The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie -- The First Law: Book 1

A character driven classic fantasy.
I forgot to mention the Shanka, who I originally thought were some sort of hominid/Neanderthal, but turned out to be non-human baddies (orcs) created by the Master Maker (Morgoth).
Also, the big bad of the series, I assume, is this guy Khalul or something, called the Prophet, ruling from the shadows in the south. He was originally one of the magi apprentices of Juvens but is now evil I guess? (big Sauron energy).

[@evaaa8355]

Oh I'm so excited to read these books!!!

[@Mefistophelez]

I'm excited to get to this series after reading his Shattered Sea trilogy. He writes great character banter.