First Law World Books in Order

Joe Abercrombie's gritty fantasy universe spanning the original First Law trilogy, three standalone novels, and the Age of Madness trilogy, where morally grey characters clash across the Union, the North, and beyond. The grim, blood-soaked saga moves from feudal warfare into an age of industrial upheaval.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of The Blade Itself

    The Blade Itself

    2006 · Joe Abercrombie

    A 2006 novel by Joe Abercrombie. Logen Ninefingers, an infamous barbarian, has run out of luck; Captain Jezal dan Luthar dreams of glory while war…

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  2. Cover of Before they are hanged

    Before they are hanged

    2007 · Joe Abercrombie

    Superior Glokta faces a dire situation: defending a city under siege by enemies and infiltrated by traitors, with unreliable allies and a missing…

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  3. Cover of Last Argument of Kings

    Last Argument of Kings

    2008 · Joe Abercrombie

    A 2008 novel by Joe Abercrombie. The King of the Union lies on his deathbed, the peasants revolt, and the nobles scramble to steal his crown. No one…

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  4. Cover of Best served cold

    Best served cold

    2009 · Joe Abercrombie

    Monza Murcatto is a soldier who profits from war. Her successes make her popular, which worries her employer. After being betrayed and left for dead,…

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  5. Cover of The Heroes

    The Heroes

    2011 · Joe Abercrombie

    They say Black Dow’s killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls. The King of the Union is…

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  6. Cover of Red Country

    Red Country

    2012 · Joe Abercrombie

    When her younger siblings are abducted, a hard-bitten frontier woman is forced to chase them into the lawless Far Country, reluctantly partnered with…

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Companion & related books

Short-story collections and companion titles in this series.

  • Cover of Sharp Ends

    Sharp Ends

    Year unknown · Joe Abercrombie

    This collection gathers short stories set throughout the First Law world, revisiting familiar characters at different moments of their lives and…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the First Law World books in?

Publication order — Widely recommended by readers and consistent with author Joe Abercrombie's chronological writing of the world Start with “The Blade Itself.”

How many books are in the First Law World series?

We list 7 books by Joe Abercrombie , published between 2006–2012.

Where can I buy the First Law World books?

Each title above links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.