The Devils

What inspired Joe Abercrombie to shift from his previous grimdark fantasy settings to a plague-ridden European-inspired world?

The Devils marks a significant departure for Abercrombie, moving away from the pseudo-medieval settings of his First Law universe to explore a historical fantasy world modelled on plague-era Europe. This new series allows him to blend real-world historical anxieties with dark fantasy elements, creating a setting where the horrors of disease, famine, and religious corruption feel grounded in actual human history whilst still leaving room for supernatural threats. The shift demonstrates Abercrombie's versatility as a writer and his willingness to explore fresh narrative territory after establishing himself as a master of grimdark fantasy.

How does the Chapel of the Holy Expediency function within the book's religious framework?

The Chapel of the Holy Expediency represents a fascinating moral paradox within the story's religious structure. Rather than being a traditional holy order, it operates as a sanctioned organisation that employs society's outcasts, monsters, and heretics to accomplish missions that would damn righteous believers. This creates a compelling tension where the church essentially weaponises sin and damnation in service of supposedly virtuous ends, raising questions about whether noble goals can justify utterly corrupt means. The concept allows Abercrombie to explore themes of moral compromise and institutional hypocrisy whilst assembling a cast of deeply flawed, dangerous characters.

Is this book suitable for readers new to Joe Abercrombie's work, or should they start with his First Law series?

The Devils serves as an excellent entry point for new readers, as it launches an entirely new fantasy series with no connection to Abercrombie's previous First Law universe. You won't need any prior knowledge of his other works to fully appreciate the story, characters, or world-building. However, readers should be prepared for Abercrombie's signature style, which includes graphic violence, morally ambiguous characters, dark humour, and a cynical view of heroism and institutions. If you've never experienced his particular brand of grimdark fantasy before, this standalone starting point allows you to dive straight in without commitment to his extensive backlist.

What distinguishes Brother Diaz as a protagonist in a genre often dominated by warriors and rogues?

Brother Diaz represents an unconventional choice for a fantasy protagonist, as he must lead through persuasion, diplomacy, and moral authority rather than martial prowess or cunning. His challenge isn't to defeat enemies in combat but to somehow unite and direct a collection of cursed monsters and convicted criminals towards a common purpose, despite having little natural authority over such dangerous individuals. This dynamic creates a different kind of tension than typical fantasy adventures, as Diaz's struggles are fundamentally about leadership, compromise, and maintaining one's principles whilst commanding those who have none. His role as the hapless coordinator of chaos allows Abercrombie to explore themes of reluctant leadership and the burden of responsibility.

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