Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

Please wait while we verify your browser...

Hey there, story chasers and audio adventurers!

Let’s dive into something gritty, sharp, and utterly unforgettable: “The Blade Itself” audiobook by Joe Abercrombie, narrated by the masterful Steven Pacey. Here’s what makes this interesting: it’s not your typical epic fantasy with shining heroes and predictable quests. Instead, Abercrombie hands us a cast of flawed, morally gray characters – barbarians, torturers, and selfish nobles – and dares us to root for them. Paired with Pacey’s narration, this audiobook experience becomes a visceral plunge into a world where the line between hero and villain is as thin as a razor’s edge.

I first stumbled across “The Blade Itself” during a late-night recording session for my ‘Future of Stories’ podcast. I’d just wrapped an episode comparing multi-format storytelling – like my deep dive into “Project Hail Mary”’s alien soundscapes – and needed something to unwind. A follower on BookTok had raved about Steven Pacey’s voice bringing Abercrombie’s world to life, so I hit play. Instantly, I was hooked. There’s this moment early on where Logen Ninefingers, our battle-weary barbarian, mutters about his rotten luck, and Pacey’s gravelly tone made it feel like he was sitting across from me, sharing a pint and a hard-earned sigh. It reminded me of those nights in college at Stanford, huddled in the dorm with friends, dissecting gritty narratives over cheap coffee – except this time, the story came alive through my headphones.

Let’s break this down: “The Blade Itself” kicks off Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy with a bang – or rather, a blood-soaked thud. We’ve got Logen, a warrior who’s seen too many fights and lost too many friends; Jezal dan Luthar, a pompous nobleman obsessed with fencing and fleecing his buddies; and Inquisitor Glokta, a crippled torturer whose cynicism could curdle milk. Then there’s Bayaz, the mysterious wizard who might be a genius or a con artist – or both. Abercrombie weaves their stories together with a dark humor and unpredictability that’s rare in fantasy. It’s noir meets epic adventure, with a dash of historical grit, and it’s not afraid to get messy. The cultural impact here is huge – it’s a middle finger to the tropes of Tolkien-esque heroism, paving the way for the grimdark wave that’s since taken over the genre.

Now, the audiobook experience? That’s where Steven Pacey elevates this to another level. His narration is a masterclass in character distinction. Logen’s rough, world-weary drawl contrasts perfectly with Jezal’s aristocratic snark, while Glokta’s every word drips with pain and venom – Pacey even nails the subtle rasp of a man whose body’s been broken. I’ve listened to a lot of narrators (remember my BookTok breakdown of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”?), and Pacey’s ability to shift tones and accents is up there with the best. The audio quality is crisp, too – no muddy soundscapes here – which is crucial when you’re knee-deep in Abercrombie’s visceral battle scenes or Glokta’s chilling interrogations. It’s the kind of performance that makes you forget you’re just listening; you’re “there”, dodging blades in the frozen North or limping through the Union’s corrupt streets.

That said, it’s not flawless. The pacing in the first half can feel slow if you’re used to action-packed fantasy – Abercrombie takes his time setting up the chessboard before knocking pieces over. And while Pacey’s narration is stellar, there were moments (like some of Bayaz’s longer monologues) where I wished for a touch more dynamism to match the wizard’s temper. Still, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise gripping listening experience.

Compared to other epic fantasy audiobooks – like, say, Brandon Sanderson’s “The Way of Kings” with its Michael Kramer and Kate Reading duo – “The Blade Itself” stands out for its raw edge and intimacy. Sanderson builds sprawling worlds; Abercrombie carves out a smaller, bloodier corner and makes you care about every jagged inch. Pacey’s solo performance also gives it a cohesive intensity that multi-narrator setups sometimes lose.

Who’s this for? If you love action and adventure with a historical twist, or if you’re into fantasy that doesn’t pull punches, this is your jam. It’s perfect for long commutes or late-night listens when you want something to sink your teeth into. And here’s the kicker: you can snag this audiobook free through certain platforms (check Audiobooks.com for deals) – a steal for 22 hours of top-tier storytelling.

Reflecting on it, “The Blade Itself” hit me harder than I expected. It’s not just the story; it’s how it mirrors those messy, human moments we all face – failure, ambition, betrayal. Recording that BookTok video about it, I got comments from listeners saying Pacey’s Glokta made them rethink their own grudges. That’s the power of a great audiobook: it’s not just entertainment, it’s a conversation across time and tech.

Until our next digital deep dive, keep listening and dreaming big – Sophie out!
Sophie Bennett