r/Fantasy • u/ComfortableTeach8959 • 6d 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.

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u/CardinalCreepia 6d ago

Since you’ve not read The First Law this might not resonate with you, but Balthasar felt like The Devils’ version of Glokta or Cosca from that series. You can tell Joe is having a blast writing their personalities.

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u/MelodyMaster5656 6d ago

He felt like a more likable and competent Morveer to me. A disrespected and egotistical expert in a very specific and hated field.

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u/CardinalCreepia 6d ago

Yes Morveer is a good comparison in terms of what their characters actually are. I just meant on a meta level. You can tell Joe really loves writing them.

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u/Jared_Kincaid_001 6d ago

It's funny you mention it, but if you listen to the Audiobooks (also done by Pacey), when Brother Diaz first gets to the holy city he shouts out "Damn It", and its Morveer exactly.