The Blade Itself

This book is a masterclass in character-driven storytelling, featuring a cast of unlikeable (but somehow still likeable?) characters. Through subtle humor and razor-sharp prose, the narrative shifts fluidly between multiple POVs, each with their very distinct voice. Even the side characters—no matter how briefly they show up—feel distinct and genuinely interesting. The novel's focus is not really on the action but the impact upon the protagonists and their following reactions, therefore being more of a slowburn, but Abercrombie's talent really lies in his ability to construct characters with depth and then thrust them into intricately intertwining storylines full of hilariously dark moment, and moral ambiguity.

Eine faszinierende Einführung in die von Joe Abercrombie erfundene Welt mit spannenden Charakteren und interessanten Plots. Eher in Richtung Grim Dark einzuordnen!