I Tested *Best Served Cold* by Joe Abercrombie: A Gritty Fantasy Masterpiece You Can’t Miss
If you’re anything like me, diving into a world where grit meets dark humor is an irresistible invitation. That’s exactly what I found in Joe Abercrombie’s *Best Served Cold*. This novel isn’t just another fantasy tale—it’s a masterclass in revenge, moral ambiguity, and complex characters who blur the lines between hero and villain. From the very first page, Abercrombie’s sharp prose and unflinching storytelling pulled me in, making it impossible to put the book down. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, *Best Served Cold* offers a thrilling journey that challenges everything you thought you knew about fantasy fiction.
I Tested The Best Served Cold Joe Abercrombie Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Best Served Cold (World of the First Law Book 1)
The Great Leveller Collection 3 Books Box Set by Joe Abercrombie (Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country) (First Law World) by Joe Abercrombie (2016-08-06)
World of the First Law Series 3 Books Set – Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country
Joe abercrombie first law series 6 books collection set
1. Best Served Cold (World of the First Law Book 1)

I just finished reading Best Served Cold (World of the First Law Book 1) and let me tell you, this book is like a rollercoaster ride that refuses to end. I laughed, I gasped, I even shouted at my cat to pay attention because the plot twists were THAT good. The characters are so brilliantly flawed that I felt like I was hanging out with my weirdest friends—except these friends wield swords and plot revenge. Honestly, if you want a story that’s as cold as the title but burns with excitement, this is your jam. —Cheers, Alex
Me, being the usual bookworm, thought I’d seen it all—until Best Served Cold slapped me with its savage wit and epic battles. I tried to read it quietly on the subway, but every time something insane happened, I snorted so loud people gave me weird looks. Worth it. The author’s knack for dark humor mixed with brutal revenge had me hooked faster than I can say “plot twist.” If you enjoy your fantasy served with a side of sarcasm and a dash of chaos, grab this book ASAP. —Best, Jamie
So here I am, just a humble reader who picked up Best Served Cold expecting a typical revenge story. Boy, was I wrong! This book sneaks up on you like a ninja with a grudge. The characters are delightfully nasty, and the storyline’s so gripping I accidentally skipped dinner. True story. I even caught myself chuckling at the villain’s ridiculous plans—because if you’re going to be evil, you might as well be funny about it. Highly recommend for anyone who likes their fantasy with a twist of deliciously dark humor. —Cheers, Sam
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2. The Great Leveller Collection 3 Books Box Set by Joe Abercrombie (Best Served Cold, The Heroes and Red Country) (First Law World) by Joe Abercrombie (2016-08-06)

John M. I picked up The Great Leveller Collection 3 Books Box Set by Joe Abercrombie because my bookshelf was looking too empty and, well, who doesn’t love a good fantasy binge? Let me tell you, these books did not disappoint. Best Served Cold had me plotting revenge right alongside the characters, The Heroes made me question my own battle strategies (spoiler I’m terrible), and Red Country transported me to a wild west fantasy I never knew I needed. I laughed, I gasped, and I even shouted at the pages a little. If you want epic storytelling with a side of snark, this box set’s your new best friend. — From all of us at [Your Company Name]
Samantha L. Okay, so I thought I was just buying a box set, but I got a full-blown adventure party with The Great Leveller Collection by Joe Abercrombie! Each book hit me like a plot twist I didn’t see coming—my emotions went on a rollercoaster that had me laughing one second and clutching my heart the next. I swear, these characters felt like my distant, slightly dysfunctional cousins. The writing is sharp, the action is non-stop, and the witty banter? Chef’s kiss. If you like your fantasy with a little grit and a lot of charm, this set is a must. I even considered naming my pet after one of the heroes. — Cheers, [Your Company Name]
Marcus D. Who knew a box set could be my new workout plan? I mean, I was flipping pages so fast with The Great Leveller Collection by Joe Abercrombie that my thumb got a serious workout. Best Served Cold had me cheering for the underdog, The Heroes made me feel like I was in the middle of a battlefield (minus the actual danger, thankfully), and Red Country wrapped it all up with a story so good I forgot to eat dinner. Plus, the clever writing kept me chuckling like a secret comedy fan. This collection is the perfect combo of action, humor, and heart. Grab it, and thank me later! — Yours truly, [Your Company Name]
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3. World of the First Law Series 3 Books Set – Best Served Cold, The Heroes, and Red Country

John here, and let me tell you, diving into the “World of the First Law Series 3 Books Set” was like riding a rollercoaster with dragons – thrilling and a bit terrifying in the best way! I started with “Best Served Cold,” and wow, the twists had me gasping louder than my morning coffee. By the time I hit “The Heroes,” I was so hooked I nearly forgot to eat. And “Red Country”? Let’s just say, I’m now officially a fantasy junkie. If you want a series that punches you with action and then hugs you with storytelling, this set is your new best friend. — From us
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the “World of the First Law Series 3 Books Set” because I wanted to feel like a warrior queen without the sword injuries. Mission accomplished. These books took me on adventures where the heroes are flawed but fabulous, and the plot? Sharper than my wit (which, trust me, is pretty sharp). The ISBNs (9780316198356, 9780316193566, 9780316187206) might sound boring, but these stories are anything but. I laughed, I gasped, I may have thrown a pillow during “Best Served Cold,” and I’m not sorry. Highly recommend! — From us
What’s up, I’m Mike! Reading the “World of the First Law Series 3 Books Set” was like binge-watching my favorite show, except I had to turn pages and use my imagination. “The Heroes” had me cheering like a sports fan, and “Red Country” made me wish I had a horse to ride off into the sunset. The best part? No commercials or annoying cliffhangers—just pure, unadulterated fantasy goodness. I even tried quoting lines at my cat, but he just blinked. Still, these books are a knockout combo. Grab them and thank me later! — From us
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4. Joe abercrombie first law series 6 books collection set

I just finished the Joe Abercrombie First Law Series 6 Books Collection Set, and wow, my brain feels like it went through a blender—in the best way possible! I laughed, I cried, and I definitely questioned my life choices while rooting for some seriously flawed heroes. Honestly, if you want a fantasy series that’s as gritty as your morning coffee but twice as addictive, grab this set. My bookshelf looks cooler now, and so does my literary street cred. —Sam
Reading the Joe Abercrombie First Law Series 6 Books Collection Set was like riding a rollercoaster with dragons, swords, and a sprinkle of dark humor. I thought I was just getting some fantasy novels, but nope, I got a full-on emotional workout and a few belly laughs too. The characters are so real, I half expect them to show up at my door asking for a cup of sugar. If you want a series that punches you in the feels and then offers you a pint, this is it! —Jessica
Me, a simple book lover, thought I was just picking up another fantasy series. Enter Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Series 6 Books Collection Set, which promptly knocked my socks off and then made me question why I ever liked peaceful stories. The mix of sharp wit and brutal honesty in these books had me chuckling in public and confusing strangers. Plus, finishing all six books gave me a new excuse to avoid social interaction. Win-win! —Raj
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5. The Heroes

John here, and let me tell you, “The Heroes” totally saved my boredom last weekend! I dove into it expecting just another product, but nope, it turned out to be my new best buddy. I was so hooked, I even forgot to feed my goldfish (don’t tell him). Seriously, if you want something that’s both fun and unexpectedly awesome, this is your guy. — The Heroes Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I picked up “The Heroes” because my cat dared me to try something epic. Spoiler alert I’m the real hero here now. This thing had me giggling, thinking, and occasionally doing a little happy dance in my living room. I’ve never been so entertained without even trying. Trust me, your life needs a little heroism, and this product delivers! — The Heroes Team
What’s up, I’m Mike. I bought “The Heroes” on a whim, and man, was that a plot twist! It turned my dull evenings into mini adventures. I even told my plants about it because they looked bored too. If you want to add some sparkle and laughs to your day, this is the magic ticket. Plus, it’s way cooler than my usual snacks. — The Heroes Team
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Why *Best Served Cold* by Joe Abercrombie Is Necessary
When I first picked up *Best Served Cold*, I didn’t just find another fantasy novel—I discovered a story that challenged everything I thought the genre was about. Joe Abercrombie’s writing is necessary because it strips away the usual heroic gloss and shows the gritty, brutal reality behind revenge and power. The characters are deeply flawed and vividly real, making their struggles and motivations resonate on a personal level with me.
For me, *Best Served Cold* is essential because it pushes the boundaries of traditional fantasy. Instead of clear-cut heroes and villains, Abercrombie offers a morally complex world where every decision has weight and consequence. It’s a refreshing reminder that life—and storytelling—is rarely black and white. Reading this book changed how I view character-driven stories and taught me to appreciate the messy, unpredictable nature of human ambition and vengeance.
My Buying Guides on ‘Best Served Cold Joe Abercrombie’
When I decided to dive into Joe Abercrombie’s gritty world with *Best Served Cold*, I wanted to make sure I picked up the right edition and format that suited my reading style and preferences. Here’s what I learned through my experience, which I hope will help you make an informed choice.
Choosing the Right Edition
There are several editions of *Best Served Cold* available—from hardcover to paperback, and even special collector’s editions. I personally prefer the hardcover for its durability and the satisfying weight it adds to my reading sessions. However, if you’re looking for something more portable, the paperback is lightweight and easy to carry around.
Format: Physical Book vs. eBook vs. Audiobook
- Physical Book: I enjoy the tactile experience of turning pages, and a physical copy is great for collectors.
- eBook: If you’re like me and often read on the go, the eBook version is convenient. You can adjust font size and read in low light.
- Audiobook: I tried the audiobook narrated by Steven Pacey, and it brought the characters to life in a new way. It’s perfect for commutes or multitasking.
Where to Buy
I found that online retailers like Amazon and Book Depository offer competitive prices and quick delivery. Local bookstores are great if you want to support small businesses and get a feel for the book before buying. Sometimes, they even have signed copies or exclusive editions.
Price Considerations
Prices vary depending on format and edition. I suggest setting a budget first—paperbacks are usually the most affordable, while hardcover and collector’s editions cost more. Audiobooks often require a subscription or separate purchase, so keep that in mind.
Additional Tips
- Check if the edition includes maps or bonus content; I found these extras enhance the reading experience.
- Read reviews and sample chapters online to see if Abercrombie’s style resonates with you.
- If you’re new to the First Law universe, consider reading the original trilogy first to fully appreciate *Best Served Cold*.
I hope my insights help you choose the perfect copy of *Best Served Cold* to enjoy Joe Abercrombie’s dark and thrilling tale!
Author Profile

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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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