{"title":"Series: The First Law","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the gripping world of \u003cem\u003eThe First Law\u003c\/em\u003e series, a masterfully crafted set of fantasy novels by acclaimed author Joe Abercrombie. Dive into a gritty and immersive universe where the boundaries between good and evil are blurred, and each character's fate hangs in a delicate balance. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe journey begins with \u003cem\u003eThe Blade Itself\u003c\/em\u003e, introducing readers to a vivid cast of characters, including the brooding yet brilliant swordsman Logen Ninefingers, the ambitious and cunning Inquisitor Glokta, and the youthful, adventurous noble Jezal dan Luthar. In this world, survival is a constant struggle, and alliances are both vital and treacherous.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSet in a fantastically intricate realm that defies conventional fantasy norms, \u003cem\u003eThe First Law\u003c\/em\u003e series is perfect for fans of science fiction and fantasy looking for storytelling that combines dark, humourous, and complex character arcs with intense action sequences. Immerse yourself in Abercrombie’s distinctively vivid storytelling style, where wit and irony are as sharp as the blades wielded by the characters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a long-time fantasy aficionado or new to the genre, \u003cem\u003eThe First Law\u003c\/em\u003e offers a compelling narrative that challenges expectations and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Start your exploration today and discover why Joe Abercrombie is hailed as one of the leading voices in modern fantasy literature.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"before-they-are-hanged","title":"Before They Are Hanged","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA bitter and merciless war is engulfing the frozen North, with the Union army caught unprepared in the path of a bloody onslaught. The army, divided by internal politics and crippled by incompetence, lacks the necessary experience, training, and even basic weaponry to fend off Bethod's minions, let alone his elite forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the heat-ravaged South, the situation is equally dire. The Gurkish Empire is amassing forces to besiege the city of Dagoska, defended by the crippled yet cunning Inquisitor Glokta. The city stands on the brink of inevitable defeat and massacre. However, a nefarious plot is brewing to surrender the city to its besiegers without a fight. Glokta must uncover the traitors while wrestling with his own demons and the threat of death from enemies within and without.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, to the East, a disparate group of misfits embarks on a treacherous journey to the edge of the world. Their mission: to retrieve an ancient artifact, known as the Seed, hidden for generations with the potential to unleash unimaginable destruction. This item could end all wars, but only if its formidable power can be controlled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBefore They Are Hanged\u003c\/em\u003e by Joe Abercrombie is the riveting second instalment in the \u003cem\u003eFirst Law\u003c\/em\u003e trilogy. The narrative interweaves robust, morally complex characters with relentless action and intricate plotlines. Inquisitor Glokta's ruthless pragmatism, the Northmen's raw brutality, and the adventurers' perilous quest coalesce to create an epic tapestry of conflict, betrayal, and dark magic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCombining grim realism with dark humour, Abercrombie’s masterful storytelling captivates from the first page to the last. As allegiances are tested and secrets unveiled, every character is pushed to the brink, forcing readers to question where the lines between heroism and villainy truly lie.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45711127806188,"sku":"9780575082014","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780575082014_afe5dd11-a696-4cad-917a-ccca2fcc1b6c.jpg?v=1757635939"},{"product_id":"last-argument-of-kings","title":"Last Argument Of Kings","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eLast Argument of Kings\u003c\/i\u003e by Joe Abercrombie is a gripping and masterfully woven tale of conflict, ambition, and power. As the epic conclusion to the First Law Trilogy, this novel delves deep into the lives of its complex characters, each facing their own personal battles in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.\n\n\u003cp\u003eLogen Ninefingers, known for his ferocity in battle, senses his time is running short. With only one major fight left in him, he prepares to confront the King of the Northmen. Their final clash is imminent, a battle that promises to be both grand and devastating. Logen's journey is as much a return to his roots as it is a confrontation with his oldest friend and greatest enemy. The Bloody-Nine must come home where destiny awaits him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, in the shadowy alleys of intrigue, Superior Glokta is engaged in a more insidious kind of warfare. This crippled inquisitor, who once wielded a sword, now relies on his cunning and ruthlessness. Blackmail, threats, and torture are his new tools as he navigates a perilous game of subterfuge and betrayal, where no-one is safe, and trust is a luxury he cannot afford. The stakes are higher, and his time is limited, leading him to question how much longer he can keep up his dangerous struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn contrast, Jezal dan Luthar, once a soldier with dreams of glory, has forsaken his quest for fame. He yearns for a simpler existence with the woman he loves, stepping away from the turmoil of the battlefield. However, life rarely adheres to such desires. Jezal soon discovers that love, too, comes with its own set of challenges, and that glory, with all its burdens, has a way of catching up with a man when he least expects it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbercrombie’s narrative is richly detailed, filled with unexpected twists and moments of dark humour. His characters are vividly drawn, flawed, and immensely human, making \u003ci\u003eLast Argument of Kings\u003c\/i\u003e a deeply engaging read. The novel masterfully balances brutal action with introspection, weaving together the fates of its characters in a thrilling and unpredictable climax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor fans of gritty fantasy, \u003ci\u003eLast Argument of Kings\u003c\/i\u003e offers a fitting and exhilarating conclusion to the First Law Trilogy, cementing Joe Abercrombie’s place as one of the foremost authors in the genre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Alliance Distribution Services Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45712366141676,"sku":"9780575084162","price":22.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780575084162_9e7712d6-a454-4fe5-b4c9-89111e749010.jpg?v=1757635973"},{"product_id":"the-blade-itself","title":"The Blade Itself","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Blade Itself\u003c\/em\u003e by Joe Abercrombie is a gripping and darkly humorous fantasy novel that plunges readers into a world of brutal conflicts and complex characters. Set in the war-torn land of The Union, this tale of cunning politics, intense battles, and vivid personalities weaves an unforgettable narrative that captivates from the first page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInquisitor Glokta, the tormented and disfigured former fencing champion, now serves as a torturer for the Inquisition. Crippled and embittered from his past experiences, Glokta endures a life of pain and scorn while ruthlessly extracting confessions and secrets from smugglers and traitors. His body may be broken, but his mind remains as sharp and relentless as ever.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, Captain Jezal dan Luthar embodies nobility and vanity. This dashing officer and would-be champion spends his days living in luxury, cheating his friends at cards, and shunning responsibility. His greatest annoyance is rising early to train with older, tireless soldiers who bore him with their demands for discipline and commitment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the northern fringes of this turbulent world roams Logen Ninefingers, a legendary warrior with a grievous past. When not busy evading death in the snow-bound wilderness, Logen must confront his old nemesis, Bethod, the self-proclaimed King of the Northmen. Haunted by his bloody history and struggling with deeply ingrained violent tendencies, Logen finds himself entangled in a quest for survival that only grows more perilous when the enigmatic wizard Bayaz enters his life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbercrombie deftly blends the individual journeys of these three men, intricately plotting a story that explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption. The narrative pace is swift, and the richly developed characters face harrowing trials that reveal their deepest flaws and unexpected strengths. \u003cem\u003eThe Blade Itself\u003c\/em\u003e serves as an enthralling introduction to the \"First Law\" trilogy, inviting readers to navigate the treacherous terrain of a volatile world with unforgettable companions by their side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoe Abercrombie's masterful storytelling and darkly witty prose make \u003cem\u003eThe Blade Itself\u003c\/em\u003e a must-read for fans of gritty and thought-provoking fantasy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45713488609516,"sku":"9780575079793","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780575079793_8c567ba6-fe77-4089-a321-028b0f961ac2.jpg?v=1757635875"},{"product_id":"before-they-are-hanged-by-joe-abercrombie-9781473223028","title":"Before They Are Hanged","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body—not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNobleman, dashing officer, and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. Vain, shallow, selfish, and self-obsessed, the biggest blot on his horizon is having to get out of bed in the morning to train with obsessive and boring old men.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd Logen Ninefingers, an infamous warrior with a bloody past, is about to wake up in a hole in the snow with plans to settle a blood feud with Bethod, the new King of the Northmen, once and for all—ideally by running away from it. But as he's discovering, old habits die really, really hard indeed...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e...especially when Bayaz gets involved. A bald old man with a terrible temper and a pathetic assistant, he could be the First of the Magi, he could be a spectacular fraud, but whatever he is, he's about to make the lives of Glokta, Jezal, and Logen a whole lot more difficult...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBefore They Are Hanged\u003c\/em\u003e intricately weaves the destinies of its characters, piling challenges and intrigue in their paths, ensuring nothing seems easily resolved in a world teetering on the brink of upheaval.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46417566859500,"sku":"9781473223028","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14367803482712.jpg?v=1746444854"},{"product_id":"before-they-are-hanged-by-joe-abercrombie-9781399604314","title":"Before They Are Hanged","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'As brilliant as its predecessor' \u003c\/b\u003eSF REVU\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBitter and merciless war is coming to the frozen north. It's bloody and dangerous, and the Union army, split by politics and hamstrung by incompetence, is utterly unprepared for the slaughter that's coming. Lacking experience, training, and in some cases even weapons, the army is scarcely equipped to repel Bethod's scouts, let alone the cream of his forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the heat-ravaged south, the Gurkish are massing to assault the city of Dagoska, defended by Inquisitor Glokta. The city is braced for the inevitable defeat and massacre to come, preparations are made to make the Gurkish pay for every inch of land... but a plot is festering to hand the city to its besiegers without a fight, and the previous Inquisitor of Dagoska vanished without a trace. Threatened from within and without the city, Glokta needs answers, and he needs them soon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo the east, a small band of malefactors travel to the edge of the world to reclaim a device from history—a Seed, hidden for generations—with tremendous destructive potential. A device which could put an end to war, to the army of Eaters in the South, to the invasion of Shanka from the North—but only if it can be found, and only if its power can be controlled...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBefore They Are Hanged\u003c\/i\u003e presents a gripping continuation of the epic saga, where tough choices shape futures and heroes are forged in the harshest of battles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46417567154412,"sku":"9781399604314","price":54.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8411203482686.jpg?v=1746444883"},{"product_id":"last-argument-of-kings-by-joe-abercrombie-9781399604321","title":"Last Argument Of Kings","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe end is coming.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLogen Ninefingers might only have one more fight in him - but it's going to be a big one. Battle rages across the North, the King of the Northmen still stands firm, and there's only one man who can stop him. His oldest friend, and his oldest enemy. It's past time for the Bloody-Nine to come home.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWith too many masters and too little time, Superior Glokta is fighting a different kind of war. A secret struggle in which no-one is safe, and no-one can be trusted. His days with a sword are far behind him. It's a good thing blackmail, threats and torture still work well enough.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJezal dan Luthar has decided that winning glory is far too painful, and turned his back on soldiering for a simple life with the woman he loves. 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Dive into this thrilling conclusion to uncover paths forged in blood, secrets, and destiny.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46452519960812,"sku":"9781473223707","price":45.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/14374593482712.jpg?v=1747597700"},{"product_id":"the-blade-itself-by-joe-abercrombie-9781399604307","title":"The Blade Itself","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelightfully twisted and evil\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGUARDIAN\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHighly recommended ... seek it out\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eJoe Hill\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInquisitor Glokta, a crippled and increasingly bitter relic of the last war, former fencing champion turned torturer extraordinaire, is trapped in a twisted and broken body—not that he allows it to distract him from his daily routine of torturing smugglers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNobleman, dashing officer and would-be fencing champion Captain Jezal dan Luthar is living a life of ease by cheating his friends at cards. 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