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United States7166 Posts
So I just finished reading The Blade Itself, an epic fantasy novel written by Joe Abercrombie, a new writer, and yet you could not tell it was his first book. It is the first in The First Law trilogy. I'm so eager to continue reading, I considered to not even bother making this post. But I am lucky to have a brother who has introduced these books to me, so I'd like to introduce them to you too.
Magnificent. Masterful. Now this is a writer I could get used to. I think Infinity Plus said it well, "Finding a writer like Abercrombie amidst the clutter of second-raters who crowd the fantasy genre is like the sun breaking through dark clouds; he wakes you up and reminds you why you took up reading in the first place."
If you've been searching like I have for a series similar to George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, you should be pleased. Much like ASOIAF, The Blade Itself is gritty, dark, and complex. A story told with wit and biting humor, he writes with a style that is refreshing and fluent. Its dialogue is sharp and witty. The fight scenes are very well done; they feel real and vivid. But its greatest strength lies in its compelling characters (again, similar to Martin). A heroic epic fantasy, yet with very unconventional heroes. I would feel confident in recommending this book to readers skeptical of the fantasy genre.
This is one to put at the top of your "must-read" list.
This book is so good it makes  sAviOr look like MuMyung, TL look like GG.net,  Stork like Jared, and anyone with C iccup rank look like Combat-EX. It doesn't matter if you've disliked every book you've read in your life, you're reading posts from a online game forum, just read it!
But enough from me, I recommend checking out this excellent review, it says all I want to say but better.
Or if you prefer short quotes from various reviews, check out these quotes and plaudits from reviews. It also has a short description of the book.
It is a recent series of books, the 3rd installment was released August 2008.
p.s. So far, I'm enjoying it even more than A Song of Ice and Fire. I have been waiting so long for Martin's next installment in the series, but even if it arrived at my doorstep today, I'd continue with The First Law.
p.p.s. There are a few spoilers for ASOIAF in a few of the replies below this post.
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
Sir
You tricked me.
I came to this thread when I saw George R.R Martin but in fact I find that you are simply claiming some guy is as good as Mr. Martin.
Please do not continue with your blasphemus ways.
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United States7166 Posts
hey I gotta grab people's attention somehow! 
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
you'd fuck your brother even with his hand cut off wouldn't you?
You're such a whore.
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
Nm.. you are like the ugly midget son that nobody cared for. You'd murder your own father just to better yourself would you not?
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
You probably considered marrying a base born woman too haven't you? A red wedding for you.. maybe even a cold river for the limp body of your dead and raped mother.
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winter is coming 
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
Sandor Clegane may take you.
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United States7166 Posts
No, but I would smother my own spouse so that I could set the corpse ablaze in a funeral pyre along with the crazy witch who just saved my spouse's life just so I could get my dragon eggs to hatch.
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iNcontroL
USA29055 Posts
Well he DID kill your brother..
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yes I was certain this was about the next book
But I might check these out, always nice with something different.
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Zelniq: what other fantasy comes close to Martin's quality, in your opinion?
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In my opinion, one of the finest fantasy trilogies to have ever come out. Very quirky with a very good storyline, up there as one of the epic fantasy series around.
The story at first veers towards the traditional 'heroes journey' formula, but it goes through several twists and the ending will leave a weird taste in your mouth. Epic, different and somewhat complex. Although, of course, not as complex as ASOIAF.
I have been searching for 1 year for book series' similar to ASOIAF, and have come with some very good book series indeed.
The First Law, by Joe Abercrombie
The Lies of Locke Lamorra <- EPIC FANTASY
(part of the Gentleman Bastards series, it's REALLY good)
Actually I'll write more later, I gotta go gym.
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tell me when the movie comes out.
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United States7166 Posts
On October 27 2008 17:46 defenestrate wrote:
Zelniq: what other fantasy comes close to Martin's quality, in your opinion?
I haven't found any others besides this series, but I heard there are a couple that are sort of similar. Perhaps someone else will enlighten us.
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On October 28 2008 06:10 Zelniq wrote:Show nested quote +On October 27 2008 17:46 defenestrate wrote:
Zelniq: what other fantasy comes close to Martin's quality, in your opinion? I haven't found any others besides this series, but I heard there are a couple that are sort of similar. Perhaps someone else will enlighten us.
Steven Erikson's Tales of the Malazan Empire is as good, if not better than A Song of Ice and Fire. However, these two authors write in a COMPLETELY different style so it's really up to your own opinion.
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awesome i love song of for and ice series, and have been looking for a book to read for a while. thanks, i'm checking out the first book for sure.
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is awesome32282 Posts
*turns on the Hot_Bid alarm*
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Whilst not so epic in scale, I'd suggest Robin Hobbs Farseer Trilogy
Assassin's Apprentice
Royal Assassin
Assassin's Quest
Her talent in writing is unsurpassed imo and this is coming from someone who destroyed through all of Martins novels and short stories.
Hope at least one person gives them a go because they really are amazing.
Edit: Thanks to OP, I've finished reading everything i own atm, so I'll give these a go~
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EPT![[image loading]](http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1322/firstlawgc6.jpg)
