The Blade Itself is an introduction into a medieval-ish world of violence, struggle, and even a little magic. It guides the reader through a large and diverse geography, including strange and magnificant cities. It introduces a wide variety of different characters from the veteran warrior Logen - or Bloody Ninefingers to the First of the Magi, Bayaz, West, Ardee, Glotka, Sult - I could continue for another couple of lines, but in all of this there is one thing missing - an actual story line. Had this been first episode of a new TV series, I would definitely watch the next episode, but this is not a 45-minute thrill, but a 500 page novel. A bit long for an introduction in my opinion. I do have to admit, I like the title, which is a quotation of Homer. The blade itself incites to deeds of violence. I especailly like the way the opposite also proves true in the very end of the book. When you are stabbed, you do not blame the knife, but the person behind the knife. I believe, that these two opposing statements are the core of the book. Louise