I told some friends about 17% of the way into this book that if all Joe Abercrombie books were like this then I’m in some serious trouble because where will I put them all?

I’d heard of Joe Abercrombie before The Devils, but only in passing. It wasn’t until I read the blurb for this book that I decided to request a copy. All I needed to hear was, “...a notorious band of anti-heroes on a delightfully bloody and raucous journey…”, and that it was LGBTQ+ friendly and I was sold. I’m sat. It’s been a long while since I’ve been this happy to sacrifice 2.5 days to read over 550 pages of epic, sword-swinging, magic-flinging, fangs-gnashing fantasy. 

The Devils fuses all the intrigue and danger of political fantasy (which I already adore) with the fervor and zealotry of mythological fantasy, upping the stakes that much more for our motley crew because an a heavenly host is in charge and an earthly crown is at stake. They have no choice but to accept the mission they are given, but exactly how this ramshackle band of reluctant found family members completes their assignment? Well, that’s kind of up to them. Their methods aren’t pretty. Heck, they’re not even halfway legal. But like some weird life hacks they get the job done. 

This book never lacks for humor, action, food for thought, emotional depth, or character development. The worldbuilding is beyond reproach without ever being overly descriptive. There is never a preponderance of exposition and the exposition necessary to the story is slipped in so deftly sometimes you never notice it is exposition (which is how exposition should be written). The characters are utterly unique and so much fun I can’t wait until the next book, when I can see them again for more blood, guts, and death. 5⭐️

I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.

File Under: 5 Star Review/Action-Adventure/Book Series/Dark Fantasy/Epic Fantasy/LGBTQ Fantasy/Political Fantasy