This review is for the entire First Law trilogy. While George RR Martin has been slumping with the last two books of the Song of Ice and Fire series and playing footsie with HBO, Joe Abercrombie is writing fantasy the way it should be written. Unapologetic, edgy, filled with intrigue and amazing battle scenes. I can't express just how good these books were, you'll just have to read them for yourselves. Frankly, i'm jealous that you are going to get to experience them for the first time. Joe Abercrombie has quickly vaulted to my #1 author position. I look forward to reading his stand-alone novels Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country. If they are even half as good as this series, I will be a very happy reader. Buy these books without hesitation. Nobody is writing better right now than Joe Abercrombie.