The First Law

The First Law – World & Reading Order

The First Law is a fantasy series written by British author Joe Abercrombie, set in a world reminiscent of medieval times and divided into several nations and factions.

• The Union – a powerful kingdom that includes provinces such as Angland, the Midderlands, Dagoska, Styria, Starikland, and the city of Westport.

• The Gurkish Empire – a vast realm located south of the Union, inspired by Middle Eastern empires of the past.

• The North – a cold, harsh region north of the Union, inhabited by fierce warrior tribes resembling nomadic clans.

• Styria – a large island-continent to the east of the Union, divided among warring city-states and rival factions.

• The Old Empire – a once-great kingdom to the west of the Union, now broken into territories controlled by feuding warlords, each vying for the throne.

• The Far Country – a lawless frontier land to the north of the Old Empire and west of Starikland.

The First Law Universe – Books in Order

The series is made up of:

• The original First Law Trilogy

• Three standalone novels

• The Age of Madness Trilogy, set around 15 years after Red Country

• A short story collection (Sharp Ends)

The First Law Trilogy

1. The Blade Itself

2. Before They Are Hanged

3. Last Argument of Kings

Standalone Novels (Set in the Same World)

1. Best Served Cold

2. The Heroes

3. Red Country

The Age of Madness Trilogy

1. A Little Hatred

2. The Trouble with Peace

3. The Wisdom of Crowds

Short Stories (from Sharp Ends)

• “A Beautiful Bastard”

• “Small Kindnesses”

• “The Fool Jobs”

• “Skipping Town”

• “Yesterday, Near a Village Called Barden…”

• “Three’s a Crowd”

• “Two’s Company”

• “Made a Monster”

• “Hell”

• “Sheered Red”

• “The Other Half”

• “No One Walks Away”

• “Tough Times All Over”

Also included:

• “Some Desperado” (*from the Rogues anthology)

Chronological Reading Order

1. “A Beautiful Bastard” (Sharp Ends)

2. “Made a Monster” (Sharp Ends)

3. The Blade Itself

4. Before They Are Hanged

5. “Hell” (Sharp Ends)

6. Last Argument of Kings

7. Best Served Cold

8. “Wrong Place, Wrong Time” (Sharp Ends)

9. “The Fool Jobs” (Sharp Ends)

10. “Yesterday, Near a Village Called Barden…” (Sharp Ends)

11. The Heroes

12. “Some Desperado” (Rogues)

13. “Freedom!” (Sharp Ends)

14. Red Country

15. “Small Kindnesses” (Sharp Ends)

16. “Sheered Red” (Sharp Ends)

17. “Two’s Company” (Sharp Ends)

18. “Three’s a Crowd” (Sharp Ends)

19. “No One Walks Away” (Sharp Ends)

20. A Little Hatred

21. The Trouble with Peace

22. The Wisdom of Crowds

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