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

    Across a brutal world on the edge of war, a crippled torturer, a vain swordsman, and a barbarian haunted by his past find their fates pulled together…

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  2. Cover of Before they are hanged

    Before they are hanged

    2007 · Joe Abercrombie

    The Union fights for survival on two fronts as a small band journeys to the edge of the world on a desperate quest set by the wizard Bayaz.…

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  3. Cover of Last Argument of Kings

    Last Argument of Kings

    2008 · Joe Abercrombie

    With war closing in from every direction and a king's throne suddenly in question, old loyalties shatter and hidden ambitions surge to the surface.…

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  4. Cover of Best served cold

    Best served cold

    2009 · Joe Abercrombie

    Betrayed and left for dead by the duke she served, a feared mercenary captain claws her way back to plot revenge against the seven men responsible.…

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  5. Cover of The Heroes

    The Heroes

    2011 · Joe Abercrombie

    Over the course of three brutal days, Union and Northern armies clash for control of a cluster of ancient stones atop a hill called the Heroes. Told…

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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 6 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.