Joe Abercrombie’s Best Served Cold had been sitting on my TBR for far too long. Hesitancy, stemming from a misguided notion that it couldn’t possibly live up to The First Law trilogy, almost robbed me of experiencing this standalone masterpiece. Let me be clear: Best Served Cold isn’t just good; it’s a visceral, exhilarating, and arguably superior plunge into grimdark fantasy compared to many contemporary offerings. Set in Styria, two years after the tumultuous events of Last Argument of Kings, springtime heralds not renewal, but war and, most importantly, revenge. The premise is as sharp and unforgiving as a blade: Monza Murcatto, betrayed and brutally crippled by Grand Duke Orso, sets out to avenge the murder of her brother. Her mission? Assassinate the seven individuals responsible. Think Assassin’s Creed II meets Kill Bill, amplified by Abercrombie’s signature grimdark flair. While the narrative trajectory in Best Served Cold feels more direct than the sprawling epic of The First Law trilogy, this streamlined approach is a strength. Abercrombie masterfully crafts a relentlessly tense and gory tale of vengeance, punctuated by moments of dark humor and unexpected redemption, all while showcasing his trademark brilliance in character development and cinematic action.
Picture: One of the interior arts by Raymond Swanland for Best Served Cold Subterranean Press edition
Raymond Swanland interior art from Joe Abercrombie’s Best Served Cold, illustrating grimdark fantasy themes.
The Unforgettable Characters of Abercrombie’s Styria
Abercrombie’s genius for characterization is undeniable, and Best Served Cold serves as further evidence of his mastery. He populates this standalone novel with six distinct point-of-view characters, each richly developed with their own histories, internal monologues, unique personalities, and compelling arcs of growth – or descent. While Best Served Cold functions effectively as a standalone story, prior immersion in The First Law trilogy enriches the reading experience. Familiar faces, or those connected to them, reappear, seamlessly weaving this novel into the existing tapestry of the Circle of the World. Caul Shivers and Nicomo Cosca, supporting players in the original trilogy, step into prominent roles, adding layers of intrigue and dark humor. Shivers’ brooding intensity and Cosca’s charmingly amoral pragmatism are highlights, but the true scene-stealer is Friendly. A remorseless killer plagued by obsessive-compulsive disorder centered around dice and numbers, Friendly is both darkly humorous and deeply unsettling. His POV chapters are consistently captivating, offering a chilling glimpse into a fractured mind.
“What do the dice say?”
Dice say nothing. They are dice.”
Why roll’em, then?”
They are dice. What else would I do with them?”
The dialogue and character interactions are consistently sharp and engaging, crackling with wit and tension. Furthermore, Abercrombie’s prowess extends to crafting visceral and immersive action sequences. His prose pulls you directly into the heart of the chaos, rendering wars, duels, and brutal conflicts with vivid and unflinching detail in Best Served Cold. Prepare for a relentless barrage of thrilling and gory battles.
Picture: One of the interior arts by Raymond Swanland for Best Served Cold Subterranean Press edition
Raymond Swanland’s Best Served Cold artwork, depicting an intense moment from Joe Abercrombie’s revenge-driven narrative.
Gritty Prose and Philosophical Depth in a World of Revenge
Beyond compelling characters and breathtaking action, Abercrombie is a master of crafting memorable, quotable lines. I encourage you to discover these gems within Best Served Cold for yourself. However, to illustrate the philosophical depth interwoven within his gritty and often witty prose, consider these excerpts:
“That was the difference between a hero and a villain, a soldier and a murderer, a victory and a crime. Which side of a river you called home.”
And:
“Things aren’t what they used to be’ is the rallying cry of small minds. When men say things used to be better, they invariably mean they were better for them, because they were young, and had all their hopes intact. The world is bound to look a darker place as you slide into the grave.”
My sole reservation in awarding Best Served Cold a perfect score lies with Monza Murcatto herself. Abercrombie excels at creating morally grey characters who, despite their flaws, elicit empathy and even affection. However, Monza proved a more challenging protagonist to fully invest in. She is undeniably selfish, often cruel, and treats her allies with disdain. While her actions are perhaps fitting for the grimdark landscape and a narrative focused on revenge, her lack of redeeming qualities can be frustrating. Yet, despite this, I remained utterly gripped by her journey, compelled to witness the unfolding of her vengeful quest. This speaks volumes to Abercrombie’s skill as a storyteller. Furthermore, the multiple third-person perspectives significantly enhanced my enjoyment. Confining the narrative solely to Monza’s viewpoint might have diminished the impact of this brutal and brilliant novel.
“You were a hero round these parts. That’s what they call you when you kill so many people the word murderer falls short.”
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Grimdark Fans
In conclusion, Best Served Cold, the first standalone volume in The First Law World, is a triumph. It surpasses expectations and strengthens the overall series. My initial skepticism was completely unfounded; Best Served Cold is an unequivocally impressive tale of revenge. If you are a devotee of The First Law trilogy, venturing into Best Served Cold is not just recommended, it’s essential. Prepare to be captivated and surprised by its brilliance. After all, can one truly have too much of The First Law world?
Bonus Picture: My gorgeous UK paperback of Best Served Cold
UK paperback edition of Joe Abercrombie’s Best Served Cold, a grimdark fantasy novel exploring themes of vengeance.
Order your copy of Best Served Cold now and experience the chilling taste of revenge.
