BookPath
The Heroes
Joe Abercrombie

The Heroes

Quick Answer

Read "The Heroes" as the nullth book in the The First Law sequence. This follows the recommended publication order to preserve character development.

Quick Verdict

✅ Safe to read now (Series Entry Point)

This novel is one of the stand-alone books (584 AU) set after the original trilogy, continuing to use minor characters from the original trilogy in major roles while featuring mentions and smaller cameos of characters from the main arc.

❓ Can I skip this book?
❌ No — Required

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Verdict Insight: A compelling work from the Joe Abercrombie's bibliography. Whether as a standalone or part of a loosely connected universe, it's a staple for fans.

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2011576 ppWikidataSource
They say Black Dow’s killed more men than winter, and clawed his way to the throne of the North up a hill of skulls. The King of the Union, ever a jealous neighbour, is not about to stand smiling by while he claws his way any higher. The orders have been given and the armies are toiling through the northern mud. Thousands of men are converging on a forgotten ring of stones, on a worthless hill, in an unimportant valley, and they’ve brought a lot of sharpened metal with them. Bremer dan Gorst, disgraced master swordsman, has sworn to reclaim his stolen honour on the battlefield. Obsessed with redemption and addicted to violence, he’s far past caring how much blood gets spilled in the attempt. Even if it’s his own. Prince Calder isn’t interested in honour, and still less in getting himself killed All he wants is power, and he’ll tell any lie, use any trick, and betray any friend to get it. Just as long as he doesn’t have to fight for it himself. Curnden Craw, the last honest man in the North, has gained nothing from a life of warfare but swollen knees and frayed nerves. He hardly even cares who wins any more, he just wants to do the right thing. But can he even tell what that is with the world burning down around him? Over three bloody days of battle, the fate of the North will be decided. But with both sides riddled by intrigues, follies, feuds and petty jealousies, it is unlikely to be the noblest hearts, or even the strongest arms that prevail... Three men. One battle. No Heroes.
Next Recommended Book

The Heroes

Book # of 3 in Series

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.

Order Confidence

medium Confidence

Why this order?

This novel is one of the stand-alone books (584 AU) set after the original trilogy, continuing to use minor characters from the original trilogy in major roles while featuring mentions and smaller cameos of characters from the main arc.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The First Law conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip reading The Heroes?

This book is essential to the core narrative and character development.

Can I read The Heroes before Last Argument Of Kings?

No. We recommend reading Last Argument Of Kings first. The Heroes is the nullth book in the series and follows the core narrative established in earlier volumes.

Is The Heroes required reading for the The First Law?

Yes, it is a core installment in the series reading order and contains critical character development and plot progression.

What comes after The Heroes in the reading order?

The next recommended book after The Heroes is The Heroes (Book #null).