The Empire Strikes Back of Grimdark Fantasy
Middle books are hard. You have to maintain momentum while deepening character without the satisfaction of beginnings or endings. Abercrombie doesn't just succeed - he creates what might be the strongest entry in the trilogy.
Three Storylines, Zero Filler
We follow three separate journeys: Glokta's political maneuvering in a besieged city, Jezal's quest across the Old Empire, and West's brutal military campaign. Each could be its own novel. Together, they create a tapestry of a world falling apart.
The Glokta chapters remain the highlight. Watching him navigate between the Inquisition, the banking houses, and invading armies while his body literally fails him is masterful tension. Pacey's performance of his internal monologue has become even more nuanced - you can hear Glokta's grudging respect for certain enemies.
Pacey Levels Up (Again)
If The Blade Itself established Pacey's character voices, this book proves his ability to show character growth through vocal performance alone. Jezal's voice subtly shifts from entitled aristocrat to something approaching humility. Logen's weariness deepens. Ferro becomes almost sympathetic.
The Journey Sequence
The Old Empire journey is classic fantasy quest structure inverted. Every trope gets subverted. Every expectation gets undermined. And Pacey narrates it with perfect deadpan delivery that makes the dark humor land.
Verdict
Essential continuation. Do not skip to book 3.
