During the last few months of nursing school I was really looking forward to reading a novel of some kind. I had a list of things I wanted to read which included everything from spy stories to non-fiction about the middle east. When I finally did finish school, however, I found that I was so sick of reading for study that reading more, even for leisure, was the last thing in the world I wanted to do. I tried a few books but got bored to death after just 30 pages or so in every time. Even reading my favorite authors felt like work.Then a friend loaned me his copy of The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie. Holy crap what an awesome book! You would have to classify it as fantasy, definetly not my favorite genre, but it's unlike any other fantasy out there. The characters are real and imperfect, selfish at times, downright evil at others. There is a part where one of the heroes is faced with a decision between doing the right, noble thing but instead wreaks vengeance on someone who absolutely deserved it. After the scene, the author doesn't set out to teach us a morality lesson. Things play out like they would in real life. His act is never discovered and the world is better off, though the character is hardened and guilt-ridden by his decision. Your reaction instead of oh well... I guess it was the right thing to do is to practically stand up and shout yes! Take that you bastard!!!
So much fantasy is so watered down and polite that it makes you mad. The heroes may be flawed but ultimately they are all so graceful. I remember watching Prince Caspian this summer and (I don't remember their names) but there is a point where the heroes sneak into Prince Caspian's, or whoever's castle and have a chance to kill um... the antagonist? but no, they let him go and dozens of people are killed in a huge battle sequence later. Then there's the final duel where he's shown mercy again and is given yet another chance to live. He isn't killed until he's had several opportunities to redeem himself and numerous innocents are sacrificed. It drives you crazy! What's-his-name should have been beheaded when they had him! But what kind of lesson would that have been?
Joe Abercrombie didn't write The Blade Itself to teach you a lesson. It isn't written with the pre-teen sensibility in mind. Sure there is morality in there. Of course each action has a consequence. But the reader is allowed to judge for himself if he thinks it was right. Sometimes things work out for the best, sometimes they don't. One things for sure, you always can relate to the character. And I'll promise you this: when your done you'll be able to remember their names!
