The Devils (Devils, 1) Hardcover – May 13, 2025

Man what a book! It is a novel in medieval times with a group of monsters with a mission from the pope.it is a what if scenario of Europe with magic and engineering, and a lot of cursing. It is amazing! Loved every bit of it. Also the style is so Pratchett and Adams; it is funny and comedic but still withholds its gravitas and drama.A lot of things happen, there are plenty characters to keep track of.But it really does an amazing job of telling the tale of everything and luring you with its narrative.Joe's prose is clean, fast, violent, entertaining and as I said before it has that dark British comedy property that, only people from the British Isles know how to conjure and those who learn English in the British council -Like myself- can appreciate.Some people will say its crude and rowdy. I say it is smart and curated with a style that we need more of in the world.I recommend it. Wholeheartedly.

Say one thing for Joe Abercrombie, say he's still got it.And really, who was doubting that? I count myself among a (rather large now I'm sure) group of people who could quite easily proclaim themselves lifelong fans of Joe Abercrombie. His work in the world of the First Law was just that good, and had just that kind of effect. And so, of course, I was eagerly awaiting The Devils. And, happily, it delivered.I mean it's Joe. So of course the character work is going to be outstanding. Of course the worldbuilding is going to be intricate and interesting. Of course the action is going to be sudden, visceral, and intense. He's just a fantastic writer. Lyrical at times, but stark. Never gets in his own way. He has a knack for writing about some of the darker elements of the world, and reveals a beautiful design to these things. He writes the experienced; the weary; the broken. And as usual, each character feels distinct, with their own voice, right down to the narration itself. And funny! He's always funny, but he gives himself even more leash for it here.And so The Devils is a promising start to a new series from one of the best fantasy writers working today. I think it's a great starting point for readers who are new to his work, too. So I'm sure that we'll have a whole slew of new readers discovering The First Law after this one. I hope so, anyway.“I believed in destiny, once. That I was bound for great things. An instrument of God’s purpose! That every obstacle must be swept aside, and any method used to do it. There were trials along the way. Tests of faith. Tests of commitment. I told myself I couldn’t waver. What kind of great purpose, after all, is easily realised? So I sacrificed everything and everyone. I covered myself in glory and steeped myself in blood. And there, at the summit of a hill of corpses, I reached my destiny, and passed through it to the other side…” He slowly opened his aching fingers, and let his hand fall. “Where there was nothing. And I saw I’d never followed God’s plan, only the lies I told myself to justify my greed and my ambition.”

Joe Abercrombie’s “The Devils” is the best fantasy novel I’ve read so far this year. It’s hilarious, brutal, fast-paced, and full of heart. The premise: a young monk is ordered to lead a team of magically bound monsters—vampire, werewolf, necromancer, and more—to escort a streetwise thief who might be the lost princess of Troy. The setting is a clever alt-medieval Europe, where the Pope is a ten-year-old girl and the Church wages crusades against the elves. The characters are unforgettable (the necromancer steals every scene), the worldbuilding is sharp, and the action ranges from thrilling to harrowing. If you enjoy Abercrombie’s usual blend of grit, wit, and perfectly-timed twists, this book is a must. I tore through all 500+ pages and already want more.

The massive dramatic fight scenes got to be a bit much for me. But otherwise one of the best books I’ve read. Great characters and storyline and everything. Funny, scary, sweet - the whole shabang. Great writing! Super original. Wonderful. Hope there’s a follow up.

I have been fortunate enough to read all the works by this author, and truthfully, I have to say there has never been a book that I haven't binged. He is able to bridge the gap of fantasy and reality to create a very believable scenario. The characters are developed in.such a way as to seem human while not actually being so. The action is gripping and intense,while often infused with ironic humor. If you enjoy a well written story,detestable villains,action, with a protagonist you can root for,don't cheat yourself . Devils is a great place to start!