Review of The Devils (The Devils, #1) by Joe Abercrombie
I must admit, I’ve been in a bit of a reading drought. After three long years of waiting since The Wisdom of Crowds, the prospect of diving into The Devils had me practically giddy with anticipation. Well, let me tell you, Joe Abercrombie has not only quenched my thirst but also left me in a state of ecstatic disbelief. If you’re a fan of gritty fantasy, this book is nothing short of a deliciously devilish treat.
From the moment I opened this ARC provided by Gollancz, I was transported to a dark and tumultuous Europe, teetering on the brink of chaos. The Devils introduces us to the hapless Brother Diaz, who must unite a ragtag band of “devils”—criminals and flawed misfits—in a quest that mixes adventure with an underlying exploration of morality, redemption, and the search for belonging. Following Diaz and the thief Alex as they navigate a world beset by plague, monsters, and ambition, I couldn’t help but feel fully invested in these characters’ journeys.
Abercrombie’s brilliant storytelling shines through as he deftly weaves humor into the dark fabric of his gritty narrative. There’s an undeniable playfulness amidst the violence—one memorable quote encapsulates this perfectly: “Everyone’s scared all the time…” This nuanced examination of fear not only made me chuckle but also reflected the complexities of human nature that Abercrombie expertly navigates.
What truly sets The Devils apart is its cast of multi-dimensional characters. This isn’t just a tale of swords and sorcery; it’s a story of found family. We have a cowardly monk, a narcissistic necromancer, and even a werewolf, all of whom are misfits in their own right, trying to carve out a sense of belonging. As I read, it felt like I was rooting for a group of underdogs, each striving to be better despite their troubling pasts. These characters are flawed and relatable, borne from Abercrombie’s masterful ability to evoke empathy, making their victories and tribulations feel profoundly personal.
The pacing of the novel is invigorating and keeps you on your toes, especially with Abercrombie’s dynamic action scenes. He has a way with battle sequences that is almost poetic—a testament to his skill as a wordsmith. The last 80 pages are a breathtaking tapestry of chaos that had me gripping the book, heart racing, as I could hardly believe the audacity of the action unfolding. The vivid descriptions of settings like the Holy City and Troy are rich and immersive, inviting readers to lose themselves in his elaborate world.
As a fan of Abercrombie’s previous works, including The First Law series, I can assure you The Devils does not merely retread old ground. While some thematic echoes exist, this new world is unique, vibrant, and reflects Abercrombie’s capacity for growth as a storyteller. I felt a sense of joyous nostalgia mingled with thrilling novelty, and it reminded me why I adore the fantasy genre so much.
If you’ve enjoyed Abercrombie in the past or want a robust entry into the world of epic fantasy, look no further than The Devils. It’s enchanting, thought-provoking, and at times wickedly hilarious—essential reading for anyone who craves clever dialogue and compelling characters.
As I reluctantly closed the cover on an arc that I adored, I found myself already anticipating the sequel, aches of longing for more Abercrombie gripping my heart. So, don’t wait—pre-order The Devils and treat yourself to what might just be one of the best fantasy escapes of 2025. Trust me, it’s worth every moment spent waiting for its release!
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