The First Law World is a Epic Fantasy / Grimdark Fantasy series by Joe Abercrombie, made up of 4 books published between 2009 and 2016. It begins with Best Served Cold (2009), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Sharp Ends (Short Story Collection) (2016), spanning 7 years of storytelling.
| # | Title | Year | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | |||
| 1 | Best Served Cold 🏆 David Gemmell Ravenheart Award 2010David Gemmell Legend Award 2010British Fantasy Award 2010The Kitschies 2009Full award history → | 2009 | Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia |
| 2010s | |||
| 2 | The Heroes Locus Award 2012David Gemmell Legend Award 2012British Fantasy Award 2012David Gemmell Ravenheart Award 2012Goodreads Choice Award 2011Full award history → | 2011 | Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia |
| 3 | Red Country 🏆 David Gemmell Ravenheart Award 2013Locus Award 2013David Gemmell Legend Award 2013Goodreads Choice Award 2012Full award history → | 2012 | Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia |
| 4 | Sharp Ends (Short Story Collection)Latest | 2016 | Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia |
First Law World series: frequently asked questions
What order should I read the First Law World series?
Start with Best Served Cold (2009), the first book in the First Law World series by Joe Abercrombie. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.
How many books are in the First Law World series?
There are 4 books in the First Law World series by Joe Abercrombie, published between 2009 and 2016.
What is the first book in the First Law World series?
The first book in the First Law World series is Best Served Cold, published in 2009 by Joe Abercrombie.
What is the latest book in the First Law World series?
The most recent book in the First Law World series is Sharp Ends (Short Story Collection) (2016) by Joe Abercrombie.
About the First Law World series
Joe Abercrombie's standalone First Law World novels expand his grimdark universe beyond the main trilogies, each a self-contained story exploring a different corner of the world. "Best Served Cold" is a brutal revenge saga; "The Heroes" anatomises a single three-day battle; "Red Country" is a fantasy Western.
These are widely considered some of Abercrombie's finest work — tighter than the trilogies, packed with his signature dark humour, shocking twists and morally compromised characters, while bringing back fan-favourites in supporting roles.
They can be read as standalones, but land hardest after the original First Law trilogy. Reading order: "Best Served Cold," "The Heroes," "Red Country."