Best Served Cold: A Journey into Vengeance with Joe Abercrombie
I recently embarked on a thrilling adventure through Joe Abercrombie’s Best Served Cold, and let me tell you—it exceeded all my expectations. After postponing this read for nearly a year, fearing it might not live up to the brilliance of The First Law trilogy, I was stunned to discover that this tale of vengeance is not just a worthy continuation, but a testament to Abercrombie’s mastery of grimdark fantasy. It’s a magnificent narrative filled with bloody actions, betrayal, and that trademark humor—perfect for fans like me who crave complex stories!
Set in the year 579 AU, just two years after the events of Last Argument of Kings, Best Served Cold unfolds in the war-torn land of Styria during a springtime marked by revenge. Monza Murcatto, our fierce protagonist, is out for blood after being betrayed by the Grand Duke Orso, resulting in her brother’s death and her own crippling injuries. Picture this: a group assembled to seek justice against seven treacherous foes—it’s like Assassin’s Creed II and Kill Bill combined, but with Abercrombie’s signature grit and flair.
What struck me most were the nuanced characterizations. Each character with a POV chapter brought something unique to the table, showcasing Abercrombie’s extraordinary ability to craft morally grey figures. Monza, while driven by vengeance, is deeply flawed—selfish and ruthless. It’s a testament to Abercrombie’s skill that, even when I struggled to empathize with her, I remained captivated by her journey. Characters like Caul Shivers and Nicomo Cosca returned from the original trilogy, enriching the narrative and ensuring that even familiar faces evolve in surprising ways. However, it was Friendly—a murderer entangled in his own compulsions over dice and numbers—who truly stole my heart. His humor and compelling perspective brought a delightful twist to the narrative.
Abercrombie’s writing style is as sharp as ever, pulling readers immediately into the heart of chaotic battle sequences. The intricate action scenes flowed seamlessly, ensuring I felt every dagger thrown and wound inflicted. The dialogue sparkled with wit, making interactions incredibly enjoyable. One of my favorite quotes, “What do the dice say?” and Friendly’s philosophical musings revealed layers of depth that echo long after the final page is turned.
While I rated this book 4.5 out of 5 stars—honestly, the only drawback being Monza’s character—I cannot recommend Best Served Cold enough. It is an exhilarating tale that grapples with themes of revenge, redemption, and the human condition, all while maintaining Abercrombie’s distinctive humor.
For those who enjoyed The First Law trilogy and cherish complex characters paired with grim tales, this standalone installment will undoubtedly captivate you. Don’t let the fear of it not meeting your expectations hold you back! You cannot have too many Abercrombie novels in your collection, after all.
📖 If you’d like an even deeper discussion about Best Served Cold, check out my BookTube channel, and let’s explore this world of vengeance together!