The Devils

This book is my absolute fantasy highlight of the year! Brother Diaz is sent on a mission by her Holiness the Pope herself, to crown Alex, a lost princess, on the occupied throne of Troy. The Pope believes that only demonic fire can combat demonic fire, and so she sends him with some help: Some of the most evil creatures imaginable. And as is often the case with Abercrombie, the mission is swiftly torn apart with a lot of chaos and even more violence. While the “First Law Saga” explored villains who fancied themselves heroes, this story dives deep into villains with hearts of gold—or at least a shard of it. Every character is beautifully crafted, bursting with their own motives, stories, and quirks that make them unforgettable. The love story between Alex and Sunny is so tender and sincere that it nearly melted my heart. The world we step into with this band of misfits is astonishingly immersive and rich in detail. Even though you can enjoy this novel without needing a sequel, I find myself longing to see more of these characters I’ve truly fallen in love with. For fans of Abercrombie’s layered prose and clever dialogue, prepare to be thoroughly delighted— and additionally showered with a slapstick-like pipi-popo-humor.

Joe Abercrombie is a master of grimdark fantasy. I am a big fan of his First Law series. If you are too you will feel right at home. His biggest strength is writing stories with ensemble casts. And it shows here again. Really great chemistry between characters and a combination of snappy and quotable dialogue make this romp. It also features a bunch of really amazing character arcs. The other part I massively enjoyed was the world building. it just feels very lived in in and makes you wish for more books from that world. If you enjoy the "Suicide Squad" and medieval europe this is the book for you!

A ragtag group of supernatural misfits consisting of a vampire, an immortal warrior, an invisible elf, an assassin, a necromancer and a horny werewolf, led by an unlucky monk, set out on a perilous mission set an in alternate version of medieval Europe on the brink of disaster. Abercrombie's signature blend of grimdark grit, razor-sharp wit and relentless action is on full display, delivering a tale that is as brutal as it is hilarious.

Ich muss gestehen, dies war mein erster Abercrombie, also ein Schuss ins Blaue und ich wurde nicht enttäuscht! The Devils ist rasant, unerhöhrt komisch, blutig doch herzlich, übertrieben doch mitfühlend. Für mich ein absoluter Genuss! Das Buch lebt von seinem Cast aus abgehalfterten 'Teufeln' und ich kann versprechen, hier bleibt kein Auge trocken ;) Eines meiner Jahreshighlights 2025!