• The Blade Itself

  • The First Law: Book One
  • By: Joe Abercrombie
  • Narrated by: Steven Pacey
  • Length: 22 hrs and 15 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (9,095 ratings)

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The Blade Itself  By  cover art

The Blade Itself

By: Joe Abercrombie
Narrated by: Steven Pacey
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Publisher's summary

Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled and bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer, is trapped in a twisted and broken body - not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers.

Nobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain and shallow, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men. And Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all - ideally by running away from it.

But as he's discovering, old habits die hard....especially when Bayaz gets involved. An old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Glokta, Jezal, and Logen a whole lot more difficult....

©2010 Joe Abercrombie (P)2010 Orion Publishing Group

What listeners say about The Blade Itself

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    6,039
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    2,187
  • 3 Stars
    601
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Performance
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Story
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    4,959
  • 4 Stars
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  • 3 Stars
    564
  • 2 Stars
    122
  • 1 Stars
    92

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Capital!

Great writing combined with outstanding narration. I can't emphasize how talented Steven Pacey is. Bravo!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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BEdazzling entertainment!

Brilliant narration by Steven Pacey. Audible perfection! Wonderful adult fantasy-Could do without f-bombs

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Highly Enjoyable

I read. I read a lot. That being said, Joe Abercrombie's The First Law series is one I will be re-reading (re-listening). The basic premise is tried and true fantasy, with enough embellishments and depth to make it seem unique. The mythos and history of the series is fresh, and interesting. But what makes this series is the Characters! Well written, individual, witty, funny and entertaining. And props to Steven Pacey for style and talent in presenting this to us!

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Paceyius Excellus

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It's fifty percent delivered, an' I believe the Bloody Nine would agree!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Blade Itself?

It was like looking into a mirror.

Which scene was your favorite?

The one with blood.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yah, if my ass was three days long.

Any additional comments?

Bloody Hell

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent story, excellently narrated

Would you listen to The Blade Itself again? Why?

Yes. It is an intriguing story with many nuances.

What other book might you compare The Blade Itself to and why?

Game of Thrones. The same kind of edgy fantasy - no holds barred and very real descriptions.

Which character – as performed by Steven Pacey – was your favorite?

Difficult to choose between Glokta, Jezal, Logen, Bayaz and Feroh. Probably Logen.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The unfolding of an epic tale

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Legitimate 5 star all-round performance!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I DO recommend this audiobook to friends and family every time I'm asked for titles in this genre. I'm a work-at-home freelance illustrator and I have a lot of time to listen to audiobooks while I work and the First Law trilogy is the golden standard for me. I am currently seeking methods to erase my memory of this series so that I can go back and listen to it for the first time again.

The story is excellent, the characters are nearly all memorable (even side characters), and the narrator's job on this is so excellent I would say I haven't heard narration like this since my mother made me listen to the Harry Potter audio books in a car ride to Pennsylvania.

This is my personal top-of-the-shelf audiobook series and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in a compelling fantasy series. The only thing you'll be angry about is that it ends.

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highest praise

best narration ever. can't wait for more. what a story fo far. i loved it

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Epic

It starts strange and slow, but give it sometime and you are in for one of the best fantasy stories. Great narration, great writing, and well developed characters. Highly recommended

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Simply amazing

Loved it, this narrator is probably the best on this site. Easily. Highly recommend it.

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One of the best!

2nd time through and it's even better. Joe Abercrombie and Steven Pacey are a great combi

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