There's something undeniably captivating about a world steeped in moral ambiguity, where heroes are few and far between. This is the world that Joe Abercrombie masterfully crafted in his "First Law" series, a series that not only left an indelible mark on the fantasy genre but also played a pivotal role in inspiring me to continue my writing.
Abercrombie's brilliance lies in subverting the classic fantasy tropes. Gone are the noble knights and shining heroes, replaced by morally grey characters driven by ambition, vengeance, and survival. Two of my favorites are Logen Ninefingers, the barbarian with a haunted past, and Sand dan Glokta, the crippled inquisitor. Both defy easy categorization. Their flaws and complexities make them not only compelling but also deeply human.
Sand dan Glokta: A Broken Man Forged in the Fires of Cruelty
Sand dan Glokta is a character who embodies the brutal realities of Abercrombie's world. Once a promising soldier, his body is now a broken shell, ravaged by torture and betrayal. This physical torment is mirrored by a deep-seated cynicism and bitterness that permeate his every thought and action. Yet, despite his outward demeanor, Glokta possesses a remarkable intellect and cunning. He navigates the treacherous political landscape of the Union with a calculating mind, using his keen observations and manipulative tactics to survive and achieve his goals.
However, Glokta's true strength lies in his resilience. Despite the constant physical and emotional pain he endures, he refuses to be broken. He clings to a dark sense of humor and a twisted sense of justice, fueled by a desire for revenge against those who inflicted suffering upon him (while inflicting that same suffering on the unfortunates that fall into his web). Glokta is a complex and morally ambiguous character, a product of the harsh world he inhabits, and his journey is one of both survival and the exploration of the depths of human endurance.
Logen Ninefingers: A Barbarian Haunted by the Echoes of Violence
Logen Ninefingers is a formidable warrior, a hulking barbarian with a legendary reputation and a mysterious past. He possesses immense physical strength and prowess in combat, a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield. However, Logen harbors a dark secret: he is cursed by uncontrollable bloodlust. This curse transforms him into the Bloody-Nine, a near-unstoppable force of destruction, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake.
Despite his fearsome reputation, Logen is a surprisingly introspective character. He grapples with the weight of his actions and the guilt associated with the violence he has inflicted. He yearns for redemption and seeks to control the Bloody-Nine. This internal conflict adds depth to his character, making him more than just a brutal warrior. Logen's journey is one of self-discovery and attempting to find a semblance of peace amidst the chaos he unleashes. His struggle for redemption serves as a powerful commentary on the consequences of violence and the burden of a troubled past.
The Union and the Creator
The central country in the series, the Union, reflects this moral ambiguity. It's a land ravaged by war, riddled with corruption, and ruled by powerful houses vying for dominance. With the magic/religious system, "The First Law," throws another layer of complexity into the mix. The alleged creator of this world, Euz, a powerful demon-human hybrid is dead, leaving three of his sons with gifts while the youngest recieved only with jealousy. The wars between these sons will be the subject of another blog post, in itself.
Writing
Abercrombie's genius doesn't lie solely in darkness. His prose is sharp and witty, laced with dark humor that perfectly complements the grim setting. He doesn't shy away from violence, but it never feels gratuitous, always serving the narrative purpose of highlighting the brutality of the world and the characters' struggles.
Themes
What truly sets "The First Law" apart is its exploration of themes. Abercrombie delves into the complexities of human nature, questioning the very notion of good and evil. He explores themes of power, revenge, and redemption, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world they inhabit. And while you see character growth, you also see regression (looking at you Jezal dan Luther).
It's this unique combination of gritty realism, complex characters, and powerful themes that resonated so deeply with me. It inspired me to pick up the manuscript idea that had been gathering cobwebs in my head for years. I wish I had read this series sooner. Have you read the first in the series, The Blade Itself? If not, you should. And soon.
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