The Collected Joe Abercrombie

A Game of Thrones

George R. R. Martin

Epic fantasy with morally complex characters and brutal political intrigue. Similar to Abercrombie's gritty style, it features multiple perspectives and subverts traditional heroic narratives. The story follows noble families fighting for control of the Iron Throne in a world where honor often leads to destruction. Martin's world-building and character depth mirror Abercrombie's approach to fantasy storytelling.

The First Law Trilogy

Joe Abercrombie

Abercrombie's groundbreaking trilogy that established his reputation in fantasy. Follows multiple characters through a world that deconstructs traditional heroic narratives. Features dark humor, realistic combat, and complex character arcs. A masterclass in subverting fantasy expectations.

The Blade Itself

Joe Abercrombie

The first book in The First Law trilogy, introducing Abercrombie's signature style. Features morally complex characters like Logen Ninefingers and Inquisitor Glokta. Subverts traditional fantasy heroism with dark humor and realistic character development. A perfect starting point for understanding Abercrombie's approach to fantasy.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott Lynch

A cunning heist novel set in a richly detailed fantasy world. Features morally gray characters and sharp, witty dialogue similar to Abercrombie's approach. The protagonist is a clever con artist navigating a dangerous urban landscape. Combines dark humor, intricate plotting, and character-driven storytelling.

The Malazan Book of the Fallen

Steven Erikson

An epic fantasy series with massive scope and complex political intrigue. Shares Abercrombie's approach to subverting fantasy tropes and presenting realistic characters. Involves multiple perspectives and morally ambiguous conflicts. Sophisticated, challenging, and deeply immersive storytelling.

Gardens of the Moon

Steven Erikson

Complex epic fantasy with multiple perspectives and intricate political machinations. Shares Abercrombie's approach to subverting fantasy tropes and presenting morally ambiguous characters. Involves large-scale conflicts and deep world-building. Challenging, sophisticated narrative with realistic character interactions.

The Broken Empire Trilogy

Mark Lawrence

A complete trilogy following a ruthless protagonist in a post-apocalyptic fantasy world. Shares Abercrombie's unflinching approach to character development. Features a protagonist who is simultaneously compelling and deeply flawed. Dark, intelligent, and challenging traditional fantasy narratives.

The Black Prism

Brent Weeks

A fantasy novel with unique magic system and complex character dynamics. Explores themes of power, morality, and personal transformation. Features morally complex characters navigating difficult choices. Innovative, engaging, and intellectually stimulating.

The Black Company

Glen Cook

A dark military fantasy following a mercenary company with morally ambiguous characters. Like Abercrombie, Cook presents a realistic and cynical view of warfare and heroism. The narrative focuses on soldiers' perspectives rather than traditional heroic archetypes. Gritty, pragmatic, and filled with complex moral choices that echo Abercrombie's style.

Red Seas Under Red Skies

Scott Lynch

Second book in the Gentleman Bastard series, continuing the blend of heist and fantasy. Features clever protagonists navigating complex political landscapes. Maintains the witty dialogue and moral ambiguity found in Abercrombie's work. A thrilling adventure with unexpected twists and morally gray characters.

The Powder Mage Trilogy

Brian McClellan

A fantasy series blending magic and gunpowder technology. Shares Abercrombie's interest in complex political landscapes and morally ambiguous characters. Features revolutionary conflicts and innovative magic systems. Gritty, realistic, and intellectually engaging.

Prince of Thorns

Mark Lawrence

A dark fantasy following a ruthless young prince seeking revenge. Shares Abercrombie's unflinching approach to character development and moral complexity. The protagonist is deeply flawed and violent, challenging traditional heroic narratives. Brutal, intelligent, and uncompromising in its storytelling.

The Night Angel Trilogy

Brent Weeks

A dark fantasy series about assassins and magical powers. Explores themes of redemption and moral complexity similar to Abercrombie's work. Features characters who struggle with their past and seek transformation. Intense, action-packed, and psychologically complex.

The Way of Shadows

Brent Weeks

A gritty fantasy about an assassin's rise from poverty to power. Features morally complex characters and violent action reminiscent of Abercrombie's work. The protagonist navigates a brutal world through skill and cunning. Dark, intense, and focused on character transformation.