The Devils: A Spellbinding Return by Joe Abercrombie
When I received my advance reading copy of The Devils, I felt a surge of excitement that only a true fan of Joe Abercrombie can appreciate. Having not read a new book from him since The Wisdom of Crowds three years ago, this felt like a long-awaited reunion with an old friend. Now, nearly eight months before its official release in May 2025, I’m thrilled to share that The Devils is not just a worthy addition to his oeuvre—it’s the best fantasy book I’ve read this year.
From the opening lines, Abercrombie pulls us into a gritty, tumultuous world where plague, famine, and treachery seem ubiquitous. At its core, the story revolves around Brother Diaz, a hapless monk, tasked with the Herculean job of uniting a ragtag group of convicted monsters—The Devils—to reclaim a throne for a thief named Alex. Yes, it sounds chaotic, and that’s precisely where the joy lies. The narrative is expertly crafted, fusing the dark humor and brutal reality we’ve come to expect from Abercrombie with a newfound focus on themes of redemption, hope, and the strength found in unusual companionship.
The characters are where Abercrombie truly shines, making the reader feel intimately connected to each one. I was particularly drawn to how these flawed yet endearing individuals navigate their personal demons while waging a broader battle against societal scorn. The gang includes not just your typical heroes but a cowardly monk, a narcissistic necromancer, a werewolf, and even a geriatric vampire, creating a delightful tapestry of personalities that kept me thoroughly entertained.
One quote that captured my attention was: “That’s how it always begins. The just cause. The good fight…But for me, as the fight wears on, the good wears off. Before I know it… I’ve made myself a devil.” This powerful reflection encapsulates the moral complexity Abercrombie navigates so expertly. It’s not just about good versus evil; it’s about the choices we make and the burdens we carry.
Abercrombie’s skill in crafting breathtaking action sequences is on full display in The Devils. As he’s known for being one of the best choreographers of combat in the fantasy genre, the series doesn’t shy away from bloodshed and chaos, making every page exhilarating. The last 80 pages are especially packed with a thrilling intensity that had me gripping the book in anticipation. But amid the visceral confrontations, Abercrombie deftly weaves in moments of levity, making this not just a tale of survival but also of connection and joy.
In conclusion, The Devils is an unforgettable experience that resonates deeply with themes of humanity—redemption, belonging, and the quest for hope in dark times. It’s a perfect fit for longtime Abercrombie fans and newcomers alike; it reminded me of why I fell in love with fantasy in the first place. If you’ve ever savored The First Law series, you owe it to yourself to explore this new chapter in Abercrombie’s storytelling. Trust me—this is one book you’ll want to pre-order as soon as possible. I can’t wait to dive back into this darkly enchanting world, and I know you’ll feel the same way.
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