A Familiar Voice From House of the Dragon Points to a Must-Read Fantasy Novel
Was that familiar voice heard in the most recent House Of The Dragon episode? If you enjoy the show, you might have heard Lord Gunthor Darklyn's voice—that of many well-known audiobooks' voice actor Steven Pacey. Often regarded as the ideal sequel to George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, Pacey is most well-known for his work on Joe Abercrombie's The First Law series.
Why is the perfect ASOIAF replacement the First Law?
Both Asoiaf and The First Law present a realistic, gritty interpretation of the fantasy genre. Perfect heroes and happy endings abound nowhere in them. Rather, these volumes investigate the subtleties of war, politics, and authority. You'll most certainly enjoy Abercrombie's work if you enjoy the morally dubious characters and convoluted narratives in House Of The Dragon.
Abercrombie distinguishes himself mostly by his readiness to challenge readers with characters who are first unpleasant. You might find yourself cheering for an unexpected character. That makes reading The First Law a really special and gratifying experience.
The First Law explores the moral gray areas while ASOIAF features heroes like Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen who are considered as such. The world and the people living in it look more realistically and grounded. The First Law is absolutely must reading if you appreciate the sophistication and complexity of the Game Of Thrones universe.
What therefore is the first law all about?
The First Law occurs in a world where society is always on the verge of anarchy and magic is rare and strong. Hired to perform the dirty labor for the wealthy and powerful, the band of mercenaries known as the "Union" follows the narrative The show looks at subjects of violence, treachery, and survival's struggle.
And Pacey gives an amazing performance, so relax if you find the audiobook narration unsettling. He brilliantly conveys the tough environment and the nuanced feelings of the individuals. The First Law is therefore a great option if you're searching for a fresh fantasy series to delve into.