The Sword and Laser discussion

Our July pick is The Devils by Joe Abercrombie

I wrote this on Discord, but seems worth adding it here as well since I know some people only or mostly just read in one place or the other.

Youngest fell in love with Abercrombie in middle school. At their behest I did read the bulk of The Blade Itself though as I recall I got distracted by other reads and never actually finished it. To the extent I can recall, my reaction at the time was that it had plenty of elements that were enjoyable to read but nothing that really grabbed me.

I don't remember having any issue with any part of his craft, storytelling, or creative ability. I honestly don't remember much about the book, but I think it was more that the characters and the story just didn't grab me, similar to my experience with DCC though likely for different reasons.

By the end of high school, youngest had lost that middle school intense interest in Abercrombie's work. I mentioned it recently since those books are still on my shelves and they weren't really interested in reclaiming them.

I am curious to see how Abercrombie has grown as an author. If I recall correctly, The Blade Itself was his first novel. I would expect to see a lot of development of voice and craft in a work written a couple of decades later.

I’ve read a few of Abercrombie’s books before, and this one sounds interesting. Unfortunately, because it’s new it’s expensive to buy, I don’t have any spare Audible credits, and all copies at my local library systems are out on loan. I have placed holds on it at both my library systems so fingers crossed one of them comes in on time for me to read it with the group!

I have never read Abercrombie and at first confused him with Rothfuss. Then had to look to be sure it wasn't Stephen King's kid. Well anyway, 25 week wait but there are 10 copies on fast-loan.

Or, I guess, I *could* buy it...

I have read just about everything Joe has written.

I haven't read this yet. Looking forward to more Abercrombie.

As a super fan of Joe, I have read everything by him and pre-ordered the Devils and read it quickly.

My wife bought this for me a couple of weeks ago while on a girls trip. Will have to move it up in the que of unread books.

I heard in an interview with Abercrombie that this book is a departure from his regular style, and that after writing massive super-dark storylines, he wanted to do something more lighthearted and fun.
My understanding is Abercrombie is one of the big names in GrimDark, so I'm curious to see what his version of lighthearted is!
(Here's the interview if anyone's curious: https://jonathanstrahan.podbean.com/e... )

I was just in Pakistan where I always stock up on books because they're super cheap there, so I got a copy for $11.50 USD 😜

33% in. Half a week left on loan period. Time for some weekend binges.

So far the book does have humor, both in a broad, coarse way, and also biting social commentary about religion and social conventions. Reminds me of Canterbury Tales in its shifting focus.

Not his best but still entertaining. Pretty funny too. Love the artworks. Cannot wait for the TV adaptation; there's already a plan for it.

Sliding in before Rob closes this thread to say that Audible is currently doing an offer of £0.99/month for three months (I think there's a similar offer in the US, dunno about elsewhere) so I may well end up availing myself of this offer and picking up the audiobook mid-month if neither of my library holds looks like it's going to come in on time.

Yay! Coincidentally started reading it this month after buying the book in an airport bookstore (for whatever reason, buying books in an airport is just so satisfying)