One-line summary: Best Served Cold is a thrilling revenge tale filled with political intrigue, complex characters, and bloody battles, set in the same world as Joe Abercrombie’s First Law Trilogy.

The Plot

Monza Murcatto, a renowned mercenary leader, is betrayed by her employer, Duke Orso, and left for dead. Determined to exact revenge, Monza survives and embarks on a quest to kill the seven men responsible for her downfall. Along the way, she gathers a motley crew of allies, including a poisoner, a torturer, and a Northman, each with their own personal vendettas.

As Monza hunts down her targets, she becomes entangled in the complex politics of Styria, a war-torn land ruled by power-hungry nobles. The story is filled with twists and turns, as alliances shift, betrayals occur, and unexpected alliances are formed. Monza’s quest for vengeance takes her through treacherous landscapes, from the city streets to the snowy mountains, and leads to bloody battles and deadly confrontations.

The Characters

Best Served Cold features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and flaws. Monza Murcatto is a complex protagonist, driven by her desire for revenge but also grappling with her own inner demons. She is a formidable warrior, skilled in both strategy and combat, but her journey forces her to confront her own capacity for violence and the consequences of her actions.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, with their own unique backstories and arcs. Shivers, a Northman seeking redemption, struggles with his own violent nature and the ghosts of his past. Friendly, a former torturer turned healer, grapples with his own guilt and the desire to make amends. And then there’s Cosca, a charismatic and morally ambiguous mercenary captain, whose loyalties are always in question.

Themes and Messages

Best Served Cold explores themes of revenge, power, and the consequences of one’s actions. It delves into the dark side of human nature, showing how the pursuit of vengeance can consume and corrupt even the most noble of intentions. The book also examines the nature of power and the lengths people will go to obtain and maintain it.

Abercrombie’s writing is gritty and realistic, with vivid descriptions of battles and violence. He doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal realities of war and the toll it takes on both the victors and the vanquished. The story also touches on themes of redemption and forgiveness, as characters grapple with their past mistakes and strive to find a way to move forward.

Key Takeaways

• Revenge can be a double-edged sword, consuming those who seek it and leading to unintended consequences.
• Power corrupts, and those who seek it often lose sight of their own humanity.
• The path to redemption is not always straightforward, and forgiveness can be a difficult journey.

“Revenge is always the weak pleasure of a little and narrow mind.” – Joe Abercrombie, Best Served Cold

In conclusion, Best Served Cold is a thrilling and darkly compelling tale of revenge, filled with complex characters, political intrigue, and bloody battles. Abercrombie’s writing is sharp and gritty, and he weaves a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book explores themes of power, revenge, and the consequences of one’s actions, and leaves readers pondering the nature of redemption and forgiveness.