The First Law Trilogy

One of the best fantasy book series period and one of the best audiobook performances to boot. This is one of those rare reading performances by a master narrator where the audiobook makes a great book into something grand.The Blade Itself (first in the First Law series) is brutally dark book interspersed by moments of dry humor â something that is performed perfectly by Steven Pacy in his narration of it. Pacy nails down the cynicism and dry humor of the characters perfectly: the dry humor and sarcasm of the characters is blended seamlessly with the gritty world.The author's powerful voice and engaging British accent give each character a certain gravitas -- you FEEL the emotional complexity of The Bloody Nine (the philosophical barbarian psychopathic killer ); you empathize with the plight of the tortured-turned-torturer Glokta as he unwillingly plies his dark trade while trying to do what is right. Pacy brings out the best -- and worst == in his characters through his nuanced and striking narration of them.Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook over reading the book.The audiobook version IS the way you should experience Abercrombie's work -- not only his astounding First Law trilogy, but his other books in the series as well. Steven Pacey is at his best and The First Law trilogy is his magnum opus performance. Don't even think about skipping this one. And if you've had the pleasure of reading it, do yourself a huge favor and listen to these audiobooks -- a whole new story will come to life from Pacey's reading.Listen to a sample of Steven Pacy's voice