The first part of his Shattered Sea series, Half a King, came out in July 2014, with the other two, Half the World and Half a War, published in February and July 2015. However, before returning to the First Law world, he wanted to write 'something small', in his own words.(Source: Interview at Swecon, October 2012). Abercrombie followed up the trilogy with three stand-alone novels in the same world, Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country in 2009, 20 respectively.Ībercrombie is contracted with Gollancz for three additional novels after A Red Country, which will probably be another trilogy set in the First Law world. These three books comprise the First Law Trilogy. The novel was followed by two sequels, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings in 20. Gollancz purchased the book and two sequels, publishing The Blade Itself in 2006. By chance, the manuscript came to the attention of editor Gillian Redfearn at Gollancz, a British science fiction and fantasy publishing company.

He currently lives in Bath, Somerset with his wife and three children.ĭuring a break between jobs he began work on The Blade Itself in 2002, completing it in 2004. After graduation he worked in television production before becoming a freelance film editor. He was educated at the all-boy Lancaster Royal Grammar School, and then Manchester University where he studied psychology.

2.2 Standalone books in the world of the First LawĪbercrombie was born on 31 December 1974 in Lancaster, England.

What are others thoughts on this? I have heard that people tend to want to continue series due to their connection to the characters, so is it dangerous doing this in a series if most people become attached to the character and want more of them? I think Joe balanced this well enough in any case as the characters definitely featured enough over the series.

Towards the end of books I always look forward to starting something different with new characters, especially if it's in the same world. I really enjoyed the change of POV characters from book to book as well. Have many read it? What's the general consensus? It doesn't get spoken about much on here.

I was a little hesitant given its YA but it's still gritty enough and while not as complex as his other works, still has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. Not in the same league as TFL (but not much is imo) but still great nonetheless. So I finished this series recently and really enjoyed it.

Joe abercrombie shattered sea trilogy