The dawn of a new age: The Age of Madness
Review of A Little Hatred, the first book in The Age of Madness trilogy
“When one man knowingly kills another, they call it murder! When society causes the deaths of thousands, they shrug and call it a fact of life.”
That.
Was a wild ride.
Oh the joys of being back in the grim dark world of Joe Abercrombie! Who knew you needed just a little hatred in your life?
A Little Hatred is set about 30 years after the events of Last Arguments of Kings, in The First Law trilogy and a couple of years after the standalone book Red Country.
The old age has passed, the future is here: the Industrial Revolution as come and claimed its place. It is an exciting time, with progress, new technology and new opportunities just at the tip of your fingers. Nevertheless, as the age of the machine dawns, the age of magic refuses to die and we are once again tossed into a world where politics, wealth, power and war are central themes. Sprinkle some of that magical sense of humour that Abercrombie has on top, and you are set for one the best grim dark fantasy books I have ever read.
The chimneys of industry rise over Adua and the world seethes with new opportunities. But old scores run deep as ever.
On the blood-soaked borders of Angland, Leo dan Brock struggles to win fame on the battlefield, and defeat the marauding armies of Stour Nightfall. He hopes for help from the crown. But King Jezal's son, the feckless Prince Orso, is a man who specialices in disappointments.
Savine dan Glokta - socialite, investor, and daughter of the most feared man in the Union - plans to claw her way to the top of the slag-heap of society by any means necessary. But the slums boil over with a rage that all the money in the world cannot control.
The age of the machine dawns, but the age of magic refuses to die. With the help of the mad hillwoman Isern-i-Phail, Rikke struggles to control the blessing, or the curse, of the Long Eye. Glimpsing the future is one thing, but with the guiding hand of the First of the Magi still pulling the strings, changing it will be quite another...
It was wild ride, in such a good way!
First Law had a great cast of characters that are unforgettable and it is therefore I would recommend you to read that series first, before diving into A Little Hatred. A lot of the characters in this book are in one way or another related to these memorable characters from the first trilogy and familiar faces and names do have their time to shine in this book as well. It adds a depth and complex layer to this story that is truly best understood if you know of the events of The First Law books.
Extra bonus points for your reading experience if you choose to read the stand alone books as well. It is not a must though, just a friendly nudge on how to enjoy this one even more.
You can read more about my love for The First Law in the post below.
The new faces were all fantastic to read and I am having trouble picking out who are my favourites. I honestly think it is rare that I am as equally invested in all characters POVs as I was in this book, they are all simply that good. The way Abercrombie manages to demonstrate each character’s deep identity, their struggles, their fears, their motivations and watching their paths being unfold as the story progressed - was pure joy.
I will say I am a huge fan of the Glokta family. My oh my, my dear old Inquisitor Glokta. It is a delight to meet your daughter who is a worthy heiress of your legacy. Savine dan Glokta. Look out for her.
“What’s your name?’
She planted one elbow on the stretch of counter Zuri had wiped so she could lean closer and draw out both syllables. ‘Savine.’
‘That’s a lovely name.’
‘Oh, if you enjoy the tip, you’ll go mad for the whole thing.’
‘That so?’ he purred at her. ‘How does it go?’
‘Savine… dan…’ And she leaned even closer to deliver the punchline. ‘Glokta.’
If a name had been a knife and she had cut his throat with hers, the blood could not have drained more quickly from his face. He gave a strangled cough, took a step back and nearly fell over one of his own barrels.”
Chills.
Bloody chills I tell you! I love the Gloktas, absolutely fucking adore them.
As the book progresses, Abercrombie describes the chain of events in such a vivid way that it is impossible to not be drawn into them. The madness, the mayhem, the utter destruction and desperation in some of the main events had me stressing like hell. Pausing to just catch a break and grounding myself before I dived back into the madness of this book was necessary on more than one occasion.
It honestly felt like an intense cardio session at one point.
In finishing the book I find myself in awe of how he has level up his writing with each book and it keeps getting better and better. There is nothing I do not like in this book, not a single thing that I can point to and say: I wish this was done better. Nothing. The way he so flawlessly describes the suffering of the poor at the hands of the wealthy in the name of progress - is so real and raw, that I found myself thinking of Les Misérables.
Iconic.
From the dialogue, to the descriptions of battles and the unfolding of chain of events and the reintroduction of the villain of this series - I was eating it all up. There are few villains I hate as much as this one, he is the Umbridge of this series. I won’t say more, but if you know who I am talking about, let us rant together! I will need ranting buddies as I move forward with this series.
There only one more thing to add for this review: hands down the best Abercrombie book. Even better than The First Law.
Before you ask:
yes, I am already deep in book two: The Trouble With Peace. I am in my Age of Madness Era, and I love it here.
Until next time,
happy reading! ✨
Sounds like Joe Abercrombie needs to go on my TBR!