J

Joe Abercrombie

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 25 Books

7
Series
25
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books
Start with: A Little Hatred (2019)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Devils Books
Start with: The Devils (2025)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The First Law Books
Start with: The Blade Itself (2006)

About Joe Abercrombie

This is the second novel written by Joe Abercrombie. The novel was published in March 2007 by Gollancz. In this novel, superior Glokta appears to have a problem. He does know how to defend a city which is surrounded by enemies and riddled traitors, when your own allies can by no means be good enough to trusted, and your predecessor vanished even without a trace. This situation appears to be worse to make him want to run away. The Northmen have spilled over the border of Angland and are continuously spreading fire and death in every corner of the frozen country. Crown is poised to drive them back and try to win the undying glory. There also appears to be one problem, commanding the worst armed, worst trained, and worst led army in the universe. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books series, Joe Abercrombie has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.

📚 All Book Series by Joe Abercrombie

Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books
4 books 2019–2023
1

A Little Hatred

A Little Hatred is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2019
2

The Trouble With Peace

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books with The Trouble With Peace, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2020
3

The Wisdom of Crowds

The Wisdom of Crowds continues the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
4

The Great Change

The Great Change continues the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of The Devils Books
1 books 2025–2025
1

The Devils

The Devils is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Devils Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of The First Law Books
5 books 2006–2016
1

The Blade Itself

The Blade Itself is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The First Law Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2006
2

Before They Are Hanged

Before They Are Hanged continues the Publication Order of The First Law Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
3

Last Argument of Kings

Last Argument of Kings continues the Publication Order of The First Law Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
4

Tough Times All Over

Tough Times All Over continues the Publication Order of The First Law Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
5

Two's Company

Two's Company is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The First Law Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2016
Publication Order of First Law World Books
4 books 2009–2016
1

Best Served Cold

Best Served Cold continues the Publication Order of First Law World Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2009
2

The Heroes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of First Law World Books with The Heroes, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2011
3

Red Country

Red Country is an essential installment in the Publication Order of First Law World Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2012
4

The Fool Jobs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of First Law World Books with The Fool Jobs, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2016
Publication Order of First Law World Collections
1 books 2016–2016
1

Sharp Ends

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of First Law World Collections with Sharp Ends, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2016
Publication Order of Shattered Sea Books
3 books 2014–2015
1

Half a King

Half a King continues the Publication Order of Shattered Sea Books story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
2

Half the World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shattered Sea Books with Half the World, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2015
3

Half a War

Conflict and courage define Half a War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Shattered Sea Books series by Joe Abercrombie that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2015
Publication Order of Anthologies
7 books 2011–2016
1

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume 5 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

Dangerous Women

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dangerous Women, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2013
3

Legends: Stories in Honour of David Gemmell

Legends: Stories in Honour of David Gemmell continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
4

Speculative Fiction 2013

Speculative Fiction 2013 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Joe Abercrombie have come to expect.

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2014
5

Rogues

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Rogues, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2014
6

The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of the Year, Volume Nine, another outstanding contribution from Joe Abercrombie.

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2014
7

Unbound

Unbound continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Joe Abercrombie's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Joe Abercrombie?

Joe Abercrombie is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books, Publication Order of The Devils Books, Publication Order of The First Law Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Joe Abercrombie series to start with?

For readers new to Joe Abercrombie's work, the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 4 books. Begin with A Little Hatred to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Joe Abercrombie written?

Joe Abercrombie has written over 25 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Joe Abercrombie books in order?

Yes, reading Joe Abercrombie's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.

What genre does Joe Abercrombie write in?

Joe Abercrombie writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Joe Abercrombie's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Joe Abercrombie's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.

What is Joe Abercrombie's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Joe Abercrombie's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of The Age of Madness Books series. The first book, A Little Hatred, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.