“The Heroes” is another bloodbath from the dark and brutal world of The First Law. Come to think of it, I’m almost certain this book has the highest body count in the series.
Book Review: The Heroes
- Author: Joe Abercrombie
- Series: In the world of The First Law
- Publisher: Orbit
- Format 581 pages, ebook
- Published February 7, 2011
- ISBN 9780316123358
- ASIN 0316123358
- Language English
Storyline
Unlike other books in the series, The Heroes is set entirely in the north, specifically in the valley surrounding the city of Osrung, where an epic battle takes place on a hill called “The Heroes” This modest rise in the landscape changes hands several times during the fighting — shockingly, one of these changes takes place without bloodshed. The fighting is relentless, and Black Dow, accompanied by Craw and Whirrun, is determined not to abandon the hill to the forces of the South.
Why is this hill, with stones bearing the name “The Heroes”,” so important? Its strategic location provides access to Carleon and could ensure the South’s victory.
As part of the world of The First Law, this book brings back many familiar characters. Heroes such as Craw, Black Dow, the Dogman, Bayaz and Bremer dan Gorst return. If you’re reading the series for the first time, I recommend starting with the original trilogy, The First Law and Cold Served, to get a better overview and enjoy it.
Characters and intrigue
This installment is about Bremer dan Gorst, who was humiliated in my favorite town, Sipani, in Best Served Cold. He’s a deeply conflicted character, wavering between a gentle soul and a bloodthirsty killer — a mix I wasn’t sure whether to sympathize with or despise.
On the other hand, Whirrun is a new character, a “straight blade” type who is respected by all. His attempts to stop the bloodshed earned my admiration, even if his efforts weren’t entirely successful.
Of course, Black Dow isn’t going to win any popularity contests — but not everyone can be likable , can they?
Abercrombie is a master at taking multiple perspectives and creating multi-faceted characters. Throughout the book, I couldn’t pick a side. Should I be for the South? Or cheer for the North? The author skillfully knew how to manipulate my sympathies and both surprised and satisfied me with the depth of the story.
My experience
I’ve been immersed in the universe of The First Law for two months and this is the fifth book I’ve devoured without stopping (don’t judgeme — I don’t read 100 books a year). Just when I thought I had figured out a twist, Uncle Joe managed to surprise me. Right up until the last sentence, the unexpected events kept me on my toes.
Final thoughts
After some initial hesitation, “The Heroes” has truly earned its five stars. The book is gripping and deliciously dark, infused with Abercrombie’s trademark black humor. There are lots of laughs, but also plenty of brutal scenes that left me with a metallic taste of blood in my mouth as I read.
The Heroes is not to be missed — a must-read for fans of the dark and relentless world of The First Law.
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers’ Favorite Fantasy (2011)
They say Black Dow’s killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls. The King of the Union, ever a jealous neighbor, is not about to stand smiling by while he claws his way any higher. The orders have been given and the armies are toiling through the northern mud. Thousands of men are converging on a forgotten ring of stones, on a worthless hill, in an unimportant valley, and they’ve brought a lot of sharpened metal with them. For glory, for victory, for staying alive.
