Petrik's Reviews > The Heroes
The Heroes (First Law World, #5)
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4.5/5 Stars
The Heroes depicted an unforgettable three days of intricate battles; Joe Abercrombie has once again proved himself to be my shining star in grimdark fantasy.
For me, there’s simply no one that can write grimdark fantasy as good as Abercrombie. The Heroes has been claimed by many Abercrombie’s fans to be his best book so far, and although I disagree because in my opinion that crown still belongs to Last Argument of Kings, I rank The Heroes as his third-best work so far. I loved it almost as much as I loved Before They Are Hanged, which is a LOT.
Picture: The Heroes by Raymond Swanland
The year is now 584 AU, it’s been four years after the events in Best Served Cold. The entire setting of The Heroes takes place in The Valley of Osrung in the North, located between Uffrith and Carleon. The story revolves around the three bloody days of the climactic battle between the Union and the North. That’s it; this is the main plot of the book. The Heroes is thoroughly a military grimdark fantasy; Abercrombie doesn’t shy away from displaying the horror of war, both physically and mentally, to the participants of the battles. The preparation, the wars, plus the aftermath of each battle were written magnificently. It was utterly impressive how gradual the flow of the book felt; the intensity of the war became more palpable with each passing day.
There are no heroes in this book; each protagonist is a villain from the opponent’s perspective and vice versa. Although The Heroes can be read as a standalone, and it indeed has a self-contained story, I strongly suggest that you read The First Law trilogy and Best Served Cold first. This is crucial; many side characters from the first trilogy and Best Served Cold played a bigger role this time. Bremer dan Gorst, for example, has become one of the main POV characters in this book. There’s a huge cast of characters in The Heroes, and Abercrombie made sure to introduce the characters to the readers first. Readers need to feel invested in the characters first, and this, I feel, has been successfully delivered. As expected, Abercrombie’s characterizations towards his variety of characters—both returning and new characters—were incredible. The character development of the six main POV characters was outstanding; whether physically or mentally, almost every character in the novel ended up being changed by the three days of mayhem. There is no exception; war changes you.
Terrific characterizations aside, one of the best strength of the book definitely lies within the stupendous battle scenes. Abercrombie’s masterful usage of consecutive perspective change exhibited the relentless coup de grace dealt from both sides of the armies brutally. This was also the first time I read a fantasy novel that utilized the view of war from the eyes of a common soldier, and they’re terrifying as hell. The action sequences felt incredibly cinematic; it’s brutal, visceral, and bloody thrilling. I’ve read plenty of epic/grimdark fantasy, and other than John Gwynne, no one else can write realistic and explosive close-quartet combat scenes—imbued with raw emotions—as good as Abercrombie does. Every action scenes were truly breathtaking; most epic fantasy books featured one climax sequence to conclude their story, but The Heroes featured five. Consisting of five parts, each part displayed a compelling vivid war or duel scenes. Combined with Abercrombie's impeccable prose, The Heroes is filled with memorable and rewarding battle sequences.
Picture: One of the interior arts by Raymond Swanland for The Heroes Subterranean Press edition
The first time I fell in love with grimdark fantasy novels was after reading The First Law Trilogy, and The Heroes will mark the fourth time his book entering my favorites of all time shelves. Thank you for reminding me once more why I love grimdark fantasy novels. All hail Joe Abercrombie, the Lord of Grimdark. I absolutely recommend The Heroes to fans of grimdark or military fantasy. I’m closing this review with this little beautiful quote or advice from the book that I think every one of us should always try to remember.
Bonus Picture: My gorgeous UK paperback of The Heroes
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | The Broken Binding (Use my code: NOVELNOTIONS121 for discount!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
4.5/5 Stars
The Heroes depicted an unforgettable three days of intricate battles; Joe Abercrombie has once again proved himself to be my shining star in grimdark fantasy.
For me, there’s simply no one that can write grimdark fantasy as good as Abercrombie. The Heroes has been claimed by many Abercrombie’s fans to be his best book so far, and although I disagree because in my opinion that crown still belongs to Last Argument of Kings, I rank The Heroes as his third-best work so far. I loved it almost as much as I loved Before They Are Hanged, which is a LOT.
Picture: The Heroes by Raymond Swanland
The year is now 584 AU, it’s been four years after the events in Best Served Cold. The entire setting of The Heroes takes place in The Valley of Osrung in the North, located between Uffrith and Carleon. The story revolves around the three bloody days of the climactic battle between the Union and the North. That’s it; this is the main plot of the book. The Heroes is thoroughly a military grimdark fantasy; Abercrombie doesn’t shy away from displaying the horror of war, both physically and mentally, to the participants of the battles. The preparation, the wars, plus the aftermath of each battle were written magnificently. It was utterly impressive how gradual the flow of the book felt; the intensity of the war became more palpable with each passing day.
“All you can do is take each day as it comes. Try and do the best you can with what you're given. You won't always do the right thing, but you can try. And you can try to do the right thing next time. That, and stay alive.”
There are no heroes in this book; each protagonist is a villain from the opponent’s perspective and vice versa. Although The Heroes can be read as a standalone, and it indeed has a self-contained story, I strongly suggest that you read The First Law trilogy and Best Served Cold first. This is crucial; many side characters from the first trilogy and Best Served Cold played a bigger role this time. Bremer dan Gorst, for example, has become one of the main POV characters in this book. There’s a huge cast of characters in The Heroes, and Abercrombie made sure to introduce the characters to the readers first. Readers need to feel invested in the characters first, and this, I feel, has been successfully delivered. As expected, Abercrombie’s characterizations towards his variety of characters—both returning and new characters—were incredible. The character development of the six main POV characters was outstanding; whether physically or mentally, almost every character in the novel ended up being changed by the three days of mayhem. There is no exception; war changes you.
“It is easy to forget how much you have, when your eyes are always fixed on what you have not.”
Terrific characterizations aside, one of the best strength of the book definitely lies within the stupendous battle scenes. Abercrombie’s masterful usage of consecutive perspective change exhibited the relentless coup de grace dealt from both sides of the armies brutally. This was also the first time I read a fantasy novel that utilized the view of war from the eyes of a common soldier, and they’re terrifying as hell. The action sequences felt incredibly cinematic; it’s brutal, visceral, and bloody thrilling. I’ve read plenty of epic/grimdark fantasy, and other than John Gwynne, no one else can write realistic and explosive close-quartet combat scenes—imbued with raw emotions—as good as Abercrombie does. Every action scenes were truly breathtaking; most epic fantasy books featured one climax sequence to conclude their story, but The Heroes featured five. Consisting of five parts, each part displayed a compelling vivid war or duel scenes. Combined with Abercrombie's impeccable prose, The Heroes is filled with memorable and rewarding battle sequences.
Picture: One of the interior arts by Raymond Swanland for The Heroes Subterranean Press edition
The first time I fell in love with grimdark fantasy novels was after reading The First Law Trilogy, and The Heroes will mark the fourth time his book entering my favorites of all time shelves. Thank you for reminding me once more why I love grimdark fantasy novels. All hail Joe Abercrombie, the Lord of Grimdark. I absolutely recommend The Heroes to fans of grimdark or military fantasy. I’m closing this review with this little beautiful quote or advice from the book that I think every one of us should always try to remember.
“Savor the little moments, son, that's my advice. They're what life is. All the little things that happen while you're waiting for something else.”
Bonus Picture: My gorgeous UK paperback of The Heroes
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | The Broken Binding (Use my code: NOVELNOTIONS121 for discount!)
You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel Notions
Special thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
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Quotes Petrik Liked
“The truth is like salt. Men want to taste a little, but too much makes everyone sick.”
― The Heroes
― The Heroes
“All you can do is take each day as it comes. Try and do the best you can with what you're given. You won't always do the right thing, but you can try. And you can try to do the right thing next time. That, and stay alive.”
― The Heroes
― The Heroes
“It is easy to forget how much you have, when your eyes are always fixed on what you have not.”
― The Heroes
― The Heroes
“Savor the little moments, son, that's my advice. They're what life is. All the little things that happen while you're waiting for something else.”
― The Heroes
― The Heroes
Reading Progress
June 21, 2017
– Shelved
July 20, 2017
–
Started Reading
July 22, 2017
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 52 (52 new)
message 1:
by
Anton
(new)
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rated it 5 stars
Jul 22, 2017 10:49AM
Excellent review, Petrik! So well said!
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Totally - there is noone quite like Abercrombie in grimdark genre. Really looking forward to a new instalment in the First Law world. I am sure you will enjoy Red Country too. It is different, but still very good;)
Anton wrote: "Totally - there is noone quite like Abercrombie in grimdark genre. Really looking forward to a new instalment in the First Law world. I am sure you will enjoy Red Country too. It is different, but ..."
Completely agree with you man! I'm going to start Red Country tomorrow, and from what I've read so far... there's no way LordGrimdark can disappoint me xD I can't wait for the next trilogy too, it will still be a while, I heard it's coming in 2019 but damn it will be worth it to wait!
Completely agree with you man! I'm going to start Red Country tomorrow, and from what I've read so far... there's no way LordGrimdark can disappoint me xD I can't wait for the next trilogy too, it will still be a while, I heard it's coming in 2019 but damn it will be worth it to wait!
Great review for one of the best fantasy books ever. It was also 4th book from First law that found place on my favorites shelf:)
Ivan wrote: "Great review for one of the best fantasy books ever. It was also 4th book from First law that found place on my favorites shelf:)"
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so damn good! hahaha, guess Best Served Cold didn't make it into your favorite shelves as well? :p
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so damn good! hahaha, guess Best Served Cold didn't make it into your favorite shelves as well? :p
Petrik wrote: "Ivan wrote: "Great review for one of the best fantasy books ever. It was also 4th book from First law that found place on my favorites shelf:)"
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so damn good! haha..."
Not it was weakest book in the series for me, although still above most fantasy. Red county did come close to favorites shelf but quite there.
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so damn good! haha..."
Not it was weakest book in the series for me, although still above most fantasy. Red county did come close to favorites shelf but quite there.
Nils wrote: "Love this review!! All hail Abercrombie!! Lord of grimdark indeed. Looking forward to this one."
Thanks Nils! Can't wait to see your reaction reading this one! :D
Thanks Nils! Can't wait to see your reaction reading this one! :D
Ivan wrote: "Petrik wrote: "Ivan wrote: "Great review for one of the best fantasy books ever. It was also 4th book from First law that found place on my favorites shelf:)"
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so ..."
Seema like it will be the same case for me, it's still very great though, i just really dislike Monza xD hope Red Country will go into my favorites too! :D
Thank you Ivan, I agree with you, so ..."
Seema like it will be the same case for me, it's still very great though, i just really dislike Monza xD hope Red Country will go into my favorites too! :D
Petrik I would give anything to read books at the speed you can!! You're flying son! Wonderful review as always! 🤗
Melanie wrote: "Amazing review, love. I'm for sure going to have to pick up something by Abercrombie soon! 💖xx"
Thank you love!! Yes please, give the First Law trilogy a try!! 😊
Thank you love!! Yes please, give the First Law trilogy a try!! 😊
Haïfoun wrote: "Terrific review my friend !! And those quotes ! 😍 damn !! they definitely struck a chord !"
Thanks my friend!! These quotes are so memorable and important, i wrote them down! :D
Thanks my friend!! These quotes are so memorable and important, i wrote them down! :D
Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~ wrote: "Petrik I would give anything to read books at the speed you can!! You're flying son! Wonderful review as always! 🤗"
Thank you Mary!! Only two more to go, dunno how I feel about it! 😂
Thank you Mary!! Only two more to go, dunno how I feel about it! 😂
Nicole wrote: "Awesome review, Petrik! Looks like i need to add this series to my tbr list :D"
Thanks Nicole!! Oh yes please!! Give First Law trilogy a read first, it's one of my favorite trilogy ever! :)
Thanks Nicole!! Oh yes please!! Give First Law trilogy a read first, it's one of my favorite trilogy ever! :)
TS wrote: "All hail the current consecutive 5-stars reviews from Petrik! Another excellent one my friend ;)"
Woohoooo, hopefully the next one will be another 5 stars!! thank you my friend! xD
Woohoooo, hopefully the next one will be another 5 stars!! thank you my friend! xD
Celeste wrote: "Wonderful review, darling! Glad you've been reading books that you love so much!"
Thank you darling!! I hope the streak continues! :D
Thank you darling!! I hope the streak continues! :D
Margret wrote: "Scott and I are buddy reading red country beginning of August *cough cough"
dammit I already started Red Country, I'm like 50 pages in already xD come to think of it, I have Tigana BR with the group anyway in the beginning of August so guess it's not my fate to join your BR xD
dammit I already started Red Country, I'm like 50 pages in already xD come to think of it, I have Tigana BR with the group anyway in the beginning of August so guess it's not my fate to join your BR xD
Feels like back home reading one of your reviews again. Glad to see you are still getting better and better at it :)
Caleb wrote: "Feels like back home reading one of your reviews again. Glad to see you are still getting better and better at it :)"
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD
Petrik wrote: "Caleb wrote: "Feels like back home reading one of your reviews again. Glad to see you are still getting better and better at it :)"
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD"
Been busy, trying to juggle everything and find my bearings. Refreshing to hop on and see all my friends :D
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD"
Been busy, trying to juggle everything and find my bearings. Refreshing to hop on and see all my friends :D
Caleb wrote: "Petrik wrote: "Caleb wrote: "Feels like back home reading one of your reviews again. Glad to see you are still getting better and better at it :)"
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD"
..."
I hope everything is well with you! if you need someone to talk to don't hesitate to message me man! :D
Dude! where have you been!?? and thanks man! xD"
..."
I hope everything is well with you! if you need someone to talk to don't hesitate to message me man! :D
Great review Petrik!!! I loved this book so much aswell, definitely the best of the three stand alines
☽Luna☾ wrote: "Great review Petrik!!! I loved this book so much aswell, definitely the best of the three stand alines"
Thank you Sarah!! So good ans I can see why it's the best out of the standalones! :D
Thank you Sarah!! So good ans I can see why it's the best out of the standalones! :D
Excellent review Petrick ! Makes me want to rush right out and demand it from the library! lol Really great review !
Emelia wrote: "Excellent review Petrick ! Makes me want to rush right out and demand it from the library! lol Really great review !"
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :') anywya, you really should!! start with the First Law trilogy that began with The Blade Itself! This is one of my favorite series! :)
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :') anywya, you really should!! start with the First Law trilogy that began with The Blade Itself! This is one of my favorite series! :)
Petrik wrote: "Emelia wrote: "Excellent review Petrick ! Makes me want to rush right out and demand it from the library! lol Really great review !"
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :') anywya, you r..."
Already added it to my list of books I am going to pick up tomorrow ! Along with the first law trilogy ! Hope they have them all! I will pick up whatever they have !
If they do not have the trilogy, can I read this and still understand what's going on?
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :') anywya, you r..."
Already added it to my list of books I am going to pick up tomorrow ! Along with the first law trilogy ! Hope they have them all! I will pick up whatever they have !
If they do not have the trilogy, can I read this and still understand what's going on?
Emelia wrote: "Petrik wrote: "Emelia wrote: "Excellent review Petrick ! Makes me want to rush right out and demand it from the library! lol Really great review !"
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :'..."
yeayyyy that's good to know!! although technically you can still understand what's going on, imo it's very necessary to read the first trilogy first, not only they're amazing but you have to know the background of the characters and events that happened first, if I haven't read the first trilogy and goes into this, it will probably be a 3 or maximum 4 stars only. :)
Thank you Emelia, that's really kind of you!! :'..."
yeayyyy that's good to know!! although technically you can still understand what's going on, imo it's very necessary to read the first trilogy first, not only they're amazing but you have to know the background of the characters and events that happened first, if I haven't read the first trilogy and goes into this, it will probably be a 3 or maximum 4 stars only. :)
Ace review, mate! This is my favourite stand alone by Abercrombie. The ending is perfection, "wait up!". :-)
Twerking wrote: "Ace review, mate! This is my favourite stand alone by Abercrombie. The ending is perfection, "wait up!". :-)"
Thanks mate! I agree with you, that ending was perfect for the story! I'm halfway through Red Country and I don't see how it could top The Heroes, still fantastic though! :)
Thanks mate! I agree with you, that ending was perfect for the story! I'm halfway through Red Country and I don't see how it could top The Heroes, still fantastic though! :)
There's a scene in Red Country, sort of a...duel, you can't get more badass than that. Wait for it and let me know. :-)
Twerking wrote: "There's a scene in Red Country, sort of a...duel, you can't get more badass than that. Wait for it and let me know. :-)"
Awesome, I can't wait! I love Abercrombie's duel scenes!! He's the best at it! :D
Awesome, I can't wait! I love Abercrombie's duel scenes!! He's the best at it! :D
Audrey wrote: "Thank you for the perfect review!!"
You're welcome and thank you for the kind words, Audrey! :)
You're welcome and thank you for the kind words, Audrey! :)
Jessica wrote: "Subscribed to your booktube! Congrats and loved your March wrap up"
Thank you so much, Jessica! That's so kind of you! :)
Thank you so much, Jessica! That's so kind of you! :)