One example of this is Logan Ninefingers, one of three main point-of-view characters in this novel and holder of most fight scenes. This, in conjunction with the book’s obsession with making sure you’re as close to its characters as possible, makes each hit hurt as much as it can. It doesn’t take long to find out how hard this novel is willing to hit. This style also facilitates this novel’s crown jewel: its fight scenes. If there’s one way to describe Abercrombie’s narrative style, it’s “cinematic.” The perspective is honed very close on its characters and their immediate thoughts, rather than trying to have you buy into this big wonderful world. These characters experience political turmoil as their country wages a new war with an unknown foe, and not to mention the return of an ancient wizard left by most to legend and myth.ĭoes this book fall to the trappings of the stories set before it, or does it do enough to position itself as the start to a distinct and new step in such auspicious company? The plot itself follows three major characters: an inquisitor who finds himself in the inner circles of the country’s government, a fledgling military officer looking to make his mark and a Northman warrior, Logan Ninefingers, who is still wondering how he got caught up in this mess. Martin or The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan set up a vast wall of expectations toward this and other newer fantasy books. Because of this, many so-called modern fantasies, such as the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. As far as fantasy novels go, this is a relatively recent one, released in 2006. “The Blade Itself” is a fantasy novel by Joe Abercrombie. Cover art for the audiobook version of 'The Blade Itself' by Joe Abercrombie.

The blade itself book review