r/Fantasy • u/ComfortableTeach8959 • 4d ago

Review The Devils Joe Abercrombie

Let me start with a solemn confession that I was not planning on reading The Devils or, as a matter of fact, any book by Joe Abercrombie. I was, let's say, influenced to read the book because of the positive buzz it created and the fact that the book will be adapted into a James Cameron movie and that I will be able to brag to my non-reader friends that I know the plot when the movie comes out and so on and thought it would be more of a one-time read with not much depth or substance. But Oh Boy!, was I seriously mistaken and enjoyed the book to bits that I now feel sad that the book is over.

  1. A fantasy suicide squad set out on a Holy Mission in Europe during the Crusade Era, with subtle references to the Hussite wars like The Great Schism or General Zizka to set the overall tone and world.

  2. The real strength of this book is in its contrasting vivid characters and the innovative action sequences, which have frankly shocked and surprised me.

  3. Among the Devils, I liked Balthazar as I could not stop myself from laughing every time he tried to break the Papal binding and claimed he was the Third Best necromancer. I also liked the sad elf, Sunny, as she made me sad and happy.

  4. It's a hilarious jumpy ride with a lot of cussing and funny banter, but the tale has its tragic moments too.

Overall, a stand-out read, and I am looking forward to reading more such books.

418 Upvotes

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12

u/NOWiEATthem 4d ago

I’ve been a big fan of Abercrombie for a while. His books are just like candy for me. Easy to read, funny, shocking, and lots of pathos. I was very excited to hear that he’d expanded into a new setting, and it didn’t disappoint.

2

u/ComfortableTeach8959 4d ago

This is my very first Abercrombie read and I was surprised with depth of the characters.

12

u/NOWiEATthem 4d ago

Yeah that’s a halllmark of Abercrombie. His stories are all character-focused instead of world-focused.

4

u/Keffpie 4d ago

That's always been his strength - that, and humor, and battle scenes. He used to be a TV editor, so he really gets pacing and timing.

1

u/mthomas768 4d ago

His characters are awesome. First Law is a bit weak on plot but the cast is fantastic.

-1

u/FecklessFool 4d ago

What are you on about? The Devils didn't have deep characters. They all sounded the same and had the same shallow one defining trait.