Joe Abercrombie biography

Joe Abercrombie was born in the famous English town of Lancaster, England, on the 31st of December 1974. He was educated at Lancaster Royal Grammar School before studying Psychology at Manchester University. Joe Abercrombie then moved to London, finding work at a TV Post-Production company. Two years later he left to become a freelance film editor, and worked documentaries, awards shows, music videos, and concerts for artists ranging from Barry White to Coldplay.

In 2002 Joe Abercrombie began the writing of a fantasy trilogy based around the adventures of Logan Ninefingers. Completed with the help and the support of his family in 2004, and after initial rejections, The First Law trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They Are Hanged and Last Argument of Kings) was taken onboard by Gillian Redfearn at Gollancz in 2005. It has since been published in eight countries, seven languages and with seven different titles.

Joe now lives in North London with his wife, Lou, and his daughter, Grace. He splits his time between film editing and writing fantasy novels.

Joe Abercrombie books

• The Blade Itself (2007)
• Before They Are Hanged (2008)
• Last Argument of Kings (2008)

Joe Abercrombie interviews

An interview in September 2006 with the Hobbit on SFFWorld.com. Joe Abercrombie interview

Pat's Fantasy Hotlist interviewed Joe Abercrombie in March 2007 following the release of Before They Are Hanged - Joe Abercrombie interview

An interview in October 2007 on Fantasy Book Critic, one of the most entertaining and pleasurable interview they have ever conducted - Joe Abercrombie interview

Joe Abercrombie critical acclaim

"Dark, deeply ironic and full of character gems that will appeal to your cynical side." SFRevu

"Delightfully twisted and evil" Guardian

Latest news: Joe Abercrombie

Once Walked with Gods: James Barclay’s return to Calaius does not disappoint
The elves have fled to Calius, seeking to escape the overwhelming power of the demonic Garonin. A desperate last stand in their own dimension saved the race, at the cost of 100,000 elves lost to the Garonin. The elf who led that fight, Takaar, is blamed for the losses and has gone into hiding. Now [...]

The Use of Language in Fantasy Novels
I sat down last night and picked up ‘The Blood Knight’, the third in Greg Keyes’ The Kingdoms of Thorn and Bone series. I finished the second book, ‘The Charnel Prince’ maybe a month or two ago and promptly found myself without the third (and fourth) to continue on with. The order from a certain onl [...]

Stephen Hunt to guest star at SFX Weekender
British fans gearing up for the Weekender (the UK equivalent of the Comic-Con), have been given the news that Stephen Hunt will now be appearing with genre stars such as John Barrowman (Torchwood), James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville), Lis Sladen (Doctor Who) and a number of the wor [...]

John Jarrold interview (September 2009)
John Jarrold is a name that is respected throughout the publishing world. Working predominantly with new and established science fiction and fantasy authors, John uses his extensive knowledge and skills to help guide writers on the road to publication. Amongst those full of praise for his work are [...]

Fantasy Book Review: Best Served Cold by Preita Salyer
We would like to welcome Preita Salyer, the latest addition to our ever-expanding review team. Preita's first review is now live and she has provided a thoughtful and insightful look at Joe Abercrombie's latest offering Best Served Cold. In conclusion Preita says "All-in-all this was an enjoyable an [...]

Joe Abercrombie reviews Lev Grossman's The Magicians
Lev Grossman's The Magicians was Fantasy Book Review's Book of the Month for May 2009. We loved it and last week fantasy author Joe Abercrombie (The First Law Trilogy, Best Served Cold) gave his thoughts on the Time critic's novel: "It's a beautiful looking hardcover on which serious design effor [...]

Sapkowski wins David Gemmell Legend Award
Blood of Elves, by Polish fantasy author Andrzej Sapkowski, has received The David Gemmell Legend Award for establishing honour and lending dignity to the fantasy genre. Sapkowski’s UK editor, Jo Fletcher, collected the award in front of an audience of publishing professionals, authors, media and f [...]

The short-list for The David Gemmell Award announced
At the beginning of 2009 the final long-list for the David Gemmell Legend Award [complete list of nominations] was announced. Comprising of 78 titles the list was in obvious need of pruning and this weekend came the announcement of the lucky 5 titles that had made it onto the short-list. The short-l [...]

Californian author self-publishes new epic fantasy novel
First-time author chooses self-publishing to spurn weakening economy. The Ninth Avatar is an epic fantasy about Starka, an incest-accused outcast girl who receives a disturbing prophecy. She seeks the courage to become the leader of her entire faith while those she meets along the way battle to sa [...]

Joe Abercrombie interview on YouTube: Part 1
Fantasy writer Joe Abercrombie discusses the inspiration behind his latest novel, Best Served Cold, with Blackwells' Marcus Gipps. In 2002 Joe Abercrombie began the writing of a fantasy trilogy based around the adventures of Logan Ninefingers. The First Law trilogy (The Blade Itself, Before They [...]