Sharp Ends

Stories from the World of the First Law

By: Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Sharp Ends is the ultimate collection of award winning tales and exclusive new short stories from the master of grimdark fantasy, Joe Abercrombie.

Violence explodes, treachery abounds, and the words are as deadly as the weapons in this rogue's gallery of side-shows, back-stories, and sharp endings from the world of the First Law.

The Union army may be full of bastards, but there's only one who thinks he can save the day single-handed when the Gurkish come calling: the incomparable Colonel Sand dan Glokta.

Curnden Craw and his dozen are out to recover a mysterious item from beyond the Crinna. Only one small problem: no one seems to know what the item is.

Shevedieh, the self-styled best thief in Styria, lurches from disaster to catastrophe alongside her best friend and greatest enemy, Javre, Lioness of Hoskopp.

And after years of bloodshed, the idealistic chieftain Bethod is desperate to bring peace to the North. There's only one obstacle left -- his own lunatic champion, the most feared man in the North: the Bloody-Nine . . .

Critic reviews

"Pointed, driven, and sharp."—Locus on Red Country

"Terrific fight scenes, compelling characters (some familiar, some new), and sardonic, vivid prose show Abercrombie at the top of his game."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on Red Country

"Magnificent, richly entertaining"—Time on The Heroes

"Imagine The Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa."—Lev Grossman, Wall Street Journal on The Heroes

"[Abercrombie has] begun breaking his own rules. And succeeding wildly at it. ... [R]arely has Abercrombie had so much fun while rollicking through his colorful cast's foibles and witty dialogue - and rarely has he dished out so much straight-for-the-heart poignancy."—The A.V. Club

"New, fresh, and exciting."—The Independent (UK)

"Exhilarating... Abercrombie's knack for wit and grit holds your attention throughout, and his eye for character means that there's heart as well as muscle."—SFX (UK)

"Abercrombie writes fantasy like no one else."—Guardian

Left wanting more

Seems like most people are thrilled with this but for me this is not what Joe Abercrombie is about. I love the epic flavour of The First Law books (journey/battle/journey/battle) with the great character portrayal and development throughout the tale.

So I suppose the stories are OK, and OK for Joe Abercrombie equates with good for most other authors. I just wanted more.

Highly Recommend

Neither Joe Abercrombie nor Steven Pacey fail to deliver. Surprised there's not a series yet.

Fun

Really cool to get some minor backstory and new stories involving the characters from the first 6 books.

As good as it gets

I forgot how much I liked Joe Abercrombie. Constantly found my self laughing out loud and fully engrossed.

a gem for abercrombie fans

Theshort stoeies include so many old characters (and some new ones) that will delight fans of the world Abercrombie has created.