I typically like to put a lot of effort in to my reviews going very far to dig deep and finding things that I absolutely hated. This is more for the benefit of people reading reviews. If I detest it then chances are there are many others that will have a beef with it as well. 
 That being said, as I am recollecting The Blade Itself, I find it extremely difficult to recall any one striking detail that I didn't like. 
 THE MOVEMENT 5/5 
 Call it what you will, people may consider this novel Game of Thronesish or make Robert Jordan comparisons, but the honest truth is; this book absolutely moves. The first book sets up the characters and weaves all of their paths to one intersection all without dragging on the way George R. R. Martin tends to do. At the same time many details are present, just not overly done to the point of boredom or frustration. 
 THE CHARACTERS 5/5 
 I can't really say that there were any that annoyed me and for some reason I really enjoyed Inquisitor Glotka. His internal musings and his dialogue were remarkably done. Also, I liked the perspective from Logen Nine-fingers or The Bloody Nine as he is referred to sometimes. 
 STORY-TELLING 5/5 
 The dialogue is expertly done, sounds very natural and at no point does it seem rushed or were phrases overused for the sake of overusing them. Examples of my past readings that have falling into that footfall are: "Hodor, Hodor." and "You know nothing Jon Snow." 
 The action scenes are also very well paced, and constructed in perfect fashion. 
 OVERALL - It's obvious that this is a 5/5 
 I'm greatly looking forward on starting the second book in the series and at the same time even though I feel satiated with my Game of Thrones TV show, but I think this series would do well if given the same treatment. To speak of Game of Thrones again, Joe Abercrombie has written a short story based on the GoT universe called Half a King. That book already has been given some great praise, so with Abercrombie's track record I will be adding that to my ever lengthening queue of must reads.