#305: The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (Full-Spoilers)
May 18, 2025
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Dive into the chaotic world of Joe Abercrombie's 'The Devils,' where a street thief with royal lineage meets a colorful cast of misfit adventurers. Explore the complexity of character development, from moral dilemmas faced by a priest to humorous moments involving demons. The discussion weaves together themes of identity, found family, and the weight of past traumas. With a mix of humor and grit, the speakers dissect the intricate dynamics between characters like Balthazar and Jacob, revealing how laughter intersects with dark realities.
The diverse ensemble of characters, including a priest, street thief, and vampire, highlights themes of identity and belonging throughout the narrative.
Abercrombie's blend of humor and gravity allows for unexpected twists while exploring serious themes, enriching the story's engagement and depth.
Brother Diaz's transformative journey from disillusionment to embracing responsibility illustrates how identity can be shaped by adversity and personal growth.
Deep dives
The Story's Premise and Characters
The narrative centers on Brother Diaz, a priest with aspirations for a simpler life, and Alex, a street thief discovered to be the lost princess of an empire. Together, they aim to reclaim the throne with the help of a diverse and eccentric group, including Balthazar, a magician; Jacob, a cursed knight; Baron Ricard, a vampire; Baptiste, a pirate; Sunny, an elven rogue; and Viga, a werewolf. The ensemble grapples with various challenges as they face three cousins who want to thwart Alex's claim to the throne. As the story unravels, themes of identity and belonging emerge, underscoring the bond formed by these outcasts who find a sense of family amid their chaotic journey.
Character Development: Brother Diaz and Alex
Brother Diaz stands out as a well-developed character, showcasing a compelling arc from his initial reluctance to his eventual acceptance of responsibility. His humorous observations about the religious institution and his desire for a cushy life add depth to his character, making readers empathize with his struggles. In contrast, Alex grapples with her identity, oscillating between embracing her royal lineage and her roots as a street thief. Her growth is subtle and revolves around the reveal of her true identity, prompting questions about her authenticity and the choices she makes in her new role.
Themes of Identity and Transformation
The story explores complex themes of identity and self-discovery, particularly through Alex's character. Initially portrayed as the lost princess, her reality shifts when it is revealed that she adopted this identity to survive on the streets. This transformation raises questions about authenticity and the masks people wear to navigate the world. Similarly, Brother Diaz's journey from a disillusioned priest to someone who embraces his mission reflects the idea that true identity is often forged in the crucible of adversity.
Unexpected Twists and Humor
The plot is punctuated by unexpected twists that heighten engagement, often delivered through Abercrombie's signature humor. For instance, the summoning of a powerful demon is treated with levity, contrasting the gravity of the situation with absurdity. This approach to humor lightens otherwise serious moments, showcasing the characters' coping mechanisms in a chaotic world. The blend of humor and gravity not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the absurdities of life within a fantasy context.
Multi-dimensional Supporting Cast
The supporting characters enrich the narrative with their unique backgrounds and motivations, from the morally complex Balthazar to the tragic figure of Viga, a werewolf struggling with her identity. Each character adds depth to the overarching story, creating a vibrant and dynamic group that reflects the theme of found family. Their interactions showcase contrasting ideologies and approaches to morality, illustrating that even flawed individuals can contribute positively to a collective goal. This diverse ensemble provides not only comic relief but also poignant moments of introspection, reinforcing the series' central themes.
Yetti, Cesky, Wombat, and Spooke dive into The Devils by Joe Abercrombie (FULL SPOILERS). They discuss Abercrombie's colorful cast of characters, setting the story in Europe, and if being his funniest book is a bad thing.
Disclaimer: Green Team received an ARC of The Devils by Joe Abercrombie courtesy of NetGalley and Tor Books. We thank them for the early copy for review. All opinions are our own. The Devils released on May 13, 2025. Additionally, our apologies for the audio quality issue with more background noise than usual. Hope you enjoy the episode.
