The First Law is a fantasy series defined by a forbidden magical boundary
In short: Joe Abercrombie’s epic fantasy series, The First Law, explores a world on the brink of an industrial revolution. At its heart lies a legendary prohibition: it is forbidden to touch the Other Side, the realm of demons, directly. This ancient law dictates the flow of magic and power across nations.
The series, which spans two trilogies and several stand-alone novels, is set in a world once shared by humans and demons. Long ago, the legendary half-demon Euz banished the demons to the Other Side. Magic in this world functions through connections to that realm, yet Euz established the First Law to prevent direct contact, a rule that remains central to the series' lore and the machinations of powerful figures like the Magus Bayaz.
The geopolitical landscape is defined by major powers reminiscent of historical eras. The Union, a kingdom echoing the Holy Roman Empire, faces constant conflict with the Gurkish Empire in the south, which resembles ancient Middle-Eastern empires. Meanwhile, the North is home to the Northmen, and Styria, a continent of warring city-states, mirrors the chaotic politics of the Italian Renaissance. These regions serve as the backdrop for complex power struggles, often involving the manipulation of kings and the pursuit of ancient artifacts like the Seed.
The narrative follows a diverse cast, including the warrior Logen Ninefingers, the inquisitor Sand dan Glokta, and the mercenary Monza Murcatto. Their stories often intersect through war, political intrigue, and personal vendettas. While the original trilogy focuses on the Union's wars against the North and the Gurkish Empire, later works like Best Served Cold and The Heroes delve into the consequences of these conflicts, showcasing a world where moral ambiguity is the norm and characters are frequently pawns in the schemes of sorcerers.
The series has expanded significantly since its inception, with the second trilogy, The Age of Madness, concluding in September 2021. The world-building is intentionally sparse in maps, with Abercrombie preferring to focus on the characters' journeys. As of 2023, the series continues to evolve, with film adaptations in pre-production and new collections of short fiction, such as The Great Change (And Other Lies), keeping the world of the First Law alive for readers.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The First Law
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