The Circle of the World. One of the most engaging worlds in literature. Unique with its demographics, geography, and, most of all, war-mongered society. A quote regarding a character from the book, Logen Ninefingers, that Joe Abercrombie has created, says it best, “You carry on. That’s what he’d always done. That’s the task that comes with surviving, whether you deserve to live or not.”
This book is filled with many gritty moments. As the above quote suggests, there are people in this book that are willing to do just about anything to survive. Logen is one of them. Ferro Maljinn is another. These characters, while coming from two completely different continents, are a great representation of what it means to become numb to life’s darkest events. They have seen it all.
While Logen and Ferro are survivalists in their own right, there is one character that is very unique – almost, moreso, than any other book that I have read. His name is Sand dan Glokta. This guy had it all. He was among the best duelists in the world, and he got all the girls. Attention, fame, glory, and, as a result, wealth were his. Until the day came that he could no longer fight. He is now a cripple in the beginning of this book. His outlook on life has changed. He no longer cares for people like he once used to. Or, at least, no longer cares enough to help himself. Throughout the entire book, he doesn’t care whether he lives or dies. He is in unbearable pain due to the physical shell that has been left behind from his wounds. Because of his pain, he projects it on others who he feels deserve it – taking on the rank of Inquisitor.
The depth in this character, alone, makes this book for me. I love the way Joe Abercrombie has introduced us to The Circle of the World with such an engaging person. As you probably know, this is a series. This book is one of three that fall into “The First Law” trilogy. While the plot needs some polishing, and the background on these characters and their relationships could use some refining, I still feel like this was a great read.
If you would like an action-adventure book in the grimdark subgenre that doesn’t miss on violent twists, characters, worldbuilding, and just good writing, then please read “The Blade Itself.” It doesn’t disappoint.
– 4/5
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