Did very little physical reading for this
watched your first video about TBI just a couple weeks ago and was wondering when you would do another!
Perfect timing
Literally just finished this book last night, really liked it!! How does Before They Are Hanged compare?
People generally like book 2 more - we both thought it was still very much worth it but slightly less so than book 1
I think that the trilogy has to be critiqued as 1 book, kind of like LOTR. Blade itself was definitely the slowest of the three. I did think Blade itself was a little too long and could have been cut in half but after finishing the trilogy realized why it was the way it was.
The series is also a straight black comedy, not even grimdark. Grimdark is depressing (Dark Age), First law is funny. Even the last chapter of the first trilogy had me shaking my head thinking: this MF Abercrombie took me on this journey to end up here! Subverting all tropes and expectations, hilarious.
Interesting - didnt think of it that way!
If we are being honest, the first book has no plot. It’s a great book with immaculate character work……but it’s widely agreed on that the plot is the worst part of the book.
Giving this book a higher score for plot than any of the red rising books is CRAZY
@@tuber7081 all of Richard’s hate of Red Rising should be shamed. I approve
@@2ToRamble 😂😂😂✊🏾
Dudes these books are so f***ing good. The Age of Madness was some of the best stuff I read.
One of my favourites series, all 9 books are great! The second trilogy is even better than the first one for me
Guys help, im tryna poo right now but im having trouble due to hemorrhoid issues and constipation. This is a grimdark situation and i need your support in this dark time.
I dont know what to say, but im commenting to let you know I read this thrice over and am left commentless
A future classic.
Glotka is the best character ever written periodt.
Loved the blade itself, my second favourite out of nine after book 3
Hallelujah the only saving grace of mondays
❤️
Love The Blade Itself!! Excited to continue. Austin’s inability to pronounce character names continues 😂
😭😭 i swear it’s not intentional
Pretentious and correct here, but BOOK TWO, Before They Are Hanged, is not only the best book in the first trilogy…but the best book Abercrombie’s written to date (followed closely by The Trouble With Peace…another book two) 😤
Oo 👀
It’s the greatest fantasy series of all time
I got the first trilogy waiting for me on my shelves. I'm almost done with Red Rising and then it's unto this!
🔥 (got to finish red rising - top tier)
I get why people liken First Law and ASOIAF. I don't think they are particularly similar though. ASOIAF has hero's, villain's, and morally grey characters. Bad things happen to good people however it is always earned and makes perfect sense why it happened. The story while dark has a constant sense of hope in it. First Law by contrast only has morally grey characters. A lot of the times the bad things that happen to the heroes is earned others it feels a bit malicious on the part of the author. There is not really any hope in it.
Fair!
To me, this series doesn’t get nearly enough publicity. It possibly has the best character ever written in Glokta
If you both think this book is this good, then the later books will floor you. I would say every other entry in this series is better than the blade itself, so there’s a lot to look forward to!
Hahahaha I love how excited Richard is
I’m with Austin, plot was the only weaker part of the book to me. But loved the characters and what was happening enough to still give the book a 5 for me.
Finally, Abercrombie is here
Say one thing about this book, it's a great start for a trilogy
I really disliked a lot of this book. Mainly because the lack of plot and there not being any characters I really connected with - but the action scenes were amazing. Any of the Dogman chapters (the band versus Bethods men - RIP Bad-enough lol) , Ferro and Logan’s chase with the practicals and anytime Bayaz used magic were my personal highs - if future books have action like this I’ll keep reading…
Loved the review guys, but why tf did i get 4 ads in a period of 6 minutes near the end?
5 in 8 minutes now. What the actual fuck is this
Has this happened before? Sorry about that, we can check what UA-cam is doing here
@@2ToRamble first video that it's happened on, and that's not just your guys' videos. I was streaming on my phone, too. Sorry, didn't mean for it to come across and blaming you. Just a little annoying
@@iOfTheStormm All good -- sounds like something on UA-cam's end -- if it happens again definitely let us know and we can fiddle around with ad settings if they allow
Richard I am 100% with you i love this book
Is it your favorite of the trilogy? Ill have to ask Rich which is his favorite
This is the thing Austin I loved the entire trilogy I don't have a favorite it was just a fantastic journey with these characters.
Say one thing for this book, say plot is definitely not better than characters.
This is how I view the category when it comes to plot, I disregard everything characters, world, themes or anything at all and just think solely of the plot in the book.
Also should've just given the character a 5, if the plot is a 5 since the characters are the reason why you would care for the plot at all.
Agreed, but now I must see Rich defend this 😈 I hope he replies here
The Plot Itself
There is actually 11 books that take place in this world the other 2 are Sharp ends and the great change (and other lies)
Ahh got it - are those more novella/short stories as well? Should we read them in a specific order?
Yeah sharp ends are short stories it was ok and the great change follows a rock lol. I liked them but probably won't reread them
Woah woah woah, what did i miss? Why is the rambler rating stars now??
We’ve been doing it since Episode #126 - in that episode we explain everything in annoying detail as to why we switched and how the reting system works
Body found floating by the docks…
This is one of my favorite books of all time but come on, the plot is almost non existent lol. The character work is some of the best in all of fiction though. Straight up masterpiece.
Glokta is the goat 🎉 he is a vile little shit, but brilliant 😂
😂 well said
I think the First Law and ASOIAF are completely different. One's grimdark, one isn't. ASOIAF is my favorite series. I personally loathed the First Law. No plot, passive characters, no character progression. It's essentially a slice of life in a cynical grimdark setting.
@@danielrood264 based. Absolutely based
dang we giving 5.0 for plot rating to a story with a hidden plot? You guys weren't nearly as generous with Garden of the Moon's plot lol.
Body floating down by the docks...
i really did not like these books😬got through the middle of book 3 and just couldn’t continue.
Ah darn. What made it not enjoyable for you?
@@2ToRamble how about every character being a different cheek of the same deformed asshole?
I hated this book series as a read, only the final book has any actually coherent plot. If felt like a single 3 act book stretched to a trilogy
I (austin) agree plotwise wasnt anything grest- though I dont think it was incoherent. Characters and prose made this a really awesome read for me, but I see where youre coming from
@@2ToRamble By Coherent i mostly am referring to the Lack of an overall solid conclusion books 1 and 2. Book 2 felt especially hollow to me on a read. The Character writing WAS good, but the lack of narrative really felt like it was holding our characters back.
I disagree that none of the characters are good people. I think Logan is good, “the bloody nine” is obviously not good but Logan is.
From my (austin) understanding, he has a history where he did bad things (as logen), but curious to find out more
@@2ToRamble we often hear from other characters about all the horrible things that Logan did, but it’s not really clear how much of it was actually Logan or if near all of it was the bloody nine. Either way he doubtless has a dark past, a past he regrets.but thinking back over the books. I can’t think of a time where Logan killed or harmed someone that wasn’t in self-defense. Logan is very easy to cheer for.
@@2ToRamble glockta even puts himself at risk a couple of times to do what he feels is right and punishes people when he feels they have been unnecessarily cruel. I love the characters so much in this series. They all have so many layers. I think it is true that none of them are “heroes“