The Sword and Laser discussion

I'm just about halfway through (I'm at the second Contest scene) and so far I have pretty distinct ideas about the characters.

Logen is my favorite so far, but I always love characters like him -- a fighter with a brutal past, yet with a gentle (maybe) soul. I'm such a sucker. Plus, he's got the best lines.

Sand dan Glokta is very interesting to me, I can't quite get a read from him yet. I feel like he's going to be a linchpin in the storyline, but obviously I don't know how yet. I just want him to believe that Bayaz is the real deal.

Who are your favorites, and why?

Glokta may be one of the most interesting characters I've ever met. He's got a lot of depth and a well-developed history. It really seems like Abercrombie put the most work into that character.

My second-favorite character has to be Collem West. (I think I got the first name right.) I don't think he has that big of a role in this book, but he becomes a pivotal character in the second book.

i had a soft spot for Logen and Ferro, tragic so tragic but Glokta is by far my favorite i mean you got to love the guy a torturer with a black cynical heart whats not to love?

The thing about Glokta is that he's the most intelligent character in this book and in the series. He may even be smarter than Bayaz in his own way. He has a way of ascertaining the truth, even if he chooses to ignore it.

I am 100 pages in and so far I like Logen and Major West the most. Both have pasts that are intriguing and I can't wait to gleen more of those stories out of this one. Bayaz seems interesting, but just entered the story so I haven't seen enough of him yet to know how I feel about him. But one question, where are all the women characters? One in 100 pages? The book is decidedly male biased so far.

there is only one major female character and she is quite the character too she is just so loveable and i mean that seriously flawed characters are all the rage in this series but really who cant help but fall in love with them you just got to wish them well and hope your hopes and dreams for them dont end in horrific tragedy

oh yes the event that took me by surprise. I kept saying to myself did Abercrombie just let that happen?
It did however move Logen up in my list of all time Favorite badasses (i just love a tragic badass)

Tough call. I find Logen the most entertaining, so likely him. I also like his co-horts back in the old country, very "Black Company".

I didnt get that Black Company feel from his co-horts i got that they worked well together but didnt particularly like each other on that Black Company level

Yes, that sense of the group, and how they interact and "feel" about each other comes out more in the second book. I have not yet read the third.

Actually, I am 100 pages In and am rather partial to the brief appearance made by West's sister. I do like strong female characters though.

I was shocked to read Glotka was only 35, it put his physical ordeals in a new perspective, and he is growing on me.

Jenny wrote: "Actually, I am 100 pages In and am rather partial to the brief appearance made by West's sister. I do like strong female characters though.

I was shocked to read Glotka was only 35, it put his ph..."

I was also totally shocked! I assumed he was more like late-50's. But then when you learn more about his past, it only makes his suffering even more apparent.

Although Glokta gets a bit "gnarly" in the second book (a lot more descriptive torture scenes) his internal dialogue continues to crack me up. In my minds eye I keep seeing him as Marty Feldman in Young Frankenstein. Logen is still my favorite, regardless. But He has such a dark side to him. Well into second book at the moment, but really enjoying all the characters as their individual back stories come together.

Michael wrote:

Body found floating by the docks."

Or even better..."Why do men have nipples?" (I actually think that line is in the second book though.

Glotka by far! He takes this trilogy with storm. His whole character, the walking stick, pains and views on the shitty world that surrounds him and the assignments he is given through out the trilogy, absolutely shines, especially as the story is driven in book 3, where the other characters (more or less) fall into their place.

I agree that Logen is a tight competitor for the first place, and he is maybe taking the lead in the beginning, but ....yeah. It's been way too long since I read it, so can't recall the details, I just really clearly remember how my fascination with Glotka got higher and higher, as the trilogy comes to an end.

once again i must express my absolute love for Glokta.
Is it too early to submit my vote? do we have an award show on this board?
Glotka hands down character of the year
his every appearence was a highlight reel.
His adventures in stair climbing
his eager anticiapation of the knife in his back
the adroit way he stretches his neck out for the blade and the harsh contempt as he deals with those foolish to not kill him straight away
even his way with the ladies
Glotka is my hero!!

I definitely like Glokta, though I have to say, he reminds me a little too much of myself. Not the torture part, but being 35 (!!!) and uber broken is something I grok. I guess others said it too, when they first introduced him, I assumed he was older, maybe 60. Funny to see him and Logen about the same age, it seems.

I'm also intrigued by West and his sister. I'm about 2/3 through The Blade Itself and I've definitely got a feeling that there's something going on there that isn't obvious. Time will tell, I suppose.

I like Quai. Im into those characters who stumble along, not godlike or mighty, hopefully he develops into more in books 2 or 3

Glokta and Logen for me

So its the guy with the missing finger vs the guy who chops them off. Or the guy with nine fingers vs the guy with nine teeth.