The First Law Reading Order
The The First Law series by Joe Abercrombie is complete. Here are the 3 books we cover, in order.
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Reading order
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1. The Blade Itself
Book 1
A torturer, a barbarian and a vain nobleman walk into a war. Abercrombie is funny, which is the only reason the darkness goes down so easily.
- Grimdark
- Morally Gray
- Court Intrigue
Content warnings
Torture, Graphic violence, War
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2. Before They Are Hanged
Book 2
Glokta goes south to hold a doomed city while Logen, Jezal and Ferro trudge off on Bayaz's quest. Funnier and tighter than book one, and Glokta's chapters are the best in the trilogy.
- Grimdark
- Morally Gray
- Found Family
Content warnings
Graphic violence, Torture, War, Gore
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3. Last Argument of Kings
Book 3
Abercrombie ends his trilogy by taking every fantasy convention he set up and twisting it. Huge battles, and an ending readers still argue about.
- Grimdark
- Morally Gray
- Court Intrigue
Content warnings
War, Graphic violence, Torture, Gore, Death of a loved one


