Reading Order
First LawFirst Law World Reading Order
Joe Abercrombie's First Law World is an ongoing series of grimdark fantasy novels. It began with the First Law Trilogy (three books), continued with three standalone novels in the same world, and then launched a new trilogy (Age of Madness) set 30 years later. The original trilogy can be read as a complete, standalone story. The standalones and the Age of Madness trilogy build on the original but can largely be appreciated without it.
Where to start
The Blade Itself
Complete First Law Book List
- 1Buy
The Blade Itself
Joe Abercrombie·2006·Book 1 — The First Law Trilogy: Logen Ninefingers, a barbarian trying to leave his past; Jezal, a vain soldier; Sand dan Glokta, a torturer who was once a hero - 2Buy
Before They Are Hanged
Joe Abercrombie·2007·Book 2 — Two campaigns split the cast across the continent; the war begins - 3Buy
Last Argument of Kings
Joe Abercrombie·2008·Book 3 — The trilogy conclusion; famous for one of fantasy's most devastating final acts - Buy
Best Served Cold
OptionalJoe Abercrombie·2009·Standalone — set in the same world, 10 years later; a mercenary captain pursues revenge - Buy
The Heroes
OptionalJoe Abercrombie·2011·Standalone — a single battle across three days; multiple POVs - Buy
A Little Hatred
OptionalJoe Abercrombie·2019·Age of Madness Book 1 — set 30 years after the trilogy; the Industrial Revolution comes to the Circle of the World
First Law — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the First Law reading order?
Start with the First Law Trilogy: The Blade Itself (2006), Before They Are Hanged (2007), and Last Argument of Kings (2008). After the trilogy, you can read the standalone novels (Best Served Cold, The Heroes, Red Country) in any order, then the Age of Madness trilogy starting with A Little Hatred (2019).
How many First Law books are there?
Joe Abercrombie has written nine books in the First Law World: the original trilogy (3 books), three standalones (Best Served Cold, The Heroes, Red Country), and the Age of Madness trilogy (A Little Hatred, The Trouble with Peace, The Wisdom of Crowds). All nine are published and available.
Do I need to read the First Law Trilogy before the Age of Madness?
The Age of Madness trilogy is set 30 years after the original First Law Trilogy and features some returning characters. While it can be read as a starting point, readers consistently get more from the Age of Madness having read the original trilogy, particularly its ending.
What is the First Law series about?
The First Law is grimdark fantasy — fantasy that subverts the heroic tradition by showing that war is brutal, heroes are compromised, and institutions serve their own interests. The original trilogy follows a barbarian, a torturer, and a vain soldier across a continent-spanning war orchestrated by a mysterious figure called Bayaz, the First of the Magi.
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