Sharp Ends

Stories from the World of the First Law

By: Joe Abercrombie

Narrated by: Steven Pacey

Sharp Ends is the ultimate collection of award winning tales and exclusive new short stories from the master of grimdark fantasy, Joe Abercrombie.

Violence explodes, treachery abounds, and the words are as deadly as the weapons in this rogue's gallery of side-shows, back-stories, and sharp endings from the world of the First Law.

The Union army may be full of bastards, but there's only one who thinks he can save the day single-handed when the Gurkish come calling: the incomparable Colonel Sand dan Glokta.

Curnden Craw and his dozen are out to recover a mysterious item from beyond the Crinna. Only one small problem: no one seems to know what the item is.

Shevedieh, the self-styled best thief in Styria, lurches from disaster to catastrophe alongside her best friend and greatest enemy, Javre, Lioness of Hoskopp.

And after years of bloodshed, the idealistic chieftain Bethod is desperate to bring peace to the North. There's only one obstacle left -- his own lunatic champion, the most feared man in the North: the Bloody-Nine . . .

Critic reviews

"Pointed, driven, and sharp."—Locus on Red Country

"Terrific fight scenes, compelling characters (some familiar, some new), and sardonic, vivid prose show Abercrombie at the top of his game."—Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) on Red Country

"Magnificent, richly entertaining"—Time on The Heroes

"Imagine The Lord of the Rings as directed by Kurosawa."—Lev Grossman, Wall Street Journal on The Heroes

"[Abercrombie has] begun breaking his own rules. And succeeding wildly at it. ... [R]arely has Abercrombie had so much fun while rollicking through his colorful cast's foibles and witty dialogue - and rarely has he dished out so much straight-for-the-heart poignancy."—The A.V. Club

"New, fresh, and exciting."—The Independent (UK)

"Exhilarating... Abercrombie's knack for wit and grit holds your attention throughout, and his eye for character means that there's heart as well as muscle."—SFX (UK)

"Abercrombie writes fantasy like no one else."—Guardian

For the Joe Abercrombie enthusiast

If you don't know who Joe Abercrombie is, go download The Blade Itself, then thank me later. This is a collection of short stories for the Abercrombie fans that are hungry for more of their favorite characters. Even then Joe portions them out sparingly, the basterd, and we're forced to go with characters far less interesting IMHO. Still well worth the read/listen. Steven Pacey, as always, sets the gold standard for voice actors. The man is a marvel.

Delivers again

Another great book composite of short stories of all your old favorite characters and some new ones. Give it a go

Just when I thought I was out......

Mr Ambercrombie pulls me back in. I usually do not listen to short stories, but I had to give this one a go. Wow, it was awesome. Even though the stories are like 35-55 min long each they feel longer and leave you satisfied. If you enjoy any of Mr. Abercrombie other books than this is a must. A+ Joe good Job.

Just great

I thought this would be a throw away in the first law world but it's just fantastic. should be a must read if you love the others by Joe Abercrombie on your shelf.

I will say the ending gives me a perspective on a character I really didn't want to have. but that itself is good writing really.

I loved everything about this!

I put off starting this collection for a while because it's been a long time since I finished the First Law books, and I feared that I would have forgotten too much, and also because short story collections are often disappointing, or at least uneven. I regret that decision now, and kind of only want to listen to Sharp Ends over and over forever (and I do not typically relisten to anything).

It's hard to even list all the things I liked because it was all incredible. Particularly, though, I liked the story about the package being passed from person to person. And the story at the end about 9 Fingers was chilling, and reminded me of what I loved best about the First Law, which was Abercrombie's ability to make despicable characters sympathetic. I sincerely hope there is more to come, and I won't put off listening again.