And Best Served Cold just proved this notion further. Picture: One of the interior arts by Raymond Swanland for Best Served Cold Subterranean Press editionĪmazing characterizations have always been one of Abercrombie’s greatest strengths it is one of the most dominant factors that separated Abercrombie from so many grimdark fantasy authors. Abercrombie successfully transformed this novel into an incredible story of tension, vengeance, and gore, but enriched with redemption and his trademarked humor. As you can expect from Abercrombie, he executed his narrative with brilliance by prioritizing distinctive characterizations and cinematic action scenes. The progression of the storyline in Best Served Cold felt more straightforward compared to The First Law trilogy, but this doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. It’s a revenge story similar to Assassin Creed II or Kill Bill, on steroids. Monza is now determined to assemble her own crew and assassinate the seven personnel responsible for the betrayal. Monza Murcatto has been betrayed by Grand Duke Orso, and the betrayal resulted in her brother’s death and her crippled state.

It is now springtime in Styria, and that means war and revenge. Best Served Cold takes place in the year 579 AU two years after the events of Last Argument of Kings.

I shouldn’t have doubted Abercrombie Best Served Cold was exhilarating, and it’s certainly superior compared to many grimdark books published now. I’ve postponed starting Best Served Cold, the first book in The First Law standalone trilogy by Joe Abercrombie, for almost a year now due to the reason that I thought it will pale in comparison to the first trilogy. Suffering drives us to achieve great things.” I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: Ī magnificent tale of vengeance filled with bloody actions, betrayal, and humor. And that's all before the most dangerous man in the world is dispatched to hunt her down and finish the job Duke Orso started. Her enemies number the better half of the nation. Her allies include Styria's least reliable drunkard, Styria's most treacherous poisoner, a mass-murderer obsessed with numbers and a Northman who just wants to do the right thing. Betrayed, thrown down a mountain and left for dead, Murcatto's reward is a broken body and a burning hunger for vengeance. Her victories have made her popular - a shade too popular for her employer's taste. War may be hell but for Monza Murcatto, the Snake of Talins, the most feared and famous mercenary in Duke Orso's employ, it's a damn good way of making money too. While armies march, heads roll and cities burn, behind the scenes bankers, priests and older, darker powers play a deadly game to choose who will be king. The ruthless Grand Duke Orso is locked in a vicious struggle with the squabbling League of Eight, and between them they have bled the land white.

Joe abercrombie best served cold review