The Devils (Devils, 1) Hardcover – May 13, 2025

4.5 stars rounded up. This was the worst Joe Abercrombie novel that the author has produced but still very good. Let me explain. Joe is one of, if not, my favorite author. I believe this particular book lacks the balance of previous Abercrombie books. He always seemed to have the knack to balance serious parts with action, comedy and character development. In this particular book the first three parts focus more on comedy and action scenes as they encounter a series of forgettable antagonists. It seemed a little repetitive. Still Joe has a way with dialogue and action that's able to still carry this book. I will say that I think things really improved in all respects in part 4 and I am really looking forward to the second book. I respect the author for trying something different and will continue to buy his books on release date and drop everything to listen and read them.In closing I'd also like to point out that if one is Catholic I hope that you are not easily offended and able to laugh at oneself and ones faith because while this is a fantasy world the author takes several jabs at religion and in particular that one.

Very entertaining, but not quite great. I read it really fast because it was entertaining enough to keep me turning to the next page and reading the next chapter. Kind of felt like I was reading characters you would find in a BG3 group. If book 2 was available I would continue reading it.

With the plethora of unread books in my Kindle library, plus Kindle Unlimited, plus those available through the actual library its been a minute since I've paid full price for a new book. The only other Joe Abercrombie book I've read was The Blade Itself, which I liked well enough but wasn't ecstatic about. Still, I just had to have The Devils as soon as it came out. I was expecting a sort of dark, bad excorcist vs good excorcist horror thing which this is definitely not. However, what a fun ride it is! I loved every page of the journey with these flawed brave characters as they navigate this cool world. This has made me want to revisit Joe Abercrombie's other books too and for sure I'll be jumping on Devils Part 2 if one comes out!

This book was SO GOOD - I really enjoyed getting to know all the different characters and their motivations, watching them work separately and together during the battle scenes, and laughed out loud at how they interacted with one another. The dialogue and banter was absolute perfection.There were certain plot lines I predicted and others I absolutely did not - but these journey that these characters went on was entertaining and wild.Bonus points for WLW rep.My first Joe Abercrombie book and definitely not my last!

There is no shortage of dark fantasy books that take themselves too seriously. But Abercrombie brings such a sharp humor to his books that is unmatched! He fully leans into that wit in The Devil's and I'm loving it. An epic fantasy with a fast-paced story, immersive action scenes AND huge laughs along the way. (All while poking massive fun at religion and the historical Catholic Church). Loving the book and the incredible narration by Steven Pacey.

Alex is a thief. But she's also Princess Alexia Pyrogennetos, daughter to Empress Irene and true heir to the Serpent Throne of Troy. Her uncle is prepared to restore her to the throne with the help of Her Holiness the Pope, Benedica the First, the Child Pope... and a motley band including a cardinal, a monk, an elf, a knight Templar, and a werewolf.It's been about a decade since I last read Joe Abercrombie, though not entirely intentionally. When an opportunity for an ALC of The Devils became available, I jumped at the chance to pick up his writing again. His writing is snarky, dark, and irreverent, with a voice I enjoy a lot. You need to settle into his pacing though, as this is a long book at 560 pages/26 hours, with the first 35% as largely setup and worldbuilding before the plot picks up. I didn't mind the setup phase as his writing is enjoyable - he avoids info-dumping and establishes his characters and the theological schism of the backbone of the plot - but it takes time for the overarching plot to get moving.This is a book for lovers of epic fantasy and complex political and theological plots. The theology is somewhat familiar, based on the schism between Western and Eastern Christianity, but emphasizes the political power of medieval religions rather than specific doctrine.

Joe Abercrombie uses one ofthe oldest and best tropes, TheQuest, and turns it on its head. Instead of heroes, he gives us outsiders with an enormous task of changing the course of history. Another fabulous book by one of my favourite authors.

I have to admit that when I read the first chapter, my hopes rather sank but it warmed up and had me gripped and enthralled after a short while. Love the characters, the offbeat language, and sense of humor.