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


