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17 books to read after The First Law — original trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, sorted by what you loved about it.
You loved
Joe Abercrombie
Ensemble, prominently male veterans/officers and an inquisitor; not a single-protagonist story. Secondary-world kingdoms, warfare and government intrigue; exact historical-period label not assigned.
The Blade Itself; trilogy continues with Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings. Original trilogy has an ending; the wider setting includes additional books.
Best Served ColdEditorial match
On the shelfSee who recommends it
Black Stone HeartRecommended by book creators or readers
Recommended by book creators or readers
Prince of ThornsRecommended by book creators or readers
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The Darkness That Comes BeforeRecommended by book creators or readers
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The Poppy WarMy pick Recommended by book creators or readers
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Aching GodRecommended by a book creator
Recommended by a book creator
Editorial match
A Song of Ice and FireRecommended by book creators or readers
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Kings of the WyldRecommended by book creators or readers
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Red RisingMy pick Recommended by book creators or readers
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Traitor's BladeRecommended by book creators or readers
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BlackwingRecommended by book creators or readers
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The PariahRecommended by book creators or readers
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We Are the DeadRecommended by book creators or readers
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GodblindRecommended by book creators or readers
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It depends on what you loved about it. For a standalone set after the trilogy: Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie. For more grit after First Law: Black Stone Heart by Michael R. Fletcher. For grimdark at its most extreme: The Darkness That Comes Before by R. Scott Bakker.
17 books, grouped by what readers loved about The First Law — original trilogy. Each one says why it fits, what is different and who backs the recommendation.
How this list is made: every match comes from Sandro's research catalog, which records who recommends what (book creators, readers, book sites) and an editorial comparison of what each book offers. Matches marked "Editorial match" are his own comparison. Recommendations cannot be bought.
New military fantasy and science fiction releases, new reading lists and the occasional essay, about once a month.
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