Spoiler-free
It's better to do it than to live with the fear of it
It's finally time to start Age of Madness with A Little Hatred - book 1 in the Age of Madness trilogy, but book 8 in The First Law series. I've been buddy reading this series with Chad, who has also been temporarily promoted to photographer on the blog, since I smashed my phone screen last night lol.
Anyway, I guess you could technically start this book without reading any of the previous 7 but I don't know why you ever would. This trilogy serves as a sequel to the original trilogy, set roughly 30 years after and follows the descendants from the original cast. The middle trilogy of standalones fills in a lot of this time jump and introduces new characters which do play important roles in this sequel trilogy. There's also a short story collection called Sharp Ends which is a bit of everything. Basically this is book 8 in a series and it is so unbelievably satisfying to have all these different characters pop up and come together. I absolutely loved the original trilogy, yet the preceding 4 books were hit and miss for me. Now that we are kicking off Age of Madness with A Little Hatred, I can safely say we are back and better than ever.
The First Law is a grimdark fantasy series rife with political intrigue, complex morally grey characters, all sprinkled with Joe Abercrombie's signature dry humour. It's a fantasy story more so in the vein of A Song of Ice and Fire. And before you sigh - Yes, I know that's an annoying comparison to make but I feel like we are passed the point of having 'The Next Game of Thrones' sticker on every single fantasy book... In this case I do think it's a good comparison in setting expectations for what type of fantasy story you will get for a non fantasy reader. It's kinda hard to talk about what this particular book is about as it is technically book 8 and a lot of the main cast are the sons/daughters of the original cast members, which is just sick in itself. I love a good generational story. I thought that there was no way that this new cast of characters could compete with the original trilogy but I honestly think they are superior. To name a few just to give you the vibe we have:
Crown Prince Orso - Heir to the throne and a fool, who spends more time whoring around than doing anything productive. Sounds like a dick and he is, but honestly he's fucking hilarious and I love him xD.
Savine Dan Glokta - An ambitious investor and daughter of a highly feared man in the Union. She's as fashionable as she is ruthless. She's cut-throat and just fantastic.
“If she was to be cast as the villain, so be it. They were always the most interesting characters anyway.” Savine dan Glokta
Rikke - Blessed or perhaps cursed with her gift of the long eye, which gifts her glimpses of the future.
She's training with this hillwoman called Isern to help her get used to this power. Big witchy vibes from these two, which I of course love.
Leo Dan Brock - "The Young Lion" a brave warrior determined to prove his worth on the battlefield. He also loves to comment on how handsome all of his friends are... But more on that later o.O
There are many more characters (including a few more POV characters) but I feel like these are the core bunch of this particular book and gives you a good gist of who we are dealing with. Joe Abercrombie's character work is exceptional and this book is no different. It's honestly insane how he is able to introduce a character with only a sentence or two and have you already fully understand their personality.
This book is set 30 years after the original trilogy and a key theme is advancement in machinery. New machines are taking jobs and people aren't happy about it. I always love this sort of plot as it will unfortunately never cease to be relevant.
'They have been found guilty of setting fires and breaking machinery, of incitement to riot and sheltering fugitives from the king's justice! Have you anything to say?'
I LOVE a peasant's revolt and that's exactly what this was. A lot of parallels can be drawn from this peasant's revolt to today, with regards to the increasing threat of AI. The same thing is happening, with advancing technology putting people out of work and yet there's nothing the every day person can do about it unless they use extreme measures to rebel. So I guess what I am saying is - who wants to start a new peasant's revolt with me?
The writing in this book is Joe's best so far. The way he crafts every sentence is honestly mesmerising and I really can't get my head around how consistently funny this book is for such a gritty story. You just can't beat that dry, cynical British humour and it fits so perfectly into this world.
Recently, with books I have read there has been a romance that has ruined the reading experience for me. A Little Hatred has much more romance in than any of Joe's previous books and yet I loved every single one! I feel like it's been forever since I have been invested in any book romance, so this was so refreshing. The cast is much younger than his previous books and they are all very horny which was actually kinda fun. I was invested in all of the relationship drama and affairs I can't lie.
Okay, now seems a good a time as any to segue into the - Leo Dan Brock definitely being gay, but it's still not been explicitly said so is he actually gay or am I just being constantly gaslit? - interlude.
Glaward peeled his shirt off and tossed it over to Barniva, then growled as he brought his fists together, woody muscle flexing in his outsize chest.
If anyone asked, he'd always say he loved the ladies. The chase. The conquest. The bawdy jokes. But the truth was, Leo had never been comfortable around women. Men made sense. Slapped backs and firm shakes and blunt talk and wrestling. But women were a bloody mystery. He never quite knew what to make of their chatter and their feelings and their strange, soft bodies. Tits. Men talked a lot about tits. So Leo did, too. Nudge in the ribs, look at the cargo she's carrying. But if he was entirely honest, he didn't really understand the appeal. To Leo, tits were just... there. He'd get the job done in bed, of course. He'd lead the bloody charge! No problems in that department.
'So I should whip Stour Nightfall's clothes off?' asked Leo.
Jurand stood alone, apparently pining for Leo even worse than Rikke was
If anyone asked, Leo would always say he adored the ladies. But there'd been times when he worried that women didn't quite... excite him the way they should. The way they did other men.
Jurand looked as eager as he was. A playful sparkle in his eye. A handsome flush to his cheek.
'Where are we going?' he murmured, his hand on Leo's shoulder and his voice a little squeaky.
'Somewhere far from prying eyes, I suppose.' Leo nudged him in the ribs with his elbow. 'Wouldn't want to cause a scandal, would we?'
'Honestly,' said Jurand, with that grin at the corner of his mouth, 'I don't care.'
End of - Leo Dan Brock definitely being gay, but it's still not been explicitly said so is he actually gay or am I just being constantly gaslit? - interlude
This book was simply incredible. I can't express enough how satisfying it is to have certain characters from 4 books ago pop up in this one. There are certain scenes that have so many different characters in, who you already have so much backstory on, all interacting separately. There's seeds that have been planted so long ago that are only just now beginning to grow. It's all a bit nutty and I love it.
I have been listening to this series on audio, which has been incredible. Steven Pacey is my all time favourite narrator. However, sometimes it can be quite hard to keep track on all of the characters now that we are deeper into the series. So, for this instalment I decided to read alongside listening. This helped a lot with my comprehension, whilst making sure I wasn't missing out on Steven Pacey's phenomenal performance. It's the best of both worlds.
This has been a buddy read with Chad so stick around after Spoiler Chat to see his takes. We will be going straight onto book 2!
🌕🌕🌕🌕🌖 - 4.75 stars
Spoiler Chat
Orso and Savine's dynamic was so much fun. I LOVED their relationship and thought they were just perfect for each other. They bounced off each other really well and having them both secretly fucking in an office was so funny and unexpected for a First Law book. This is definitely the horniest book so far. The way that Orso awkwardly proposed to Savine was actually adorable. I was shipping them hard.
'I want you to marry me!' he blurted. 'I mean ... shit!' He wobbled awkwardly down to one knee. 'This isn't how I planned it. I haven't even got a ring!'
The scandal of their pairing was just a lot of fun and it felt like Orso was a guilty pleasure for Savine, so the whole dynamic was just interesting. But then...
Everything changed when the incest attacked.
SAVINE IS JAZEL'S DAUGHTER! GAGGED!
Savine pressed her fingers to her temples. Her head was throbbing. She ripped her wig off and flung it into the corner. 'I'm the king's bastard, my father's not my father, and I've been sucking my brother's cock?' she screamed.
This was an insane revelation and honestly kinda heart-breaking because I was really rooting for them! I finally have a romance I enjoy so of course they have to be fucking brother and sister... I'll unpack that in my own time ffs. Makes me feel bad for Orso too because he doesn't even know and has just had Savine pie him off with no explanation. I'm sure he'll find out eventually but for now he's back to being a drunken mess. It's crazy because only now do I remember Ardee West being pregnant at the end of book 3 but it never once crossed my mind. Well played Joe.
Both Savine and Orso were 10/10 characters for me, I loved them both. I particularly enjoyed the two chapters called 'Fencing with Father'. Having Orso bond with his father, Jazel, and Savine bond with her 'father', Glokta, was really wholesome. I was fully expecting Jazel to hate on Orso for being an utter prick and reminding Jazel of his younger self too much but they actually got on well and were funny together. And despite now being revealed to not be biological, it is so glaringly obvious that Savine is Glokta's daughter. They share the same cunning wits and it's just fantastic to see. Glokta is up there with my all time favourite characters so to have him back as a main part of the cast is incredible.
Orso's arc has been quite interesting already in this first book because it appears that he is actively trying to become a better heir to the throne now. His whole plot line of trying to rally 5000 mean was really fun for me. It reminded me of Dunc in Knight of The Seven Kingdoms, when he had to go round and ask for the lord's favour.
Having Orso finally using his position to incite political conversations, with San Dan Glokta no less, was highly engaging. Not sure how much of this was proving himself to Savine though, so now that that's kinda out of the picture, I wonder if he will still have the motivation to peruse these endeavours. Well fuck, I guess he is king now Jazel has suddenly mysteriously died by the definite not hands of Bayaz. It was such a pleasure to see Bayaz again. I know his completely corrupt, evil and a horrible man but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss him.
Anyway Leo and Rikke also have a bit of a romance going on, but it never quite reaches the same heights of drama as Orso and Savine. Mainly because Leo is clearly gay and too busy wrestling with the boys. Honestly, I think Rikke even knows it herself... Maybe she's seen him buttfucking with her long eye.
'Would've thought you'd understand. You spend most o' your time with men.'
'What does that mean?'
Well ' ... tight-knit group, your friends, aren't they?'
Leo frowned, not quite getting all her point yet.
My gaydar went off for Leo instantly and it was all I could think about during his chapters. I guess it's still not been revealed but I think the seeds have been planted for a romance between Leo and Jurand. I'm really looking forward to this I can't lie because queer representation has been lacking in this world so far. Apart from Queen Terez I can't actually think of anyone, so I am looking forward to seeing how Leo's story progresses. Although, it turns out that Leo is actually a big reform UK voter so that makes me decidedly less excited about how gay his is.
Folk in the Union had their own problems, without a crowd of brown bastards flooding in and bringing more. They were everywhere now in Adua! There were places in the city a decent person hardly dered treed
Anyway, Leo's fight with Stour Nightfall was pretty epic. Whenever a 1vs1 circle fight to the death is announced in a first law book I can't help but get hyped. I love all the build up to it. Having the perspectives on both sides break down why this fight is a bad idea to both Leo and Stour separately was so funny to me. But, boys will be boys I guess.
Leo's mother pressed her fingers to her temples. 'So you are going to risk your life, not to mention the future of the North, because this girl saw animals fighting while she had a fit?'
It also really made me laugh when Rikke screamed out to Leo from the crowd because I couldn't help but think of Danny Dyer in plebs and I just expected the exact same thing to happen with Leo.
She clapped her hands over her burning face and screamed out in the Union tongue, screamed at the very top of her lungs.
'Go low!'
Side Note - There is something going on with this Hilda girl and I can't place my finger on it! She's up to something and I've been rattling my brain to try and figure out what. Part of me thinks she may be a spy for Monza or something idk.
Rikke and Isern are both fantastic and I couldn't help but smile whenever I reached a Rikke chapter.
I am a sucker for this witchy training arc and I love the feral nature they both possess. It seems that her gift of the long eye is starting to have some negative effects with her having fits all the time and also potentially giving misleading information. I can't wait to see where her story arc goes, especially now that Bayaz seems to have his grubby hands all over her. Honestly, I wouldn't mind if she did go all Willow season 6 on everyone's ass.
The turning point in this book for me was the chapter - The Little People. This was where we see this peasant's revolt truly begin in fiery fashion and we discover that there are both breakers and burners within the uprising.
This chapter was just a whirlwind and highlighted just how talented of a writer Joe Abercrombie is. He did his classic rapid POV shifts which seamlessly lead on from one character to the next. Much in the same way as that fight scene in The Heroes where every POV character is killed by the next. Anyway, this whole event of the mill burning very much felt like the inciting incident to 'the great change' that's brewing. This great change needs to happen because what's been happening is fucked and it's tough to see Savine not completely repulsed by it.
'If Valbeck has one commodity in abundance, shouted Vallimir in her ear, 'it is orphaned and abandoned children. Paupers, serving only as a burden to the state. Here we provide them with useful occupation.' He gave a grim smile.
'Welcome... to the future.'
Of course we have Shivers again, which is always a delight. He's popped up in every book since the second which is definitely more than anyone else. Out of anyone we have seen how his whole life has changed over time. Even his voice has changed in the audiobook, sounding much older and rougher every instalment. It's so much fun having the original cast of characters fully back in play, it makes me so happy. Bayaz AND Glokta are both here... I mean come on!
Lots of deaths at the end here. Rikke sees a vision of a dead chieftain and assumes it to be her father, the Dogman. We cut to Stour Nightfall, suddenly inspired by his recent defeat against Leo in the circle, murder his uncle to take his place as king. He also forced Clover to kill Wonderful (RIP). This was a big boy move from Stour and I honestly kinda respect it. He seems to be forming his own path now separate from any relation to Bethod. There is no doubt he is an arsehole and I am certain Leo is going to regret not killing him when he had the chance. I am also assuming that this is the scene that Rikke saw with the long eye and not in fact the Dogman but that's not concrete.
As I quickly touched on already, we also have Jazel's death. Honestly, as sad as it is to see our 'blandly handsome' friend go, it was very much expected. There has been a lot of set up for Orso becoming King, so I had a strong feeling that that was how this would end. We are made to think it's Bayaz and that's probably true. The hold in which Bayaz had over Jazel was insane and it's even more insane how all these young new faces are discrediting Bayaz as some old man... This is going to end badly because Bayaz is truly TERRIFYING! I'm really nervous for Orso being King because he is no where near ready. The only way I think he would be is if Savine was his queen. She is certainly more clued up, so it really is a shame that incest is so frowned upon.
Some rapid fire things of note:
- There's been a fair few mentions of eaters in this book and it has not gone unnoticed. I can't wait for them to reappear in horrific fashion.
- Where is Ferro? I hope she's okay... But she's probs senile in a forest with the spirits.
- Where are all the other Magi? And will they rally against Bayaz?
- Inquisitor Vick Teufel's name means devil in German... Hmmmmm
- The Weaver this. The Weaver that. Risinau is very much still about and it's a good job honestly. I'm all up for this uprising.
“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.” Superior Risinau
- Can't wait for Leo and Jurand to hook up but also sucks that Leo is racist.
- Khalul where are youuuuuu?
- Isern-i-phail was so funny and I wanna learn more about the hillwomen. Are they connected to the Magi in anyway?
This book has been a fucking blast and I can't get over how good all these new characters are. It has brought me so much joy to see old faces again and it's made me wish I appreciated the standalones more than I did because I feel as though I have missed a lot of details. It's all good though because I have no doubt that Chad's picked up on them all. Speak of the devil, what's your take? lol
Chad Takes
So many new characters but so many familiar ones too. It’s such a relief to find all the 4 main young POVs incredibly interesting and engaging, loving this whole next generation.
There’s something really sad and really great about not being able to be in the minds of those characters we spent so much time with in the first law trilogy. Seeing them old and even dying is quite hard. I initially didn’t expect that Jezal would be the first to go but the more I think about it the more it makes sense, gotta give Orso the reigns I guess and see how he gets on with Bayaz.
Speaking of which Bayaz needs to go. The man is an avengers level threat and I absolutely hate the effect he has on Jezal and Glokta. So sad seeing them in his thrall and beaten down into almost total submission over the years. My hope/prediction is that his beef with the other magi escalates and they finally decide that he needs to be stopped. Zacharus and Cawneil have already expressed their distaste, they just gotta wrangle the others together and slap him down. They’re gonna find out he killed Juvens sooner or later I’m guessing - and the house of the maker has surely gotta open up again one more time.
I can’t believe I forgot that Ardee was pregnant at the end of last argument cause if I’d have remembered then I wouldn’t have spent 80% of the novel shipping Savine and Orso. It’s sad we’ll never see an interaction with Jezal and Savine acknowledging each other too but oh well.
There’s still a lot of questions I had from before this novel that are still outstanding, and after reading this I’ve got even more. I really wanna know what’s actually happened with Khalul and if it has anything to do with Ferro - although that’s mainly me just holding out hope that she’s still out there.
Comments