The Blade Itself, the first book in Joe Abercrombie's First Law trilogy, is a dark, gritty, and engaging epic fantasy that subverts the genre's conventions and delivers a fresh, character-driven narrative.

The story takes place in a world where magic, politics, and violence are intertwined, and where the balance of power is constantly shifting between the Union, a confederation of feudal states, and the Gurkish Empire, an aggressively expansionist force. The book follows the exploits of several main characters, whose paths eventually converge and collide.

The first character we meet is Logen Ninefingers, a former warrior and leader of the feared Northmen, who is on the run from his past and his enemies. Logen is a complex and conflicted protagonist, prone to bouts of self-doubt, regret, and violence. He is caught in a cycle of bloodshed and survival, haunted by the ghosts of his past, and struggling to find a way to escape his fate.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of Adua, a young and idealistic nobleman named Jezal dan Luthar is busy pursuing his dreams of becoming the greatest swordsman in the Union, while enjoying the privileges of his position and the admiration of his peers. Jezal is arrogant, lazy, and selfish, but he also has a sense of honor and a desire to prove himself worthy of the respect he craves.

The third main character is Inquisitor Glokta, a former soldier who was captured and tortured by the Gurkish, and who now works as a ruthless and cunning torturer for the Union's secret police. Glokta is physically and mentally scarred, bitter, and cynical, but he is also intelligent, perceptive, and witty. He navigates the treacherous corridors of power with a mix of cunning and brutality, and tries to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to destabilize the Union.

As their stories unfold, Logen, Jezal, and Glokta encounter a cast of memorable and diverse supporting characters, including Bayaz, a mysterious and enigmatic wizard with a hidden agenda; Ferro Maljinn, a vengeful and traumatized slave who seeks to destroy the Gurkish Empire; and West, a pragmatic and loyal soldier who serves as the Captain of the Union's elite First Guard.

The Blade Itself is a slow-burning story that gradually sets the stage for larger conflicts and reveals the hidden depths and motivations of its characters. Abercrombie's prose is vivid and visceral, with a keen eye for detail and a darkly humorous tone. The book combines action, politics, and introspection, and explores themes such as power, identity, loyalty, and justice, without resorting to simplistic or cliched tropes.

As the book progresses, Logen, Jezal, and Glokta find themselves drawn into a web of conspiracies and betrayals, as they confront their own weaknesses and insecurities. Logen learns to trust and rely on his companions, particularly Ferro and West, and begins to question his own violent impulses. Jezal is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and the moral compromises he has made in his pursuit of glory. Glokta uncovers a plot to overthrow the ruling council of the Union, but must also reckon with his own past mistakes and his personal demons.

The Blade Itself ends on a cliffhanger, as the protagonists' paths converge and lead to a dramatic confrontation with a common enemy. The book sets the stage for the remaining two volumes of the trilogy, which continue to explore the world's political and magical intrigues, as well as the characters' personal journeys.

Overall, The Blade Itself is a compelling and impactful debut novel, which showcases Abercrombie's talent for world-building, character development, and gripping storytelling. It is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy, and a refreshing take on the genre for those who may have grown tired of its conventions.

As soon as he reached the Square of Marshals, Jezal realised there was something wrong. It was never half this busy for a meeting of the Open Council. He glanced over the knots of finely dressed people as he hurried by, slightly late and out of breath from his long training session: voices were hushed, faces tense and expectant.

He shouldered his way through the crowd to the Lord’s Round, glancing suspiciously up at the guards flanking the inlaid doors. They at least seemed the same as ever, their heavy visors giving nothing away. He crossed the ante-chamber, vivid tapestries flapping slightly in the draught, slipped through the inner doors and passed into the vast, cool space beyond. His footsteps made tapping echoes in the gilded dome as he hurried down the aisle towards the high table. Jalenhorm was standing beneath one of the tall windows, face splashed with coloured light from the stained glass, frowning at a bench with a metal rail along its base which had been placed to one side of the floor.

‘What’s going on?’

‘Haven’t you heard?’ Jalenhorm’s voice was whispery with excitement. ‘Hoff’s let it be known there’ll be some great matter to discuss.’

‘What is it? Angland? The Northmen?’

The big man shook his head. ‘Don’t know, but we’ll soon see.’

Jezal frowned. ‘I don’t like surprises.’ His eye came to rest on the mysterious bench. ‘What’s that for?’

At that moment the great doors were swung open and a stream of councillors began to flood down the aisle. The usual mixture, Jezal supposed, if a little more purposeful. The younger sons, the paid representatives . . . he caught his breath. There was a tall man at the front, richly dressed even in this august company, with a weighty golden chain across his shoulders and a weighty frown across his face.

‘Lord Brock himself,’ whispered Jezal.