The Devils by Joe Abercrombie is a wonderful combination of dark fantasy and wicked humor, set against the backdrop of an alternate post-Carthaginian European history, where Carthage won, with the addition of fantastical events, deadly magics, and creatures both wonderful and horrifying.

The religious world is divided, and the reigning pope is desperate to unite the split by returning the long-lost heir of Troy to the throne and bringing both sides under her rule. Brother Diaz, a disgraced monk, is conscripted to escort the heir, Alex, a once common street thief, back to the kingdom of Troy. But her power-hungry cousins do not want this to happen and will use every means necessary to stop her arrival.  Sometimes, to counter forces like this, you have to employ less-than-savory methods. With this in mind, the pope also engages the services of The Devils – a vampire, an elf, a necromancer, and a werewolf – all brought to heel by a multitalented mercenary and a cursed warrior. The Devils are serving their terms for their blasphemous acts by doing the dirty work of the church, all for the noblest of causes, of course.

The reader is taken through events like street-level brawls, sea battles, and brutal but frivolous wars while exploring heavy themes like political intrigue, questions of faith, and the benefits of found family. The humor is dark at times, but it never detracts from the story. The characters and the alternate world the author has created are continually rich and fascinating. Even those you initially loathe begin to earn your sympathy (or at least your morbid curiosity) as their backstories unravel. You find yourself rooting for them instead, understanding their view of the world due to the life they lived previously.

The Devils is a wild, smart, and savagely entertaining ride. If you’re a fan of flawed heroes, clever worldbuilding, and a little blood on the holy altar, this one’s for you. Whether you’re drawn to political intrigue, monstrous mayhem, or darkly comic moments, this book delivers it all in spades. A must-read for anyone who likes their fantasy with bite, brains, and just the right amount of blasphemy.