Red Country

People who have given low stars due to downloading problems are unfairly punishing the author and narrator. Many people base their purchases on user reviews and when seeing such low ratings may not purchase the book. Do not punish the author and narrator for Audible's technical issues, which they fixed in the promised two day time frame. Please take what you've just read into consideration before you write your next review.

Red Country is fantastic! Joe Abercrombie is easily the best author in his genre. LOVED to have old characters back and how he deftly crafts new ones! Steven Pacey is the perfect narrator again! I really enjoyed how he consistently voices each character, even those from the beginning of the First Law series. I loved this book so much, I finished it and immediately hit "play" again to start all over.

Lamb - oh I think you know...

Nicomo Koska

the morning after the "love scene." hilarious

Loved this book as much as the rest of the First Law. Hope it never ends!

Tough men, tough women, blood, gore, romance and terrific characters new and old.... yes Joe Abercrombie is back !!! If you haven't read any of his books read The First Law trilogy prior to this book you won't be sorry. So we couldn't download it right away, so what. Awesome book again! Already looking forward to the next.

First let me start by saying, if you have not read all the previous Joe Abercrombie books this is not the book for you. If you have please skip this paragraph. All of Abercrombie's books are chronological. Without knowing the previous 5 books, you will miss a lot of the character motivations, because they are influenced by events in previous books. And in general I think the book will not feel "complete". While this book and his previous 2 are called "stand alone" it just means the book has a end in itself instead of waiting for another book for the ending to the story. Before listening to this, it is important to listen or read in order The First Law Trilogy, Best Served Cold, and The Heroes. I think doing so is important to enjoying Red Country

Red Country sets a new standard for Abercrombie. His writing continues to grow with every book. I laughed out loud, and cheered out loud. This book brings out the full range of emotions, I think more so then his previous works. He did a fantastic job of capturing the "feel" of the wild west, while still staying within his world. I cannot imagine a Abercrombie fan not loving Red Country. Pacey is as usual perfect for narrating this book.

A note on the pre-order download issue. When I had problems, I called customer service. I did not have to wait on hold more then 10 seconds. I got a CS rep that told me in straight talk (paraphrase) "We know about the problem, the files on the server are corrupt. I sent your email to the IT department and they will send you a message when the files are replaced and you can download the book". I could not ask for better support. We all have gotten the CS runaround with phone trees and tiered support. Having the first person I talked to give me a real answer and be proactive about a solution was awesome. I just wish people would not rate the book down because they could not get it immediately.

Yes, it was annoying that Audible messed up the release. But, I think people should rate this book according to its merits, and not a technical glitch that had nothing to do with the book.

That said, I love this book. I've enjoyed all Joe Abercrombie's books, but the first three were my favorites. The next two changed narrators and the feel of the books weren't the same either. I like Michael Page, but Steven Pacey is so much better in these books. Listening to 'Red Country' read by Steven Pacey is like running into an old friend and catching up with what's changed in their life since the last time you saw each other. It has really been a great couple days with this book to guide me on my daily drive.

The best thing about this book is that it treads closer to first law series, and it almost seems that Joe is setting up next trilogy of first law. I could go into details, but that would give things away : )

Like most of his semi 'stand alone' books outside of first law, the premise of this book is simple one as well. Though it may look like it is a revenge story, but it is story about rescue more than anything. If there is blood on the way, so be it.

The setting of the book is of a western but writing remains sharp and edgy. Couple of gripes : ) One, Inquisition is not as top of their game as they have been in past. Also, book has a theme of 'old' where everyone seems to be on the wrong side of age and seem to be reflecting a lot about their younger days.
One the positive side however, when come down to action, most of these characters are top of their game and execute expertly. It makes me think, where does Joe gets these life lessons for his characters? Because some of them are very funny and insightful.


There is violence as one can expect, but in this setting, it comes natural. Writing is witty as well, and I laughed outright on several occasions. A lot of it has to do with Steven Pacey's delivery, and it is match made in audio book heaven. I wish Steven narrate all Joe's book. He does an excellent job once again.

My 5 star rating criteria is that book would made me want to take the long route or even wish to get stuck in traffic. People can compare Joe's previous work with this book all they want, this book is 5 star book.

This is as good as the First Law Trilogy. I found myself sitting in the car to just listen to a few more minutes and was disappointed that it had to end. It's a great story filled with vibrant characters. Next to Lamb I really enjoyed the appearance of Nicola Cosca. Dark, gritty and pretty much not a single "good" guy among the characters, I love this book and the world Abercrombie creates. Steven Pacey is the perfect narrator for these stories. I can't wait for another one.

If they love the First Law Series, then this is a no brainer.

One of my favorite characters in action and Steven Pacey is back!

Lamb.

Yes.

Get it, enjoy it. Wonderful book.

I took a chance and tried to download again and this time it worked. I have now downloaded all three parts: Part 1 6:44:50, Part 2 6:31:14, Part 3 6:49:01. I got tired of waiting and started reading it on my Kindle. I like the audios better - especially having Steven Pacey as the narrator. He read the first three books in the First Law series (The Blade Itself, Before They are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings).

The best character from Abercrombie's First Law returns to us and doesn't disappoint. As is standard, this is bloody, bleak, but hugely entertaining. Steven does excellent voicing and accents. Thanks Joe, and bring us more of the Bloody Nine!