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The ideal way to read The First Law universe by Joe Abercrombie is in publication order, starting with the original The First Law trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings), followed by the standalone novels (Best Served Cold, The Heroes, Red Country), the short story collection (Sharp Ends), and finally The Age of Madness trilogy. This sequence matches authorial intent and offers the richest experience of character development, themes, and world continuity.
Publication Order
Here is the sequence Joe Abercrombie released his books in The First Law universe:
| # | Title | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Blade Itself | 2006 |
| 2 | Before They Are Hanged | 2007 |
| 3 | Last Argument of Kings | 2008 |
| 4 | Best Served Cold (Standalone novel) | 2009 |
| 5 | The Heroes (Standalone novel) | 2011 |
| 6 | Red Country (Standalone novel) | 2012 |
| 7 | Sharp Ends (Short story collection) | 2016 |
| 8 | A Little Hatred (Age of Madness #1) | 2019 |
| 9 | The Trouble With Peace (Age of Madness #2) | 2020 |
| 10 | The Wisdom of Crowds (Age of Madness #3) | 2021 |
- The original trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged, Last Argument of Kings) builds the core story, characters, and moral tone of Abercrombie’s grimdark world.
- The standalone novels (collectively “World of the First Law”) expand the universe into different stories and perspectives while featuring overlapping characters and themes.
- Sharp Ends compiles short stories, offering side-stories and background that enrich the world without being strictly essential to plot progression.
- The Age of Madness trilogy picks up years later, showing the consequences of change and modernization in the world.
Chronological Order
Abercrombie’s universe does not align strictly by actual chronological timeline due to overlapping events in the standalone novels and short stories. However:
- The core trilogy sets the baseline timeline.
- Standalone novels generally happen after or overlapping with the original trilogy (e.g., Best Served Cold occurs a few years afterward, then The Heroes, then Red Country).
- Short stories in Sharp Ends vary in placement; some occur before the trilogy, others afterward.
- Age of Madness trilogy is clearly the latest chronologically, with an industrializing world.
This loose chronological sequence works, but mixing publication and chronology can lead to spoilers or diluted impact. Publication order remains the recommended path for newcomers.
Recommended Reading Order
Recommended reading order is the arrangement that best preserves narrative surprises, emotional arcs, and authorial pacing.
My recommendation: Follow the books in publication order.
Why this is the best path:
- Narrative Unfolding: The original trilogy introduces key characters (Logen Ninefingers, Jezal, Glokta) and the tone of grimdark that defines the series. Jumping ahead into standalone books might reveal spoilers or miss early character arcs.
- World Evolution: Standalone novels and short stories build on the trilogy’s themes. Reading them in sequence allows subtle connections and character returns to land with more weight.
- Emotional Resonance: The Age of Madness trilogy references events, consequences, and legacies from earlier works. Reading in publication order improves thematic cohesion.
- Author’s Intent: Joe Abercrombie structured the releases this way; fans widely agree publication sequence offers the strongest emotional and narrative progression.
Complete Book Series List
Here is the full list of works in The First Law universe:
Original Trilogy
• The Blade Itself (2006)
• Before They Are Hanged (2007)
• Last Argument of Kings (2008)
Standalone Novels (World of the First Law)
• Best Served Cold (2009)
• The Heroes (2011)
• Red Country (2012)
Short Fiction Collection
• Sharp Ends (2016)
Sequel Trilogy (Age of Madness)
• A Little Hatred (2019)
• The Trouble With Peace (2020)
• The Wisdom of Crowds (2021)
Other Notes
• The Devils (2025) is a new novel outside the First Law world.
• Abercrombie also writes in the Shattered Sea trilogy (Young Adult) and other short fiction that are separate from this universe.
Upcoming / Latest Release
The First Law universe, as established, is effectively complete with the Age of Madness trilogy ending in 2021.
- The trilogy is finished with three major arcs: original trilogy, standalone novels, and the Age of Madness trilogy.
- Joe Abercrombie’s latest novel, The Devils (2025), is not part of The First Law world, but it is his most recent work.
FAQs
Here are frequently asked questions people search about The First Law series:
How many books are in The First Law universe?
There are eleven primary works within the First Law universe: three original trilogy books, three standalone novels, one short story collection, and three Age of Madness trilogy books. Additionally, Joe Abercrombie’s The Devils (2025) exists outside this universe.
Is the series finished?
Yes, The Age of Madness trilogy is complete as of 2021. The core universe is concluded, though related short stories and standalone novels fill in gaps. The Devils is separate and not part of the First Law world.
What order should I read The First Law books?
Read them in publication order: start with the original trilogy, then standalone novels, then Sharp Ends, then the Age of Madness trilogy.
Can I read short stories before main novels?
You could for background, but it’s generally better to read Sharp Ends after the standalone novels to avoid spoilers and loss of emotional resonance.
Who is the target audience for The First Law universe?
Adult readers who enjoy grimdark fantasy with morally complex characters, dark humor, graphic action, and political intrigue.
Are there adaptations planned?
A film adaptation of Best Served Cold is in pre‑production. Abercrombie is involved in the screenplay and a leading actor is associated with the project.
Related Series
Fans of The First Law universe may also enjoy:
- The Faithful and the Fallen by John Gwynne — for intense battles, morally grey characters, and classic epic fantasy themes.
- The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington — for complex magic, layered lore, and character‑driven narrative arcs.
In summary, reading The First Law universe in publication order delivers the most powerful and cohesive storytelling experience, revealing first the characters and tone, then the world’s expansion and consequences, culminating in a satisfying and gritty finale.