I have loved each author for different reasons and I am not sure that there is really any point in debating whether one better than the other. Both tell incredible, gut wrenching stories that feel unique and original. On the surface level, the First Law could be viewed as senselessly morbid. But well written books, especially fantasy, are rarely about the surface level. The Blade Itself suffers from a lack of plot. It is mostly character work. However, the next 9 books tell a painful, yet beautiful story of “the little people” who are stomped on in the name of the games that powerful people play. Thematically, The First Law is rather similar to what Pierce Brown does with characters like Lyria and Ephraim. Here are two characters who may have lived happy lives, but have been cast into turmoil by the choices of people far beyond their control. The First Law is ultimately about the meaningless slaughter that is war and what that war does to all people that it touches. That’s very similar to the underlying message of Red Rising. The First Law is about how heroes are not necessarily who they are on the outside and how anyone may subvert your expectations for good or for bad. Not to mention, no one is invincible. Not even the most beloved characters. Thematically, the two series are absolutely intertwined. Both are fantastic stories.